Celebrating 80 Years of Tradition: How Hosparus Health Helped ‘Derby Bob’ Weihe Experience His Final Unforgettable Kentucky Derby

In the weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby, Bob Weihe’s family tried not to say it out loud: that this might be the year their beloved tradition came to a halt. Bob was in hospice care, and with it came the quiet fear that the first Saturday in May would arrive without him at Churchill Downs. 

For Bob, the Derby wasn’t just an outing—it was a milestone. The 89-year-old Louisville native, affectionately known as “Derby Bob,” has attended the races for 79 consecutive years. The tradition has anchored his life, spanning marriage, the raising of three children, and decades of shared memories—becoming as essential to the family calendar as any holiday. 

His wife, Barbara, had missed only a handful of Derbies over the years. Their oldest son, Mark, had attended alongside his dad for the past 57. But as Derby No. 80 approached, the family prepared for the possibility that their cherished tradition might be reduced to a brief trip to the backside of the track—just enough for Bob to say he had kept his streak alive since age 9. 

Then came an unexpected turn. Their son Scott had a dinner with a friend in town for a convention. What began as casual conversation quickly became an unspoken challenge for Scott’s friend, who took it upon himself to help. Using his connections, he began sharing Bob’s story, hoping someone would step forward. 

The response came quickly, each call leading to another opportunity. CBS national correspondent David Begnaud amplified the story online, inviting support from across the country. As Barbara watched the response grow, she felt both gratitude and worry. “I was just so afraid that after everyone did all this, if he couldn’t go, it would have been a lot of trouble for nothing,” she said. 

Churchill Downs soon stepped in, providing tickets and arranging a Kentucky State Police escort. The experience felt surreal for Scott, who helped coordinate the effort. “It really made it special for him and for us,” he said, recalling the moment they pulled up near the gate by the Barbaro statue. 

But making the trip possible required far more than access—it required careful coordination, clinical expertise, and a deep understanding of what the day meant. Bob’s Hosparus Health care team worked closely with the family to thoughtfully plan every detail. They assessed what it would take for him to safely leave home, coordinated specialized equipment, and created a clear care plan for the day. From oxygen needs to mobility support, every element was anticipated. 

“Our goal is always to help patients live fully in the time they have,” said a Hosparus Health care team member. “For Bob, that meant finding a way to get him to the Derby—safely, comfortably, and surrounded by the people he loves.” 

In the days leading up to the Derby, the team walked the family through what to expect, offering reassurance and practical guidance so they could focus less on logistics and more on being present with Bob. They prepared medications, double-checked supplies, and ensured nothing would be left to chance. What could have been overwhelming became manageable—because they weren’t doing it alone. 

On Derby morning, that support was felt immediately. Certified nursing assistants Fatou Jobe Scott and Toy Skyes arrived with warm smiles and a steady presence, turning routine care into something meaningful. They bathed Bob, helped him dress, and shared in the excitement of the day. Their kindness and calm helped set the tone, easing any stress and allowing the moment to feel joyful rather than clinical. 

Whitney, their granddaughter, was determined to make Bob’s Derby day special. When Bob couldn’t make it to her family party, she brought the party to him.  The excitement in the room was palpable as family members from four generations came together, each person buzzing with stories and laughter. Whitney, meanwhile, helped Bob pick his horses for his standard $2 bet. He chose Golden Tempo, Renegade, and Ocelli. Sound familiar? That’s right , Bob picked the top three finishers!  

Later, Scott tried to put the day into perspective. “Between my siblings, my mom, and my dad, we’ve logged more than 200 Derbies—and this one was my favorite, because I got to share it with him.” 

“It was really unbelievable—really—that I got to go like that,” Bob said. 

Mark hadn’t expected to be so moved. “I felt like a baby. I cried the whole day,” he said. “I’m glad I got to go. Both of us got to go.” 

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Bob Weihe passed away just a week after his unforgettable 80th Kentucky Derby experience. His family is deeply grateful for the love and support they received, which allowed Bob to create one last cherished memory surrounded by those he loved. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit and the joy he brought to so many will remain in our hearts forever.