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By aussiebill - 15 Years Ago
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Well guys, sadly, bobs day came, passing away on 9th Dec 09, As most of you have read in recent posts some discussion of his adventures and feats, holding the fastest y block dragster for many years and his hand fabricated steel hemi FED engine, at least he got to see it rebuilt and raced just prior to passing. All his cars were named Saint Train. May he continue raceing upstairs! This was remark from one of his fellow racers afterthe funeral; What was Bobs thought process like?
Well his wish was not to have a funeral. Instead have a celebration of his life with him there to be able to say goodbye and thank you.
He did that last Sunday with a large number turning up to do just that.
And then he donated his body to medical research.
His reasoning?
Well if something went wrong with one of his engines he would pull it apart to find out what went wrong.
Well his body didn't last as long as it should have so he wanted it pulled apart to find out what went wrong so perhaps future 'tune ups' could be improved!
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By MoonShadow - 15 Years Ago
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Thanks for the update. From the last film I didn't think he would be with us much longer. Talk about a Guru! It was a real blessing that they could get the dragster running again before he passed. He has become quite a well known Y's guy around the world recently. His wisdom and contributions will be missed. Chuck in NH
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By Bobwanna - 15 Years Ago
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Aussi Bill I am new on this board but find the story of Bob moving and impressive. What a great racer and person. We hope that he is smiling down on us and hope that we can figure out what went wrong so that he can still help others -Bob
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By Hoosier Hurricane - 15 Years Ago
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Of course I didn't know Bob personally, but I see that he has the spirit of a true Y blocker, wanting to help others, even after his final day. May he rest in peace.
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By speedpro56 - 15 Years Ago
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Amen too that!!
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By mctim64 - 15 Years Ago
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I had only just learned about him in the last month or two.  RIP
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By bird55 - 15 Years Ago
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Goodby to a legend. We'll miss you and what you did by taking a different path from the others.
Rest in peace.
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By Ted - 15 Years Ago
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Rest in peace. 
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By aussiebill - 15 Years Ago
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Ted, a fitting picture! FOR ALL OF US TO REMEMBER! i think it says it all! I dont think theres any specs on his engine in that rail, but early welch plug heads, blower and a brace of strombergs! a meal fit for a king!! He raised the bar initially and others have followed suit. I love this old saying " Run what you brung! but hope you brung enough !! Well, Bob run what he brung and did have enough!!
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By LON - 15 Years Ago
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Bill , Sorry to hear the sad news . I only found out New Years Eve .(Went to Ian Splatt's place for party in Brisbane and he told me the news .) I think he will be swapping ideas with some great people upstairs ,Henry, Smokey,Richard ,Curtis,just to name a few .May he race FOREVER . Lon
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By Daniel Jessup - 15 Years Ago
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He was definitely a man that I wanted to meet before his passing. We in Y block world owe him quite a bit for his passion, innovation, and good-old-fashioned-honest hard work...
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By John Mummert - 15 Years Ago
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Obviously, Bob was a real Hotrodder. Get out in the shop and make it happen! Sadly, there a fewer everyday. Some guys just have the imagination, knack and the drive to gitter dun. Guys like Bob, Karol Miller, Bruce Crower and a few others are blessed with a better understanding of the internal workings of an engine. We are blessed with their inspiration. Race in Peace Bob
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By Canadian Hot Rodder - 15 Years Ago
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The sad thing is lately we seem to be loosing too many Y-Block legends and great supporters! But I guess it is what is going to happen when you are a fan of an engine that is over 50 years old! I have brought this up before, but perhaps we can ask Jim to put a link or a page on this site, as a tribute to all lost, influential Y-Blockers. I think it would be a fitting way to keep their memories alive and educate new Y-Blockers to some of their history! Just a thought.
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By aussiebill - 15 Years Ago
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Canuck!! he,s coming, (lon) are you ready?
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