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Bob Ont

Metalman 55

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 6, 2013
Messages
1,301
Location
Ontario
Hi everyone, I noticed that there have been no posts from Bob in the last couple of weeks (we are both from Ont.) & I then called his wife who informed me that he had passed away quite suddenly on March 7th. I had sent him a private email around the 10th (not knowing) & there was no reply which aroused my suspicions that something may be wrong.

She then asked me to let the forum members know, to which I agreed to do so, thinking everyone would appreciate knowing. I explained to her just how helpful his advice was over the years & she was very touched by that.


Metalman
 

old-iron-habit

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2012
Messages
4,233
Location
Moose Lake, MN
Occupation
Retired Cons't. Supt./Hospitals
It Always my heart when one of the online "family" moves on to greener pastures. Our prayers go out to Bob's family.
 

Nige

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2011
Messages
28,977
Location
G..G..G..Granville.........!! Fetch your cloth.
I'm lost for words. You get so used to having people around and then suddenly they are gone and all their knowledge has gone with them.
We should all be thankful that Bob's wise words & good advice will continue to survive here on the forum as a tribute to him.

R.I.P. Bob. Condolences to the family.

Edit: I was just looking at my PMs and saw that we were exchanging ideas only the day before he passed away. That kinda makes the hairs on my neck stand up a bit.
 
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Old Magnet

Senior Member
Joined
May 11, 2010
Messages
2,003
Location
Corralitos, California
Really sorry to hear that. I had conversed with Bob (Robert Nichols) for many years as he was the go to guy for help. I knew he had health issues, sure am going to miss him. R.I.P. old friend. Here is a picture of Bob in his pre-retirement days.
 

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Metalman 55

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 6, 2013
Messages
1,301
Location
Ontario
Yes, he was a "GIANT" by advice standards indeed. I am sure we will all miss that "Later Bob" as he signed off........................
 

Scrub Puller

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2009
Messages
3,481
Location
Gladstone Queensland Australia
Yair . . .

Thanks for the heads up Metalman55

I have dealt with this before on other forums and there is very real and genuine sense of loss when one of our anonymous friends suddenly is not with us any more.

R.I.P. mate and condolences to wife and family.

Scrub Puller
 

Willie B

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2016
Messages
4,039
Location
Mount Tabor VT
Occupation
Electrician
In the anonymity of a forum we seldom know much of age or health. I've often thought how it is amazing that bad people never die. I've waited a long time to hear of someone lower than dirt dying. Donald Trump will live forever, so will Hillary.
The beauty of this, and similar forums is that the truly bad people get weeded out. Those who've been here a while are good, and caring people. No one here is shy about sending an a$$hole on his way. I didn't know Bob, but I'm sure those who did, feel a profound loss now. I'm sorry to see the cycle of life takes those we love. We need a change of rules where only those who can pass without the grief of loved ones may die. Only then, will it be a just world.
To his loved ones I extend my sorrow.

Willie
 

John C.

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
12,865
Location
Northwest
Occupation
Machinery & Equipment Appraiser
Sad news to hear. So often over the years I've seen many a mechanic enjoy what they do and put heart and soul into all of it. I guess we enjoy it so much we wear out and don't get to see many of those retirement years in good health. We get just as worn out as the machines we have the opportunity to fix.

Fair winds and following seas to Mr. Nichols.
 

kshansen

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2012
Messages
11,128
Location
Central New York, USA
Occupation
Retired Mechanic in Stone Quarry
Thanks for following up Metalman.

I'm Bob Ont's daughter. He was never happier than when he was fixing machines. I loved that the internet let him keep at it even after he retired and his health failed.

All the best to you all,

Sincerely,
Triscuit

Triscuit,

So sorry to hear the news of your dad, I've only been on this forum a short time but always felt Bob was one of the top guys that made this forum what it is today. My thoughts are with you and your family!
 

Metalman 55

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 6, 2013
Messages
1,301
Location
Ontario
Thanks for following up Metalman.

I'm Bob Ont's daughter. He was never happier than when he was fixing machines. I loved that the internet let him keep at it even after he retired and his health failed.

All the best to you all,

Sincerely,
Triscuit

Welcome to the forum Triscuit & thanks for your words. Had a nice conversation with your mom which was appreciated. The response by the many members here on the forum to your dads passing, bears testimony to the legacy that he left behind. Our condolences to your entire family.
 

Multiracer

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 8, 2012
Messages
330
Location
Northern,Ohio
Occupation
Owner/ operator
What Lantraxo said x 3. He was great help to many here. Myself included.
Your reward will meet you in Heaven.
Ron
 

Dickjr.

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2011
Messages
1,484
Location
Kentucky
Bob is one person I really would have like to met in person. When a man takes time to advise and help others like he did , just sharing his knowledge is truly a testament to what kind of a person he was. Not cutting others short , but he was "The Trackloader guru" in my books. I witnessed him helping people repair machinery online and diagnosing problems , 99% of the time was right on. When I had issues and he responded it was a good feeling to have his knowledge. My condolences to the family. The family may never know just how many people he helped in this manner. So sorry for your loss of a great person.
 

big ben

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2010
Messages
352
Location
Vancouver Island
Very, very sad to hear

You know those people who you can tell are very smart, experienced and have so much knowledge after reading only a few of their posts- he was that to a tee

Knowledge of the old machines is becoming a lost art and he will be sadly missed.

X2 for loving the "later Bob" at the end of each post

Suddenly my "problems" that I had a work today are nothing - puts everything back into perspective and makes you look around and enjoy what we have today cause we don't know when it's our turn.
 

DB2

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2015
Messages
1,008
Location
Winnipeg MB Canada
Welcome to the forum Triscuit. I am sorry to hear of your fathers passing. My father was a field service man for Crothers in the 70's and I think I recognize their logo on your dad's coveralls. Your dad knew the Caterpillar machines expertly and his knowledge helped many of us on this forum. May he rest in piece.
 

DoyleX

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2013
Messages
571
Location
Minnesota
Occupation
Lever Puller, Gear Jammer, Pipe Twister
He was one of those guys when he typed you shut up and listened. No sh!t he knew it 100%
Will definitely miss his knowledge.

Later bob...
 
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