You might have seen this on the ICS board, but an industry icon, Bob Wittkamp, has passed away. I read Bob's articles for years and even got to meet him and get to know him a little at industry events. He will be greatly missed.

Kevin Pearson

Remembering Bob Wittkamp — June 13th 2007








Rick Gelinas
rick@excellent-supply.com

I am very sorry to hear of this. I have lost 3 family members to lung cancer. Cancer in it self no matter what kind is such a horrible illness. One can suffer misrebly. It is a blessing that Bob did not have to suffer and wait to die for over a year like one of my Uncles. But in the same respect I can see for many posters it is a big loss. I can tell this loss will leave a big viod in your life Rick. I only spoke to Bob via email a few years ago. I was considering moving to the area. After 2 Maine winters running a TM in Florida was looking good. I was asking Bob what could I expect business wise. I was surprised by the offer of help I recieved from Bob. He said if I move down look him up. He offered to help me get off the ground down there. How many guys in the same business would make an offer. In the few emails I had with Bob I can see why you cherished his friendship. I can see I should have looked him up while I was in the area visting you.

I will be keeping good thoughts for all deeply affected by this loss

 

Steve

 

You are so right Rick. Ecclesiastes 7:2 It is better to go a house of morning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart. I will miss Bob, it seems we just talked by phone a month ago and as a result of that conversation I ordered a Steamin Demon. We discussed the fact that he would run a RX20 hooked to the Demon. He is the only one that I knew who did that. I have met a lot of great people in this industry and Bob was one of them.

Bob taught the first class I attended also. It is something I will always remember. I won't bore you by repeating Rick's and Ray's comments. What I especially remember is that that class I attended was 12 or 13 years ago. When I saw Bob at Encapfest last year, he remembered me. Now I know there aren't that many black carpet cleaners in SW Forida, but, that still impressed me. He had that fine a mind.

It's not because you're black that makes you memorable Mark -
it's on account of your rugged good looks.







Rick Gelinas
rick@excellent-supply.com

Mark . . . you're black???


David Gelinas
Marbleguy

I shoulda known better!

when a friend or someone we feel we know has passed to remember those who were close to the person. I don't know how long you and Bob were friends, but I know, as do others on your board, that you and Bob had developed a business friendship over the past few months. You, too, my friend, are in my thoughts and prayers, as I know you have lost a good friend.

Rick,
I know you lost a friend and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathy to Mr. Wittkamps family.