We lost Bob

[Per Swenson]

[attachimg=1][attachimg=2][attachimg=3][attachimg=4] My father passed away on New Years Eve 2014.
Bob loved this forum and everyone involved. He had been here from the beginning.
He is and was my hero, best friend and business partner.
He leaves behind the quest for excellence and craftsmanship that can never be replicated or replaced.

 

[Stephen B]

[size=14pt]
My condolences.

Although I never new Bob, the thread that discussed that bar, perhaps said it all in relation to the dedication and the seeking of perfection by a true craftsman.

 

[Staniam]

I have cherished all the time spent working with my father since my early teens. Since we live so far away from each other now it's not too often we get to work on projects together anymore but we still talk about remodeling, general home and DIY as well as wood working projects all the time. I can't imagine losing him and since he's only in his mid 50's I hope he's around for many more years.

One thing my father has always told me when a friend or family member passes away is this.... "don't morn an individual's death, celebrate their life and the memories you have and the times you spent together."

Anyways, it's always hard losing someone and I'm sorry you lost someone so influential and important to you.

 

[mike_aa]

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. 

The write-up and photos of you bar you built helped me immensely as I was learning about Festool sanders and finishing.  Most of all I was touched by the energy in the photos of your father and the admiration and respect you had for him that came through when I read what you had written.  I know you will have many fond memories of your father.

Mike A.

 

[Per Swenson]

Let me explain something fundamental about Bob"s character.
One day before we rushed him to the hospital, we were sweating pipe and designing the orchard and corn field.
Make sure you plant for the ducks and don't forget popcorn for your mother.
I should be so courageous.

Bob was a World War two combat veteran with the 10th mt division.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10th_Mountain_Division_%28United_States%29

 

[wow]

Thank you for sharing those photos and stories. I am fairly new here and didn't know Bob, but it's clear that him not being around will be a loss to this forum and everyone who knew him.

I offer my sincere condolences to you and your family.

 

[Sparktrician]

I feel cheated for not having known Bob.  My sympathies are with you and your family. 

[sad]

 

[nclemmons]

Per

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing.  I always enjoyed his humor, wisdom, and talent on FOG, Talk Festool and Sawmill Creek.  What an incredible life.  Your dad cast a long shadow of warmth and goodness.

We lost one of the best.  Sincere condolences to you and your family.

Neil

 

[greg mann]

Words fail me.

 

[tjbnwi]

Per,

Sorry to read about the lose of your father. Always found his posts interesting in many ways.

Tom

 

[Greg Ladd]

Sincere condolences for your loss. Your dad was indeed a special man.

Greg Ladd

 

[Per Swenson]

  Bob story,

Ten years or so ago, a few of my hot shot ski friends along with a couple of my sons snow boarding buddies teased the old geezer about his ability on the slopes. That's right they picked on a then 79 year old man. He told them to get in the truck and put your money where your mouth is. (we live a 1/2 hour from the hill) He bought every one drinks and dinner with their money.[attachimg=1]

 

[peter halle]

Per,

My thoughts are with you and your family.  Over the years while reading about your and Bob's exploits I came to appreciate the relationship that you two had and always looked forward to the next episode.  Sorry to read about his passing.

Here is another thread that was started a few days ago:  Bob Swenson

Peter

 

[waho6o9]

Per

My condolences to you and your family Per.  We thank Bob for all that

he has done and thanks for sharing all the pictorials with you and

your Father.

Waho

 

[butzla]

Per, I never knew Bob was in the 10th Mt. Div. but Im not surprised.  At our local hill, I've gotten to know a few 10th MT. members who skied everyday up there in their twilight years.  And every last one of them was the salt-of-the-earth sort.  Bob was no different.  One of them, would even ride his bicycle from Worcester, in his 70's, in the dead of winter just to soak up the sun on the slopes.  Now it makes sense to me.  Bob would have fit right in with them.  I've always enjoyed his anecdotal wisdom and keen sense of humor.  Sorry for your loss.
J

 

[tiralie]

Per:
My condolences.
While I don't know you or your father, your posts of the work you did together have provided me a great deal of inspiration.

Tim

 

[tbellemare]

I feel for you, Per...

Though I didn't know Bob, I feel like I did from what you so eloquently have penned.

My Dad, also WWII Vet', went to that big "Union Meeting" in the sky several years ago and I miss him every day.

Please accept my condolences.

Tom

 

[semenza]

My condolences , Per.  I recall and enjoyed the couple of phone conversations I had with your dad.

BTW, those boys were fools to take on a WWII era 10th Mtn. skier.  [eek]

Anyone interested in the story of and men that made up that first formed 10th Mtn. Division , check out the book Climb To Conquer by Peter Shelton.

Seth

 

[Per Swenson]

Seth, Thank you.

It all could have worked out differently. If he had not met my mother.
I could be living in Telluride or Vail, as those resorts were turned around and started by his 10th peers.
Its a long story. No regrets.

 

[Per Swenson]

Anecdote,

As a child of the sixties when all of my friends were building plastic car models and sniffing glue, I was forbidden from this exercise. Oh no. My allowance was only to be spent on the occasional NYC egg cream and balsa wood airplane models.
Who knew that by 12 I could read and understand a blueprint. Snuck that right in on me.