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Marshall Kern posted a condolence
Friday, June 9, 2023
My sincere thanks to Bob for his instruction and guidance. I did my first jump in 1981 with Bob, and my first freefall later with Bob and Steve West. As I recall, he never smiled until everyone was back on the ground at the end of the day. Then he had a better smile than all of us. My sympathies to all who were so close to him for so long.
Marshall Kern A2071
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John Rozalowsky posted a condolence
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Please accept my sincerest condolences. Bob and I made our first jumps together at Western back in 1970 from the large class of first time jumpers. Bob was such a nice guy, true gentleman who loved to jump. I envied him when he went to Zephyr Hills Florida that first year. We are sorry for your loss. Sincerely John and Debbie Rozalowsky, Kentville, Nova Scotia.
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Peter Chapman uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
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A few more old time Grand Bend skydiving photos I was able to dig up:
1. May 5, 1990 Bob Wright landing. I wrote that it was a PD-135 but was just a student at the time. Think it may indeed have been an actual F-111 PD-135 -- tiny for F-111-- because the first North American ZeroP canopies may just have been starting on the market. (eg Sabre 1)
2. Bob on radio to a student, immediately after his landing. (He did radio from under canopy too. Apparently one time the lanyard had previously broken and after pulling the radio out of his jumpsuit and radioing the student, he let go of the radio to go back to flying his canopy.... and the radio went into freefall and disappeared.)
3. Just a DZ scene the same day. Bob's Junior 4 way team was dirt diving for the Nationals. (1 experienced jumper allowed, the rest had jump number limits, something like that) I wrote it was "Bob, Kevin, Joanne [Despres?], ?"
4. The DZ from under canopy Sept 16, 1990. No race tracks! Land anywhere! (If you like mud & tall corn)
5. My first camera jump, that same day, in GBSPC student gear, with a point & shoot camera on my wrist. Bob allowed me to go up with it on jump #22. Since I didn't have an RW endorsement, I was solo, so my pics were only of the airplane as I exited, and then the DZ under canopy.
6,7,8. Scenes from a VHS copy of a TV mini series (?) in the 1980s called "Vulcan" where Bob did a stunt jump pretending to be a WWII aviator at a pilot training base. 3 stills I took off VHS: Bob climbs out of a Stearman; oscillating under the old unmodified round; and close to landing -- looks like he had a 4 line release so the canopy is more stable. (I assume it is the same canopy just that the colour balance is off in the shot. Don't know if Bob had to do multiple jumps to get all the shots.)
More great memories of the old days!
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Krista Rapedius posted a condolence
Monday, October 3, 2022
Dear Mary,
We are so sad to hear about Bob's passing. We wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and your family and sending so much love your way.
The Rapedius Family
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Sharon Winter posted a condolence
Monday, October 3, 2022
I am saddened today to hear of the sudden passing of one of the Greatest Canadian Skydivers. I had the opportunity to jump with Bob and his lovely wife Mary just prior to the 2020 Pandemic! As we climbed to altitude off the sunny shores of Puerto Vallarta, I remember thinking how honoured I was to be doing a 4 way with the Wrights.
Mary please except my sincere condolences. I am sorry not to attend in person.
Bob….. blue skies forever.
Sharon Winter
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Janice Sinker lit a candle
Monday, October 3, 2022
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Dear Mary,
We just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you & sending our condolences to you.
From Janice Sinker & Betsy Hanes (Huron Shores United. Hutch)
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Peter Chapman uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 2, 2022
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I'm really just another one of Bob's satisfied students. Did my first jump with him in Sept. 1988 and got licenced at GBSPC. While I have done most of my 4k jumps elsewhere, Bob got me started. While the rest of my first jump class had to do static line, Bob agreed -- in his usual quiet way, after his usual humming and hawing so to speak, thinking things over -- to take me up for a first jump PFF, something he hadn't yet been doing for others. I had picked the GBSPC, despite the 3 hr drive from Toronto, as his brochure was the most technically detailed, and even listed student injury rates -- Sounded good to an engineering student.
I'm sorry that Mary didn't have more time with Bob, but am happy that Bob kept on instructing & jumping his whole life. Not many of us will stick it out that long in skydiving.
Trixie uploaded some great photos so I'll upload some myself. They may not all show Bob, but also show the dropzone he built.
Someone else will have to chronicle Bob's contributions to skydiving -- his early introduction of PFF, introducing ram air parachutes for students as early as 1982, his participation on numerous big way RW world records.
Photos:
1. Bob & Mary gearing up for a demo jump from Burnaby in '19. (Good to see them get away from the home DZ sometimes!)
(Mark H. is in there too - also a GBSPC old timer)
2. Bob & Mary after a Lake Erie demo jump in '19, dressed for the kids as Superman and Wonder Woman.
3. Some of the GBSPC gang in 1990 (Harvey T, Ray S, Mary W, Karen, Keith G.)
4. Before the first official DC-3 load Aug 26, 1990. The Great White Whale! We didn't have it for that long but Bob took a big chance to make it available to skydivers.
5. The gang on the first official DC-3 load. (A few missing.) Pretty cool for me, just licenced and with 19 jumps.
6. Just me as a student July 1990, Westway suit, belly band rig, Cooper hockey helmet. Plus the famous or infamous mockup with the car engine wind simulator. No longer in service at the time, and I swear I think there was a gouge out of the cinder blocks of the hangar wall. Now that was one boundary pushing skydiving innovation that is best left in the past!
7. Bob planning jump run while I at L wait to go up with Bob Wright & Ken Watson for my first jump, Sept 1988. Bob is already wearing one of his super light rigs (as low as 12 lbs I thought), with step in leg straps, Phantom 22 reserve I think, pull out reserve pilot chute, and cutaways at each riser to avoid long cutaway housings. Now that's one cool / scary rig!
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David Malott uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 2, 2022
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Bob's Sandwich
These pictures were captured from a vhs video from the late 80's. Bob started happily eating his sandwich just before exit, while the first instructor exited. Bob was still chewing while out on the step, and while diving off!
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Trixie Kretschmer uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 2, 2022
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‘The Only One’
April 27, 2013 we had a bash for David Malott’s 60th birthday. Mad Scientist / Monster theme and a fire dancer. Bob and Mary attended, though it was a Saturday and the best weather day all that month! The Thomsons shared a photo from that party already, so this photo of Bob is captured from a video where he relays the following story. Grinning ear to ear and laughing throughout:
Trix: For Dave Malott what is your first thought?
Someone in the background: Can’t say
Bob: I remember talking Dave into doing a jump where he would let his AED fire just so we could get it on the video,
Mary: What? (Laughing)
Bob: Yeah. He’s the only one I could ever talk into doing that
Mary: laughing
Bob: grinning
Trix: Only one? Now, why would nobody else want to do that?
Someone in the background: That’s crazy shit
Bob: Well, (laughs) um yeah yeah they weren’t as adventuresome, right, that was it (makes a face)
Mary: dangerous, danger, that would be danger danger Dave
Bob: I still use that video clip I think
Trix: oh yeah? Oh my god.
Bob: (Shaking his finger and laughing) Don’t do this at home!
Mary: laughing
Trix: that must be 30-40 years ago
Bob: ah, oh, ….not forty, …twenty anyways I’m sure, yeah
Trix: Mary, when you think of Dave, what pops into your head?
Mary: Dave skydiving with a clown nose and argyle socks
Trix: oh my god!
Mary: yup yup, nodding emphatically
Ken: and nothing else
Trix: very good
Everybody: laughing
Mary: Best skydives ever! Just watching him and Rich do just crazy stuff in the air, thinking if I make enough skydives I might be able to do that stuff too, (laughs), oh I don’t think so (nodding no way!)
Trix: Thank you very much!
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Trixie Kretschmer uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 2, 2022
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I wanted to skydive all my life, finally June 1997 I had the freedom to. For my first jump I called every dz in Ontario. Bob was happy to chat at length, with great enthusiasm for the sport, his dz, safety and that he had the best camera/video guy in Canada (Mark Hrycry). His enthusiasm was infectious and unequalled at any other dz. I knew GBSPC was the place for me.
My first class, a Friday night, I was, still new to driving, especially distances, so rushing from the busy GTA after work I had gotten quite lost and was very stressed. In the evening while the class was checking out the plane, Bob made sure I was okay and had access to a meal (food was always important). For several years the packing room was my weekend home from May 2-4 through Thanksgiving. I always felt safe there and in the sky too.
Bob had such a huge impact in the sport, and his students. I was the worst student ever! But Bob was patient and encouraging. I could only afford to jump once or twice a weekend (thankfully I was able to earn my jumps by packing) and I had a terrible flat non-arch. Remember those charts around the packing room? They showed each students progress. I was the one with the slowest (but persevering) achievement of an A license, Ever. Somewhere between 20-30 jumps. Most coaches only jumped with me once, lost me out the door and gave up on me, I floated, they sank. Only Bob Wright and Dave Malott could take my challenge and help me succeed. It took me a long time, but it was well worth it. The thrill and freedom of skydiving was one of the best experiences I ever had.
But there was something else even more important. I met my soulmate at GBSPC. My adventures with Dave Malott started with skydiving, then snowboarding, and other adventures galore, especially many epic backcountry canoe trips. His mischievous nature works well with mine. We have been great partners supporting each others families through tragedies. So many of us met our other halves at GBSPC; Bob built an environment where likeminded adventurers, curious and often impish people got to know each other well. Many of these friendships have endured decades and are treasured. That we have lost Bob is beyond sad and leaves a space that could only fit Bob. As Dave said right away, “this is the end of an era”.
Some Bob memories of mine:
I went to a special event at the Burnaby dz, but I forgot my skydive license. They were not going to let me jump. One phone call to Bob and they accepted his word and I got to have my fun.
So great – back around 2000, give or take a couple years, there was a whole class of arrogant obnoxious lawyers. It was great watching Bob not taking their crap and throwing them off the dz without finishing their course. Way to go Bob, I am still impressed.
I jumped with Bob and Mary, October 12, 1997 – my 20th, Marys 400th, Bobs 8000th. No other skydiver in the plane. 20x400=8000! Go figure, what are the odds? Not planned.
There were times Bob joined the social fun, once was a dinner at J-Dees in Grand Bend with a large bunch of us. Bob welcomed many of us for Thanksgiving potluck in the packing room, I think it was the year he achieved 10k jumps (2001?). Arrrgh, I missed the Halloween where Bob joined the Rocky Horror Picture Show time warp dance in the packing room!
Dave and I have thrown a few epic parties. For Dave’s 50th (the one with the belly dancer, Hawaiian theme), we made a huge scrapbook. When I asked Bob what are two things he thinks of when he thinks of Dave, he responded: He is shorter than me and He’s over 50 too! But when we had Dave’s 60th (the one with the fire dancer and a bunch of mad scientists and monsters), Bob shared a special story of a favourite memory of Dave. I have transcribed it and will post it with a photo. But through the whole story Bob is grinning ear to ear and laughing. He definitely enjoyed Daves adventurous nature, … well most of the time. Dave putting Archie in the ceiling was Not one of those times.
When I think of Bob:
-Bob always wore his red jumpsuit or shorts with a skydive tee-shirt
-Bob landing perfectly in the peas, again, again, again, always…….!
-Bob spotting and making it look effortless
-Bob eating a sandwich
-Bob loved his cat Archie
We were there when Bob and Rich carefully shared Gerry Burn’s ashes with the sky. Amazing how Gerry made a perfect question mark. The wonderful memorial video Bob made of Gerrys dropzone life and the memorial jump is something we still cherish and watch annually.
As you know from the ‘Cake’ story the Watsons shared ….Bob loved treats. The last time we (Dave, my sister Yvonne and I) dropped in on Bob, July 6 2019, we were on our way home from a wedding in Collingwood. We had brought home lots of treats from a Swiss bakery there, a whole box just for Bob. It was just seconds before the box was open and a treat was being consumed behind Bob’s joyful smile, then another…
My heartfelt condolences to Mary and family. To lose such a partner is a tragedy and unimaginable. We will all miss Bob with you. You are not alone.
-Trix
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Trixie Kretschmer uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 2, 2022
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Bob joining the fun!...
-1995 Bob-sled jump, Dave Malotts log entry
-Thanksgiving potluck in the packing room. 2001?
-Kens birthday, in the 90's?
-Fly guy revealed!! (See Thomsons photo)
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Trixie Kretschmer uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 2, 2022
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Bob Wright, a man Outstanding in his field.
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Trixie Kretschmer uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 2, 2022
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Life changed in May of ’87 when I learned of a nearby drop zone that was instructing with ram-air parachutes. And after an initial static-line drop – accelerated free fall training! Summer would never be the same.
Bob Wright’s enthusiastic and innovative mind had created a theme-park with the ultimate thrill ride in my own back yard. Under his enthusiastic and careful tutelage, myself and hoards of terrestrials found their wings. Bob’s support of fledgling skydivers bordered on charitable – accepting service for payment in the form of carpentry (the gazebo}, plumbing (the washrooms & showers), grass cutting, parachute packing.
Bob’s desire to improve training techniques resulted in several developments. My favorite was his improvement to the cutaway simulator. The TV screen mounted above the harness treated the student to a variety of canopy deployments and malfunctions, all videoed by Bob. While it initially seemed that a 20 lb TV overhead was more of a threat than its projected images of twisted and torn parachutes, many unnecessary reserve rides were avoided.
I marveled at Bob’s management of a small precarious operation which continued through fluctuating economic times. But the business seemed to be bullet-proof and his operation grew to where he had his own small air force of three aircraft with a load capacity for nearly 50 skydivers. With this Bob further promoted skydiving by hosting provincial and national competitions as well as some Thanksgiving boogies.
Bob’s DC3 was a bold addition to a small DZ. On a flight to jump in and participate in the Goderich boogie back in the ‘90s, a handful of the regulars gleefully admitted that it didn’t get much better than this. On the way, with the on-board sound system drowning out the roar of the engines, we planned our dramatic entry into the Goderich field, shrouded in morning ground mist. A Canadian record free fall formation was built using the DC3 and a couple of DeHavilland Caribous.
As if weekend aerial antics weren’t enough, Bob (with aid and gentle urgings from Mary) also hosted many Hallowe’ens, Thanksgiving feasts, hot tub parties and Leap Day celebrations.
The environment Bob created caused many of us to choose his benevolent stewardship over the alternative “skydive clubs”. His encouragements led me from a static line to being a fellow freefall instructor. A number of other regulars developed along this path and many friendships and relationships have developed within this crowd as well.
We all share the great sense of loss of our “skydive guru”, adrenaline pusher, teacher, party host, accidental matchmaker, friend and our sympathies and support go out to Mary in this sad time.
-Dave Malott
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Trixie Kretschmer uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 2, 2022
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July 2000 Beach Exhibition Jump at Grand Bend Beach, in the rain.
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Trixie Kretschmer uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 2, 2022
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Hully Gully Demo. Skydiving knows'no season!
-Dave Malott
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Braden and Jeannette Whilsmith posted a condolence
Saturday, October 1, 2022
It was with much sadness to learn that Bob passed away so suddenly this past week. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mary, Bob's family and the whole skydiving community. Bob was one of those rare and exceptional people who had a huge impact on not only his chosen field of skydiving, but most remarkably on the thousands of people whose lives he touched in such an incredible way all these many years. Bob hired me as a jump pilot for SWOOP in the early spring of 1981; his leap of faith profoundly altered the course of my life and the type of person I was to become. I made my first jump shortly after and a few weeks later my first freefall....a 30 second delay "buddy jump" with Bob (a precursor to Accelerated Freefall, pioneered by Bob). Like many before and since, I was hooked. This beautiful and exhilarating sport became the focus of my life and over the next 10 to 12 years I learned so much from Bob, not only about jumping and flying, but about pursuing your passion, truly living life to the fullest and caring for people when they are at their most vulnerable (that is, the student jumper!). Life happened (family, demanding job, etc.); I stopped jumping and lost touch for many years. However I'm so grateful that this past summer, after close to 30 years, Bob, Mary, Liam and I re-connected at 10,500 on a beautiful autumn day. That jump was awesome and words can not describe just how good it felt to be back in the sky with my old friends. Now that Bob has left us that jump has become a treasure for me on a whole new level. Rest in peace Bob with blue skies and light winds. You will be greatly missed by many, but your amazing legacy will endure and your memory will live on for all of us.
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Sue and George Wilson posted a condolence
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Mary and family, sorry for your loss of Bob. He was a great skydiving teacher. It was many years ago that I skydived. So glad I saw you at the Sexsmith Airport this summer, and we got our picture taken. Bob was a gentle and adventurous man. Cherish your precious memories. Hugs and prayers, Sue and George Wilson
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Paula LaPorte posted a condolence
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Mary,
I am so very sorry to hear of Bob’s sudden passing.. i knew him through the dental practice that I worked in for many years in Grand Bend. It was always interesting chatting with him about his latest skydiving adventure…we had a lot of chats over the years!
My deepest sympathy to you.
Paula LaPorte
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Dan and Sarah Shantz posted a condolence
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Bob, you will be greatly missed Sarah and I have so many great memories from GBSPC. We did our first jumps with Bob and continued on learning how to skydive. Bob was such a great mentor and patient teacher to so many. I can remember my first jump when I landed in a neighbouring wheat field, to getting my solo to my A to my B all with Bob’s training. I can remember the winter jumps in January, that’s an experience!Haha
Life got busy the last 5-10 years, so I didn’t make it out as often as I would’ve liked, but I’d still be sure to pop in for a few jumps every year or 2 and it always felt like home. Bob always seamed happy to see me, it felt as if I was just there yesterday.
I can remember as young skydivers, all the hours just hanging around at the dz just waiting for the clouds to clear or the wind to die down, just to hopefully get one more jump in. We’d try to convince Bob that there’s a hole in the clouds and we should be able to jump, even though it was really only probably a 10’ hole. Bob would be very gracious with letting us down gently. Haha
We watched so many old skydiving videos and movies while waiting. We had so many good times.
Bob and Mary, you guys touched our lives much more then you know. My heart hurts, it feels like we’ve lost our skydiving Dad today.
We’ll always love you Bob
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Wayne Prance & Don Lewis posted a condolence
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Have a lot of good memories and times, back 50 years ago at Sexsmith airport when Bob was teaching skydiving and we had been learning to fly and build time in our Cessna 180.
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Michael Bolon posted a condolence
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Bob taught me how to skydive many years ago. Probably totally unknown to him, he also taught me so many lessons that I still apply everyday in my life. On both accounts I am forever grateful. He really was one of these kind souls that are rare to meet, but you feel comfortable in their presence at all time. Although it has been a long time since I have been in the skys I still think often of the those days and the many fond memories.
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Rose Vanbruaene posted a condolence
Friday, September 30, 2022
Dear Mary,
My deepest condolences to you on the loss of your loving husband Bob. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Rose Vanbruaene
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Glenda Waddell posted a condolence
Friday, September 30, 2022
Mary.. I am so sorry for your loss... you are in my thoughts
Glenda Waddell
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Rocky & Tana Nash posted a condolence
Friday, September 30, 2022
Our years learning to skydive under the guidance of Bob Wright are cherished memories for us. Words can’t describe who he was to us, or all he did for us.
His character, intelligence, and happy demeanor, were always on display. He was giving, kind and patient and we were made to feel welcome, cared for, and important. Bob also attracted similar individuals, and through him we made many life long friends.
Nothing ever got in the way of safety in Grand Bend. Bob was particular for doing things correctly, and doing so 100% of the time. He taught well and maintained an amazing environment to experience the sport safely. It was Bob that attracted us to learn at his facility and it was Bob’s professionalism and care that kept us happy, safe and eager to invite our friends and loved ones to enjoy the same experiences.
Our deepest condolences to: Mary, Bob’s family and to all the people that knew him.
Thank you so much Bob: You were the center of one of the happiest, most exciting times of our life. Blue Skies to You !
Rocky and Tana Nash
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Rhonda Manore uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 30, 2022
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I just watched, for the "umpteenth" time, the video of my first (and only) skydive to celebrate my 50th birthday. From my first lesson to his greeting as I landed safely, Bob was a consummate professional, gave me self-confidence and made the whole experience one to remember for a lifetime. I've known Mary and Bob for years ... he will be missed by many but, especially, by Mary!! I hope the happy memories of your adventures together, Mary, will help to alleviate your sorrow!
Love,
Rhonda
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Jim and Gayle Toyne uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 30, 2022
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Jim and I have known Bob for a long time. Here is one of Jim's earliest memories. The traditional celebration of his 500th jump in 1978.
We will miss him greatly.
Jim and Gayle Toyne
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Doug Payne A-10193 posted a condolence
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Being a skydiver myself I met Bob at Skydive Grand Bend. He had a great personality, a great love of the sport of skydiving and contributed a lot to it, and he'll be missed by the skydive community. My condolences to his family and friends.
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Mary & Ken, Eileen, Bev and Doreen posted a condolence
Thursday, September 29, 2022
We have lost a cherished friend and colleague. The world will never be the same. Our memories will help to fill the void but it was the day the skies were changed forever. To our dearest Mary we send all our love.
THE CAKE
-a story about Bob
As Ken and I were both jumpers, when our children were younger we brought them to the DZ with us every weekend. Hallowe’en must have occurred on a Saturday or Sunday that year as it prompted me to bake a cake in the shape of a pumpkin to help the children celebrate.
If you make two bunt cakes and pile them together on the flat edge, then ice it with orange icing it looks like a pretty decent pumpkin. My bunt tins had ridges so the effect was quite nice. I put it on the DZ display case so everyone could see what they’d be sharing at the end of the day.
In those days, what is now the equipment room was actually Bob’s office. The display case sat in front of it. This is where you went to talk to Bob and manifest, etc. That day everyone would have seen that cake. Bob would have been viewing it from the backside.
At the end of the day when it came time to cut the cake it came to light that Bob had been nibbling on it all day. With his fingers. Just the back where you couldn’t see it. He had slowly carved out a big chunk of cake over the course of hours. He wasn’t even sorry-he just had a sheepish grin. That was the day we discovered his sweet tooth.
After that we certainly still shared treats but we’re just a little more careful of where they were put.
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Harvey and Janet uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 29, 2022
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This was a great party at Dave Mallot's place. Bob and Mary were always there for the Old Time Jumpers. Probably none of us would remember how many years we were there but they were all good years with a lot of laughs.
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bev wright posted a condolence
Thursday, September 29, 2022
My deepest condolences to Bob's family. His father and my grandfather were brothers. may he rest in peace.
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Wayne and Barb Paton posted a condolence
Thursday, September 29, 2022
So sorry to hear of your sudden loss, Mary. You are in our prayers . May he rest in peace.
Wayne and Barb Paton
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Sandra & Larry Hern posted a condolence
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Dear Mary,
We extend our sincere condolences to you on the sudden loss of your dear husband Bob. He was always willing to lend a helping hand at our Eastern Star events when asked because he knew how important that was to you. You were a great team and he was so proud of your accomplishments! Gone too soon, but Bob will never be forgotten by the people he touched along his life's path.
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Thomas Dillon posted a condolence
Thursday, September 29, 2022
As I'm sure with everyone I was devastated to find out about the sudden passing this pasted Monday.
I met Bob and Mary in the spring of 2017 because I wanted to hopefully get back into skydiving after a long history of health issues
that left me with a medical device which I will have for the rest of my life.
I wasn't sure if skydiving was even possible living with this but took the risk and contacted several DZ's and the only one that I got a positive response from was GB.
They asked me to come up and try on the harness to see if it would cause issues with the device.
About a week or so later I did the first jump course with Bob and jumped not long after and everything went absolutely perfect.
Both Bob and Mary took a chance with me and as I progressed they were always there to help out and I trusted both 100% and they never once let me down.
Bob was someone who really cared about student's and of course the already licensed skydivers who came out regularly.
He was without a doubt a class acted and it breaks my heart knowing that people like him can't be replaced.
Bob will always be in my thoughts and heart and every skydive I do will be in honour of him.
Rest In Peace my friend!
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Anne and Larry Favero, St. Catharines, Ontario lit a candle
Thursday, September 29, 2022
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With deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.
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Constance Williams uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
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Despite only knowing him for just over a year his passion was immeasurable and kept me coming back. Thank you for three memorable jumps and one amazing vice.
Constance Velocity
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Lindsey and Leo Ducharme posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
A Bright Light that will Always be above the Clouds! Love and Hugs to Mary and to All that will miss Him.
Leo and Lindsey Ducharme
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Scott Raymond uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
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My deepest condolences on your loss. I only knew him a very short time but he amazed me and made me feel very safe as a student doing my second dive but first with him. I will never forget him.
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Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
To Mary
Sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. Our condolences to you and your friends.
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Mei Mei Burr posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
It takes a very special person to convince someone to jump out of a plane. And Bob was a very special person. I can't begin to imagine what it was like to make that amazing moment happen for what must have been thousands of people. He really had a gift for empowering others to take that leap of faith. I regret not taking that jump with Bob, but I am grateful to have known him. He will be missed by so many of us left here beneath the clouds.
Mei Mei Burr
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Ron and Dianne Ducharme lit a candle
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
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Dear Mary
We were saddened to hear of the loss of your husband
Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time
Ron and Dianne Ducharme
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Brenda McDonald lit a candle
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
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John spent many a weekend skydiving there we send our condolences John and Brenda McDonald
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Julie uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
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Bob was an extraordinary man and nobody who knew him will ever forget him. There are countless positive memories to smile about. Bob & Mary took me on my first skydive on August 23, 2009. I was hooked!! Grand Bend Sport Parachuting Center became my second home for a decade. I even met and fell in love with my partner at the dropzone! Bob had a positive and life-changing impact on the lives of countless people. Blue skies!
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Paul Chambers uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
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I am who I am, and know who I know in good part thanks to Bob. I can only aspire to become a fraction of the human being he was for so many others.
Front: Duncan MacKinnon, 2nd: Julie First, Leda Lytwynec, 3rd: Tom Meister, Paul Chambers, 4th and most importantly Bob Wright.
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Alex Bodden posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
I was there with Bob when SWOOP became the focal point of skydiving for many of us at the University of Western Ontario. Bob's passion, expertise and eagerness to teach the sport safely was ,and to this day, the very essence of skydiving in Canada. I feel a great loss with Bob's passing, even though I have not jumped for many years. My heart and condolences go out to all of those who were close to him.
Alex Bodden
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Liam Brennan uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
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Bob in his office doing what he does. Taking thousands of first jumpers on their thrill of a life time. You will be missed Bob. Thank you for the skydives.
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Liam Brennan uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
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Bob took my on my first skydive June 15th 1986 and I never looked back. He has been a friend, Mentor. I was lucky enough to jump with on the world skydiving team in 2006 Thailand breaking the world record that stands today of 400 skydivers. The air and clouds will never be the same not flying with Bob. Fly Free Brother. Liam
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The family of Robert Wright uploaded a photo
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
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The family of Robert Wright uploaded a photo
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
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