Bob was born in Muskegon, Michigan. After
high school he spent 5 years in the U.S.
Air Force and was trained to be a radio operator
to copy Morse code that the Russians and
Chinese were sending in the late 50's and
early 60's. He says “I took lots of
classes and attended many schools while I
was in Japan for 3 years. Then the A.F. sent
me to Orlando to copy the U.S. planes and
the people at Cape Canaveral for security
violations.”
While still in the A.F., Bob got a part
time job working with a small furniture company.
He worked there fifteen years and was the
manager of 5 stores and 55 employees, when
he decided to become an entrepreneur. He
and wife Mary bought a small lamp and shade
manufacturing company with no employees and
made it grow to 30 people and eventually
sold it. Not happy with “retirement” Bob
and Mary opened a retail lamp and shade store
(Walker Lamps & Shades) in Longwood and
ran the business for 12 years until they
sold it a couple of years ago.
Now “officially” retired, Bob
says he “finally got to do what he
really likes, WOOD TURNING!” More about
this topic at his vocational talk on October
26.
Twenty six years ago, Bob was sponsored
to the Rotary Club of Casselberry by Terry
Duffy and Tommy Thompson. He says that “then,
attendance was a big thing, so I have kept
perfect attendance year after year.” He
continued, “I have served as chair
for all four avenues of service, President
1989-1990, Gov. Rep 1990-1991. He and Mary
enjoy preparing meals at the Coalition for
the Homeless, have hosted six or seven holiday
parties at their home for the club. Bob has
been involved with numerous committees and
fund raising projects over the years.
Bob and Mary have been married since 1968,
have three sons and a fourteen year old grandchild.
They live in Sanford and are active volunteers
with their church - St Peters as well as
the Sharing Center in Sanford.
