Landracing Forum
Misc Forums => Health, Welfare, and Passings => Topic started by: Glen on April 14, 2012, 10:45:04 AM
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Bob Oppermann passed away last night after a long illness. He was a member of the Gear Grinders and SCTA/BNI. He worked in the timing stand, and emergency trailer. His last car was a Buick straight 8 lakester. Bob was always there to help anyone. This is a hard loss for all that knew him.
GOD SPEED BOB
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Bob will be missed RIP Glen sorry for your loss I know you and Bob were very close.
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You may not have ever seen this man, or his wife, Lois on the salt because they spent years working in the timing trailer, all day, every day during Speedweek. Bob would keep an eye on every single racer who hurtled down the long course making sure the run was completed safely. It was he, more often than not, that would detect a problem watching through his high-powered field glasses before anyone else knew there was a problem scrambling fire and ambulance long before the troubled speed machine stopped.
In short, Bob had your back on every run, with trained eyes on you longer that got you assistance possibly before you decided you needed it yourself.
The photo shows Bob on-duty in his timing tower chair and below is his nailhead Buick lakester with him hugging honey pie Lois. That's Chief Starter Bob Higbee in the distance. The shot was taken on record run morning more than a decade ago. The title refers to the fact that Bob and his barber did not see each other often so this picture is an exceptionally rare moment in time. Bob was also known to be paid to get a haircut and even raised money for charity on occasion.
I tell you this about my friend because he crossed his own personal finish line last night. I am saddened but so Dodge glad I knew him and wanted all of you to know him too.
And Lois, here's my cyber hug until I see you again.
LandSpeed Louise
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Louise, well said. we worked together on the salt and dry lake together for over 25 years. A special friend, RIP and God Speed Bob.
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Dang..I was just wondring about him this morning, remembering his hair and haircut.
A good guy, R.I.P.
JL222
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So sorry to hear of Bob's passing Glen. Always remember his white open jeep and his proudly displayed, Gear Grinder decal.
Condolences to Lois and family.
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Can someone please post some contact info for services or where I can send a sympathy card (when there's time of course)
Bob was a great guy,& I always enjoyed talking with him.He talked with me quite a few times after my dad passed away,& he had a way about him that everything was going to be ok.
My dad really held him in high regard as well,& he told me this on several occasions. I feel terrible at times for not staying in touch with the LSR crowd after my dad passed,,I got involved in Nostalgia Fuel Drag Racing.
Sorry for everyones loss,,,
R.I.P Mr Opperman
Troy Cagle
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Joanie and I are saddened by the news of Bob's passing. We both enjoyed our friendship of Bob and Lois. Bob had many interesting stories of his time with All American Racers and was dedicated to our sport.
God bless Lois and the family,
DW
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Thanks for the phone call Glen.
And I'll echo what's mentioned above in that I knew you guys were very close...hang in there man.
troy
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Tis a sad day...................JD...........Bob was my friend
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Losing our LSR founders and heros way too often... Glen, sorry for the loss of your close friend, sorry for the loss of our LSR friend... God Speed Bob
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When Marlo Treit took Russ Meek's roadster to the Moon Saturday Festival in the LA area he had an engine problem with the tow rig. Opperman
opened his shop for us and we did the repair there. All the tools necessary including jacks, hoist, air and in from the sun.
That was on a Sunday. It took most of the day but he let the "waywards" in off of the street.
Thanks Bob.
That's his dedication to his fellow racers. Lois will be on the Salt this year doing the job that she and Bob have done for a long time.
Bless You, Lois.
FREUD
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Bob Oppermann was a good guy. RIP and God Speed.
Tom G.
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I have been very blessed to have met many of the great LSR racers, volunteers, officials and longtime spectators. Whenever Bob would see me he would say hello and like many fine folks I did not know them by name as often they would just say a quick "good luck Noonan" and I would go on to either race, inspect or teardown..he did so much and we need many more like him.
He was a great guy and will be sorely missed by his family, friends and many racers who knew what he did for many of us..
So very sorry for all of those close to him and his family.
J
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Does anyone have contact info for Lois? Joanie wants to send one of her hand made cards and express our thoughts.
DW
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Lois Opperman
PO BOX 3236
Lake Havasu,Az.
86405
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Thanks Glen.
DW
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Just remember the times down under in '95. Locked suitcases, wind, rain & no hot water.
Bob' last elavator ride. RIP.
Terry
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Some recall fotos of Bob Opperman. Speed Week 2011
Lois was doing the driving even then.
FREUD