Debbie and family,
Bob hired me in 1986 when I just finished college. We sat on the floor of the McEwen road office because they were just moving in and there were no chairs. We talked, I left the office, got into the car my wife Kathy was driving and she asked how it went. I told her I'm taking the job. She asked why? I told her I really like his personality and he likes to fish. I think she thought I was crazy. Bob was great to work with in my 10 years with the Northern Industrial Maintenance/Centimark. I never was thrilled about going into sales and I worked as Bob's tech rep. We were a fabulous team winning sales office of the year two years in a row in the small market of Dayton Ohio. Bob finally convinced me to try out sales and I never looked back. Although I left the company in 1986 I owe everything I know in sales to Bob and his great teaching. I still use the numbers 11 and 77 at the end of all my quotes no matter what the number is. His obituary was a great tribute to a great man. Hard to believe it's been 28 years since we worked together. I wish I could make his memorial service but I am currently fighting my own battle with cancer. Had my second round of Chemo yesterday and need to stay away from large gatherings at the moment. I will be praying for the family and Bob during this difficult time. When Kathy shared the news to me on Saturday morning is was a shock and a stiff kick in the gut. The memories came flying back like it was yesterday. I laughed, cried about all the good times we had those 10 years and I thanked God that I had the opportunity to know him. He was a friend, mentor and close to a brother. I will always be indebted to Bob and all he taught me in business. Sending all our love, Kathy and Bill Kanney