Robert E. Donalds

My daughter Lindsay just told me about Bob’s untimely death. What very sad news indeed. I regret I never met Bob personally but I considered him a kindred spirit. We would often pass each other in our identical maroon 87 Vanagons with a friendly flash of the lights. May peace and love be with your family.

Robbie,
Take care my old friend. My condolences to your family.

I spoke with Bob a few times on the phone and exchanged e-mails, but like many people in the VW world, I knew him best from his entertaining, memorable and deeply knowledgeable posts on the Vanagon mailing list. It was always evident from his writing that he had a deep affection for these vehicles and a genuine interest in helping people. One probably gave rise to the other, or more likely they were mutually reinforcing.

While others say that Bob is at rest now, I can’t help but...

To Bob Donalds Family:

As with most folks who knew Bob, he came into my life in an hour of need...my beloved Vanagon had blown the engine. Bob not only rebuilt my engine, he drove down to West Chester PA from Boston "on his way to Carlisle" so he could pick up three engine blocks I had. And he delivered an engine that now has 110,000 miles on it.
We spoke often after that, about fishing with his Daughter, spending time doing the simple things... taking the time to enjoy...

Bob was such a kind and caring person who really had a passion for life and people. He will be greatly missed!
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Karen, and the kids.

My sincere condolences to Bob's family and friends. I grew up with Bob (Robby back then) in the early 60s and we built all sorts of things, like homemade mini-bikes from wheelbarrow wheels, washing machine parts, EMT tubing, the front halves of kid's bikes, and scrounged lawnmower engines. I remember the excitement of the first dune buggy Bob built.

At the time of his treatment for Hodgkins Disease in the early 1970s I remember visiting him and his concern for putting his friends at...

Bob was a good hearted guy who was consistantly positive and upbeat. When growing up in Newton we did a lot of fun things together and my memories of him and his family are fond. I sincerely extend my condolence to his family and I believe the world will be less without him

Rest in Peace Bobby...you'll be missed

They say you're supposed to find a job you love, then it won't feel like work. I've always admired people who are brave enough to do this. None better than Bob.

Rest in peace.

Karen,

Please remember that we are here for you.
Call us anytime for anything.

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