Robert Meyer Finer

Dear Dena and Family:

I had the pleasure of knowing Bob when I was With VMO-2 in the early 80s. He was a good Marine,great aviator, and a wonderful individual. My deepest sympathies. He will be missed.

After the Corps, I went on to a great career at American Airlines, but after I retired, had the opportunity to fly the OV-10 in South America from Patrick, but decided I wanted to enjoy retirement.

Sorry to hear of your loss. I share your sorrow.

Sincerely,

Gordon Tubesing, USMC Retired
"Hostage Gordo"

Dena and family, I am so sads to hear of your loss. I flew with Bob at VMO-2 in the early 1980's. I will apss this sad news to my contacts who knew Bob. God bless you and your family as Bob is truely one of our Forward Controllers now waiting to clear us all home. Captain Michael Keeley-Federal Express

My deepest sympathies to the Finer family. I grew up with Bob as a boy in Mt. Carroll and can't think of a finer person. We'll be thinking of Bob at the Class of '71 reunion.

There are no words for this tragedy. My step father was such a blessing to our lives. His grandchildren will miss their papa, my husband will miss the only father figure that he has ever had, and I will miss a person who i looked up to and loved very much. There are so many memories that i've thought back to and smiled about over the past few weeks. Having bob in our lives was a true blessing and he will be missed and loved until the day we all meet again. And I'd like to thank everyone for the prayers and love shown to my family during this tragic time.

Dena and family: I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. I was Bob's instructor when he came to the "wing" side of the Marines. He was so full of life. We had lost contact over the years and just recently caught up. I was talking with him earlier this fall to have you and him visit us in SoCal. I saw the obituary in Pacific Flyer today and thought it had to be another "Bob Finer". Unfortunately it was not. Again, I am deeply sorry. Terry Barger aka "Cowboy"

Dena and Family,

It was a sad day to hear of Bob's passing as the news passed through the flying communities in which he was so well known.

Bob's first assignment with Cal Fire was at the Redding Air Attack Base where I worked with him in the OV-10. We spent many hours flying and talking about flying, especially fire fighting flying. Bob wasn't just a hired driver he wanted to know all about the mission we performed. We had a great fire season and then, being Bob, he wanted to see more action and moved to the south state.

After Bob moved to the S2T airtanker we'd see each other once or twice a season as his tanker would be sent into Redding. It was always "old home week" where we would quickly catch up family history in between flights.

Needless to say, Bob is missed by many of us, none greater than his family.

Fly with God, Bob.

John Watt
Battalion Chief, Ret.
Redding Air Attack Base

Dena and family and Suellen,
I'm honored to have known Bob, at least growing up in Mt. C. I am so sorry for your loss but thrilled to hear of his strong faith and zest for life.
Joy Schafer
Colorado

Dena
I am so sorry for Your loss.
I for one will truly miss His presence,
personality and proficient leadership of our Caldwell airshow .

He is a true HERO to so many .
My self
the C.A.P.
Young Marines

and all who worked with Him
Johnny Tipton
airshow security

When anyone examines Robert Meyer Finer's exceptional flying professionalism , men in our profession truly wonder why a man of such consummate ability would be killed in this business. Unfortunately, it is an inescapable truth that the wind fates pick no favourites, all men regardless of their ability, fall victim alike to sudden and unpredictable danger. Investigation reports of these crashes are often labeled as "cause unknown." The profession of Fire Bombing, like life itself, is a risk. We have all willingly taken it. Robert passed while doing his heart's passion and perhaps there is no better way to rejoin our maker. I send my deepest sympathy and profound regrets to Robert's family.
Linc W. Alexander
Author
Fire Bomber Into Hell... A Story of Survival in a Deadly Occupation.

Bob was a part of our family for over 7yrs. He had the kindest smile, and a gentle sprit. However, what I most admired about him was the love he had for my beautiful sister, no matter what she was going through or what type of day she was having he was always there to love and support her. Thank you Bob, for loving my sister, showing her life, and helping her gain strength in herself,

We will miss you, and look forward to seeing you in the Kingdom of Heaven.

It is so sad that a man, Marine, and a person who stood up for others ended in such a tragic way. All of us have been hurt by this tragic accident when a man of honor has been taken by a horrible accident. God Bless Bob and i pray you are home safe forever more with the Lord.

A voice from the past. I attended Mt. Carroll HIgh school with Bob. We were both college bound and took many of the same classes. Reading about his life, I see he became the man we all knew he would be. We will miss him at our reunion in 2011. He was one of the good ones. God bless you
Joann(Haas) Downer

Dear Finer Family,
I had many opportunities to work at the Ramona Air Attack Base while Bob worked there. I was a call when needed employee, so I didn't have the opportunity to be around him a lot. His leadership and kindness were very obvious. I was sad to hear the news and offer my condolences during this time. We lost a great brother in Christ, an experienced pilot, a great leader and a man of morals. Much love to Dena & family.

Trish Huston (Serabia)

Finer Family,

I am a teacher at Heber Springs Elementary, Heber Springs, Arkansas. I did not know coach Finer on a personal level, but my daughter Anna (who is the same age as Danny) was in Coach Finer's history class. Anna thought he was an excellent teacher because he asked questions that required them to think and also because he was fair to everyone. Everyone was treated equally.

As an American, I appreciate the service that Coach Finer gave to our country and also to his sons that have already given so much at such an early age.

God Bless You and God Bless America
Patricia Lacy

Bob you will always be remembered and greatly missed, my life and flying are better for having known you.

I never had a brother, but when I identify the qualities that I would appreciate most in that person, they would emulate my friend, Bob Finer. I am honored to have known him for a few short years at Carthage College.

Dear Dena and family

To the Finer Family from all the guys at NAS Meridian who knew Bob. we are sorry. From Mrs Ann Henry in Houston Mississippi she also sends her reguards.
Bert Zeller, friend and former Marine, Meridian, Ms.

Bob, you've left a great legacy. We'll catch up soon so save me a seat.

Bob you were the best friend a guy could ever ask for, You made such an impact on my life as a teenager. I miss you, but I know my Dad needs a flying buddy. Semper Fi

Bob came to the Ramona Air Attack Base in May 2001 as my OV-10 pilot. We had much in common, including a deep faith and belief in God and a Christ like concern and love for others. He was a great team player and fit in well with the crew. He was new to aerial firefighting, being eager to learn all he could with questions and reason. Bob was always very professional and knew many things about the OV-10 aircraft. He even made sure I could land it safely under any condition, in case something happened in flight, since the ejection seats had been removed by Cal Fire. As the ATGS flying behind him, I was confident with him at the controls. He usually wore a smile and made others feel at ease.

We shared many times together talking about world history, the bible and life. He even joined in with me at my local bible study at Denny’s on Wednesday mornings at 0530. Bob was a man of God and had such a passion about the truth, much so that many never would argue with him. We became close friends during the two years he was assigned and worked at the Ramona AAB. Bob you will be missed, but never forgotten as the lives you touched were changed for the better and are now a memory forever.

In Christ,

Captain Ron Serabia
Ramona AAB

Photo of Bob & I at Ramona AAB – 2002: http://image05.webshots.com/5/9/51/22/66895122kxXPpx_fs.jpg

Bob, you touched many lives with your love, leadership, and faith...Jeff Myers (Williams Bay, Wi.)

Dena, I never met Bob in person but I remember watching you as you would talk to him before or after your shift, it was very inspiring to me to know that true love does exist!! He will always be with you until you guys are reunited for eternity. I know the Lord loves you and has you in the palm of His hands at this most difficult time.

Love you Bob..

Bob, I'm going to miss you so very much! But I know that one day we will meet again in our Father's Kingdom. You will be dearly miss and always loved here. I know my sister Dena is going to miss you so very much, but I promise to love and look after her here for you. Thank you for loving her so very much!