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Robert Wilson "Bob" McCoy
Robert Wilson "Bob" McCoy
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Robert McCoy Obituary
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Linda Rosa
May 20, 2019
For me, Bob McCoy was a Wizard of Oz, only infinitely better. I miss him whenever I see a quack device, and I see them fairly often. He said I was the first person he had ever met who had been hooked up to a Ruth Drown machine, which had been for 12 years as a child. He must have guessed it was not a happy memory for me, because he was so very kind.
Tom Filipski
June 25, 2011
My condolences to the family of Bob McCoy. I met Bob in Chicago where he and Margaret attended a skeptic convention many years ago. Medical quack devices were a favorite as I enjoyed the demonstrations of his collection at the 'Museum' (at the mall) while visiting Minneapolis several years later. Appearently, I too missed my calling; "Zeppelin Attendant" was also included as a positive score on my 'phrenology profile'.
Gratious and charming, he spent some time talking to us informally in the parking lot after the Chicago meeting, sharing the secrets of being a guest of David Letterman. "Just stay calm and let him go on", he was told by the producer. Bob handled things so well, it was a joy to watch him 'steer' Dave through the demonstrations. Such memories. I just decided to check the website tonight after several years, sad news indeed.
David Bainbridge
May 7, 2011
I saw the Museum of Questionable Medical Devices in 1999. I took my mother and my aunt. We all enjoyed it. I thought it was a marvelous way to introduce skepticism to the public. I have continued to recommend to collection to all my friends going to Minneapolis.
I looked up information about the museum and it's founder this morning and learned that Bob had passed away. I never knew him, but I admire his contribution to science.
Rich Kaszeta
February 7, 2011
Like another writer, I was recently reminded of Bob by seeing a TV program. I used to live just up the street from his museum in Saint Anthony Main, and enjoyed taking guests there to have their heads examined phrenologically. (For the record, my analysis recommended "Zeppelin Attendant" as a career choice).
Bob was always friendly, and always a fine host to all visitors at his fine little museum.
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Tom Stout
January 27, 2011
Hello, it is just recently that I saw Bob on a program on TV. It led me to the Museum of Quakery website, where I learned more about him. I have great respect for what he stood for and what he tried to teach people. I only wish I had come across him sooner. Take pride in such a greaty legacy that he leaves. My condolences.
William Jarvis
September 6, 2010
Bob was one of the most unforgetable people I came to know in my career as a quackbuster. We shared quack devices and experiences. Bob made the most of the entertainment aspects of quackery without forgetting the sad cost to human dignity and freedom that quacks derive. Bob was a true friend to all mankind. He is sorely missed.
William Jarvis, retired Professor of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University; Co-founder, National Council Against Health Fraud, Inc.
August 14, 2010
I met Bob just once, years ago, but he impressed me greatly as a charming and delightful gentleman. We talked about Ruth Drown machines. I had been subjected to them and other quackery as a child, and he was the only person who seemed to understand what that had been like for me. There will always be a special place in my heart for Bob McCoy. -- Linda Rosa, Loveland, CO
Stephen Barrett
August 12, 2010
Bob was a national treasure. I hope that his work will be preserved forever on the Internet
Stephen Barrett, MD
Quackwatch
Toby McCarroll
June 17, 2010
There are times when the right person appears in your life and gives the extra courage, wisdom. humor and strength to do what is right. Bob McCoy was that man for me and for many others. His friendship is something I value deeply. Bob has a rich legacy - the most wonderful part is his family.
June 15, 2010
To the McCoy family,
I have the fondest memories of working with Bob. He was a delightful and generous person. My thoughts are with you.
Sonja Hutchinson
Marsha Vila (Handschin)
June 5, 2010
Dear Family of Bob Mccoy,
The last time I saw Bob McCoy was in 1964 when I graduated from high school and went on to school. He was my Sunday School teacher at the First Unitatian Society in Minneapolis. He was such a great influence on all of us. He discussed the poverty in our city, the need for caring people to change things,different religious views, about his humanist view of the world, about different sexual identities and how a deep and lasting relationship is the bedrock of a satisfying life in all its aspects, about someone he helped who had just gotten out of prison after many years and the effect of a harsh institution on him.His antiwar views and how war included the worst range of inhumane and savage behaviors such as murder, torture, rape, starvation and physical and spiritual deprivatrion is the conversation which I remember to this day each time the subject of war comes up. He was truly an amazing teacher and stimulated our thinking and deepened our understanding of life at a time when we were soon going to be on our own. My memory of him is so powerful even today as a supportive, nurturing person. He is equally remembered by my twin brother who attended class as well. My condolences to his family. He is remembered fondly by many.
Cheri Martin
June 4, 2010
Margaret,
I fondly remember the first time I met Bob when he joined you at a Group Health function many years ago. I delighted in hearing his stories and was amazed to see his collection of medial oddities when I visited the museum.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Holly McCracken
June 1, 2010
I worked with Bob at Riverplace when he first set up his phrenology reading stand. I am privilaged to have had the opportunity to spend time with him. His stories were always facinating especially the way he told them. I can see his rosy cheeks, his charming grin and his gentle eyes. He was an amazing man! I don't think I have seen or spoken to him since 1990. I am sorry that he has passed on but am happy that his legacy will live on. My condolences to the family.
Holly Swanson McCracken
June 1, 2010
I am one of the many women Bob McCoy helped. He risked a lot to help us back then, I don't know what I would have done without him. Thank you Bob McCoy for your bravery and beliefs, you will never be forgotten. Your kindness will always have a place in my heart.
Kristine Spanier
June 1, 2010
I worked in Riverplace in the late 80s and Mr. McCoy and I frequently chatted to pass the time in that quiet place. He was a wonderful friend to have and now that I've read more about him I've learned he was an all-around wonderful man. I have frequently thought of him in the years since I knew him and wondered how he was. I was happy to see his devices in the Science Museum on a recent visit, but feared their presence signaled his passing. His legacy lives on. My condolences to the family.
T A
May 30, 2010
Looking forward to visiting your museum and legacy - Mr. T from Canada
Peter Tarjan
May 28, 2010
To the Family of Mr. Bob McCoy:
Purely by accident, I was searching the website of the Museum of Questionable Medical Devices on the Web today, when I learned about the passing of Mr. McCoy.
For many years I've been a great admirer of his collection and the wonderful and funny ways he introduced the crazy devices offered to the mostly innocent public by so many charlatans.
I only visited the Museum once, way back in the 1990s and was not lucky enough to meet Mr. McCoy, but his able assistant, a young lady, showed me around. It was a wonderful experience and great fun.
My collection of videos for teaching my engineering students includes his delightful presentation of the treasures of his museum, and I have shown it to hundreds of students in my classes on Medical Instrumentation and the Evolution of Technology.
The students always loved the show and learned from it to be skeptical of claims of medical breakthroughs and miraculous cures.
Mr. McCoy was not only a great collector and entertainer, but also an excellent teacher.
My students and I will remember him fondly.
On behalf of all my former students who were introduced to the Museum of Questionable Medical Devices, I offer our condolences to the McCoy family.
Peter Tarjan
Professor Emeritus
Biomedical Engineering
College of Engineering
University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida
Mary Hanson
May 28, 2010
Doug-
I was very sorry to read about the loss of your Dad. He certainly lived a full life and left many legacies. My thoughts are with you and your family.
May 27, 2010
When the phrase "he's such a lovely man" was created, surely they had Bob in mind. He was a delightful, kind-hearted friend who will be greatly missed! Our deepest condolences to Margaret and the family. With love, Khoren and Leigh
Marilyn Sackariason
May 26, 2010
Margaret,
Bob's legacy lives on. He certainly lived a life of purpose. You have been a loyal companion and caregiver. My thoughts are with you as you grieve.
Marilyn Sackariason, Sun City, AZ
Michael S
May 26, 2010
Bob was a great guy and will be terribly missed. Love to his entire family from MIchael and Thomas
Jim Strandberg
May 26, 2010
Dear Doug,
Sorry to read about your Dad's passing. I remember your making use of his print shop back in the 1970s. Sometime around 1983, I was in Riverplace (I think) with a friend, and we ran into your Dad with his phrenology mechanical gizmo set up. I had the bumps on my head read and it was a kick. May good memories of your Dad help at this time. Take care, Jim
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