Robert Edward "Whip" Whipple

Tuna. That was a nickname that we penned on each other over 30 years ago. Whenever we would run into each other that was the first word out of our mouths. And then we would laugh. We met each other around 1976-77. I would go to Mr. Pizza on Friday nights with some friends and he would always be there. Idle chitchat would be the conversation but little did I know how often our paths would cross. He worked for Arnold Greenman, I would later on. Then it was Bob Maguire, Bill Coon, Tim Suchocki. Around 2004 he joined Local 478, Operating Engineers. I was right behind him. He went to Connecticut Yankee I went to Millstone. A year and a half later he´s at Tim Bother´s Greywolf Construction, again thanks to him I was also there. He left 478 to hook up with Par Construction and the Electrician´s Union. We still kept in touch. An occasional phone conversation or if he was in town we always found time for breakfast or lunch. A friend, Doug Balch who worked for Par called me one time and said, "you wouldn´t believe this truck driver we have, I´ve never seen anyone who could back a trailer with a crane on it and get into places this guy can, incredible". I said Bub´s name and Doug said, "you know this guy". I would call or see him at the local fairs and from time to time. If I had a dilemma I would call and ask , "what would you do ", he always had a solution or great advice. Recently I encountered a situation with the roof on our 5th wheel camper. He steered me straight on that. I wanted to call him two weeks ago to tell him I had the roof replaced and how great it came out and thanks again. You left too soon. I will miss you my friend.

Edward J. Porter,Jr. sends his condolences. From Lake Wales, Florida

Condolences to the family of Robert Whipple. I met "Whip" back in the late 70's when I worked for John Moran. I enjoyed having coffee and talking about things as they were as well as his sense of humor. RIP and may the road rise up to meet him. He will be greatly missed. G Leiper