RIP HuronBob October 25, 2020 11:17 AM   Subscribe

HuronBob, one of the original 17Kers, has died. He was a kind man who often worked to do things that were helpful to other people. He worked for and later ran the Center for Occupational and Personalized Education for most of his adult career, helping younger people who needed a little more help from the public school system. Here is a great comment from Bob about "the good life" and what he felt he needed/wanted in order to be happy. Bob's life was challenging and sometimes difficult, I felt he helped people in AskMe often by being willing to share his struggles. A "Professional Old Guy" and friend of MeFi, he'll be missed.
posted by jessamyn (retired) to MetaFilter-Related at 11:17 AM (299 comments total) 30 users marked this as a favorite

Ouch.
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posted by Stanczyk at 11:34 AM on October 25, 2020


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posted by Eyebrows McGee (staff) at 11:42 AM on October 25, 2020


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posted by zamboni at 11:43 AM on October 25, 2020


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posted by minervous at 11:43 AM on October 25, 2020


Damn. Always seems like such an inherently good guy; this feels like a big loss to the community here.

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posted by octothorpe at 11:45 AM on October 25, 2020 [13 favorites]


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posted by Splunge at 11:46 AM on October 25, 2020


Oh no! He was a pillar of this place. I will miss him. RIP, sir.
posted by emjaybee at 11:52 AM on October 25, 2020 [2 favorites]


What sad news about a terrific guy. Goodbye, Bob, thanks for being here.
posted by theora55 at 11:53 AM on October 25, 2020 [2 favorites]


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posted by corey flood at 11:57 AM on October 25, 2020


Sincere condolences to his loved ones. RiP.
posted by davidmsc at 12:00 PM on October 25, 2020 [1 favorite]


Spent part of a day with HuronBob once nearly ten years ago. He was an honest and earthy guy, warm and generous with himself. It was obvious that his care for you was sincere, but he was never sappy and the stories he shared (he had a lot of stories, they were good ones) made it clear he didn't suffer fools gladly either. He'll be missed, and I'm sure his family and friends appreciate the ways he was able to make the world a little better.
posted by ardgedee at 12:02 PM on October 25, 2020 [23 favorites]


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posted by Justinian at 12:05 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 12:08 PM on October 25, 2020


Oh, this is very sad. He was one of my favorite MeFites and I'll miss him. One of the good guys.
posted by Quietgal at 12:11 PM on October 25, 2020 [10 favorites]


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posted by ambrosen at 12:15 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:17 PM on October 25, 2020


Oh, Bob... Contacts here since 2012 or so, because of his candid and lovely remembrance of Mr. Owens, and the importance of other fathers. Go, read. Then read his memory of his widowed mother. I MeMailed him to tell him how much his words had moved me, and we kept in touch, here and on FB, lightly, for years. He was funny and compassionate and deeply, deeply human, and every exchange with him left me thinking what a truly good human being he was. Hadn't heard from him in a while and now...now I'm in my kitchen, in tears, because fucking 2020, why did you have to take him? To Bob's family, if you're reading this: I was among many who thought of him with warmth. Commented on his photos of leaf dogs and blind kitties and the water at dawn and dusk. Made jokes with him because I enjoyed his spirit. I am so, so sorry for this loss, and I hope you'll be comforted in your grief by knowing that others miss and remember him too.
posted by MonkeyToes at 12:17 PM on October 25, 2020 [38 favorites]


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posted by He Is Only The Imposter at 12:28 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by clavdivs at 12:34 PM on October 25, 2020 [3 favorites]


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posted by misteraitch at 12:34 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by bookmammal at 12:45 PM on October 25, 2020


One of the kindest MeFites. He will indeed be missed.

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posted by GrammarMoses at 12:51 PM on October 25, 2020 [4 favorites]


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posted by skynxnex at 1:09 PM on October 25, 2020


What a lovely and warm obituary his family crafted for him. He will clearly be missed.

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posted by librarylis at 1:12 PM on October 25, 2020 [3 favorites]


What a beautiful remembrance. I’m glad he was able to share so much love so widely in his time.
posted by obfuscation at 1:13 PM on October 25, 2020 [2 favorites]


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What a loss, clearly, to everyone who knew him including us here.
posted by Lyn Never at 1:21 PM on October 25, 2020 [2 favorites]


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I am so sad to hear this. Such a kind man, someone whose comments I was always glad to read. Thank you for sharing his obituary here.
posted by ChuraChura at 1:24 PM on October 25, 2020 [7 favorites]


Farewell, HuronBob! You'll be missed.
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posted by The Ardship of Cambry at 1:36 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by beandip at 1:41 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by lovermont at 2:01 PM on October 25, 2020


Sad, solemn condolences to all who knew and loved him.
posted by mightshould at 2:03 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by biogeo at 2:03 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by mogget at 2:05 PM on October 25, 2020


Oh no. Sorry to hear this.
posted by vacapinta at 2:24 PM on October 25, 2020


He taught me how cool huskies are. 🐺

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posted by Johnny Wallflower at 2:26 PM on October 25, 2020 [6 favorites]


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posted by veggieboy at 2:51 PM on October 25, 2020


Funny, I had already Liked those comments that Money Toes linked to: Bob had already shared something with me, even years ago, though we never met.

Thanks, Bob, for all the stories.
posted by wenestvedt at 2:54 PM on October 25, 2020 [5 favorites]


. There have been a couple of his comments over the years that really struck home to me. What a loss.
posted by ninazer0 at 2:55 PM on October 25, 2020 [4 favorites]


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posted by ellenaim at 3:05 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by bryon at 3:06 PM on October 25, 2020


Oh no. He was such a good person. He always had nice things to say to me about my son over on Twitter.

Condolences to his friends and family.

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posted by 80 Cats in a Dog Suit at 3:23 PM on October 25, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by col_pogo at 3:39 PM on October 25, 2020


So sad.

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posted by Kat Allison at 3:51 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by Alensin at 3:52 PM on October 25, 2020


Damn. Just damn.

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posted by Devils Rancher at 3:55 PM on October 25, 2020 [2 favorites]


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posted by valkane at 4:11 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by Kangaroo at 4:24 PM on October 25, 2020


I will miss his uniquely kind voice here very, very much. Deep sympathies to his family and friends.
posted by vers at 4:27 PM on October 25, 2020 [4 favorites]


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posted by Sparky Buttons at 4:35 PM on October 25, 2020


I'm so sorry to read of his passing. Loved his comments here and I'm sure folks IRL enjoyed him in person, as well. We are all poorer for his loss. RIP huronbob.
posted by Lynsey at 4:35 PM on October 25, 2020 [3 favorites]


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posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 4:55 PM on October 25, 2020


Oh, this makes my heart hurt.
posted by Kitchen Witch at 5:01 PM on October 25, 2020 [6 favorites]


Damn.

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posted by notquitemaryann at 5:25 PM on October 25, 2020


One of my favorites since I joined - I so wish I had met him IRL. (And I confess to a long time secret crush.) I will surely miss him.

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posted by she's not there at 5:37 PM on October 25, 2020 [4 favorites]


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posted by gudrun at 6:01 PM on October 25, 2020


His contributions here were always so kind and life-affirming. As long as this site lives HuronBob’s advice and stories will live on as well - it’s a modicum of comfort to all of us who enjoyed and looked forward to his participation. I will miss him here and on Twitter very much.
posted by kimberussell at 6:07 PM on October 25, 2020 [8 favorites]


I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. Bob was a valued presence here, and a lovely soul. My heart goes out to his friends and family. He will be missed, but he will always be a part of us.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 6:08 PM on October 25, 2020 [7 favorites]


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posted by jenkinsEar at 6:20 PM on October 25, 2020


Fucking fuck.

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posted by Melismata at 6:23 PM on October 25, 2020 [1 favorite]


Oh no! He seemed like such a good guy.
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 6:25 PM on October 25, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by inflatablekiwi at 7:50 PM on October 25, 2020


Wow, his description of the perfect kiss made me tear up just now.
posted by Melismata at 7:53 PM on October 25, 2020 [3 favorites]


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posted by curious nu at 7:59 PM on October 25, 2020


@jessamyn, thank you so much for putting this up. I'm hopeful it was my tagging of @metafilter on Twitter that brought this to people's attention, but even if not, I'm glad people now know.

I wanted to put some words in here because I had a unique relationship with Bob. I've been a user on this site (though not in years I'm afraid) since 2005. I remember seeing HuronBob's thoughtful comments and posts on here on the regular, early on in my use of this site. I'd often find myself clicking on his name just to see if he added any more info about himself (I see now at some point he added he's Bob Coller on Facebook and Vero, but back then those links did not exist, and I suspect they didn't until sometimes in the mid-2010s). He never did. I always wondered, "Is this guy in Michigan? HuronBob, he has to be, right? Lake Huron? Who is he? He always has profound things to say." I was a fan. I wanted to MeFi mail him blind, but never did. I wanted to request a connection to him, but again, never did.

One day back in 2012, in some comments here on MeFi, he mentioned that his long term job was coming to an end. I read what he said, I read a link to the very article (the very article Jessamyn has linked up) up top. I was seriously astounded and heartbroken for the man. I think maybe I said something in the comments back to him here (I haven't searched my own history). But I learned what an incredible dude he really was based on that article alone, as if his prolific history on here weren't enough. Later that day, on Facebook, a friend of mine (and my old boss) was leaving a comment on this guy's post named Bob Coller. It showed up in my newsfeed. He was expressing his dismay at the situation. As I'm reading through some of the comments on Facebook I realized the story sounded familiar. I went back to check the comments on Metafilter. I double-checked the comments on Facebook. "What the... Is this HuronBob?!?!!"

My worlds were about to converge.

I've been on the internet since '96. We're in 2012 and this was really the first time that the separate lives I live on the internet and in real life collided. At least that I can remember, and in a meaningful way.

I broke my silence and I commented on this Bob Coller's post. I know for certain I did that on Facebook (again, can't recall if I actually did it here on MeFi). I said something like "Oh my God, you're HuronBob on Metafilter! I've read what you've been saying there for years. And I'm just so, so sorry about this situation. You sound like a really amazing person! And I hope you wind up on your feet."

We never connected on MeFi at all, but we did on Facebook. One of the things that was great about Bob is the photos he shared. He always took such wonderful photos of the lake he lived at. The sunrise, the sunset, the leaves changing color in Michigan, the iced over water, etc. He took fun photos of his dogs and cats. One dog, in particular, LOVED to go for walks and always, ALWAYS grabbed a leaf and carried it back to the house. Bob would take a photo almost daily and just say "Leaf" and it would be some different leaf from the day before that his dog was holding in its mouth. As time went on he would occasionally post pictures of his grandchildren and talk about how proud he was of his son.

I share(d) a lot of photos of my own kids as they've been growing up. I'd tell stories of fatherhood and parenting and worries I have about my kids and the world they grow up in. He often commented in beautiful and really encouraging ways. He said he could tell I was a good dad because I am raising my kids to ask questions and because I have the concerns I have about them/the world for them.

One day, in the context of raising children he shared with me the story of losing his one son. A tragic tale to be certain, it is even mentioned in his obituary. But I learned that through his loss, he learned incredible strength. You have to, to carry on after something like that. But I also sense a bit of trouble in his life, depression if you will.

Bob liked to share his thoughts about politics on Facebook. Well, here too, but you'd get a little more raw on Facebook. At one point, however, the rhetoric just got to be too much for Bob, and he disappeared. It took a couple of weeks for me to noticed, but notice I did! I realized I was no longer seeing dog pictures. I posted on my wall tagging my friend (and old boss) and another virtual friend I made through Bob. I asked if they knew anything about where he went? If he was okay? I had a sense of dread. They said they hadn't heard anything but they'd check with who they could.

Next thing I knew, I'm getting a message from Bob on Facebook. Telling me he heard I was worried about him. He was touched by that. He said he was fine and just was avoiding politics. That would happen with some regularity over the years to come. So I got used to not seeing Bob around after awhile. He'd come and go.

I knew that Bob's son was involved in the movie business. And I had a long desire to enter into that business (a small part of me still wishes to do this). I learned back in 2003 in literally the last college class I took before I graduated that I didn't want to do what I was going to do when I left, and instead wanted to do filmmaking. But... the struggle. Finish school? Or chase your dream? I finished school. Fast forward to 2014 and Batman vs Superman, which his son was an executive producer on, is being filmed at the University I worked at. I was into improv at the time. And my cousin, who is legitimately an actor (and improviser) was cast in the movie. I thought "wouldn't it be perfect if both my cousin and I could be in this movie? And I wouldn't even have to go far since shooting at my school!" I emailed Bob, because he was off of Facebook at the time. I asked if he thought I could at least get a tour of the set. What wound happening is I got a call from the casting director, directly. I was being cast as an extra. I got to basically jump the line. I had a chance to meet and speak with Bob's son on the last day of filming there and it was just so cool. I thanked Bob endlessly (his son too)! He wound up being jealous because he didn't get a chance to visit any of the shooting locations, unlike Dawn of the Dead where he got to visit and also be an extra.

I still had never met Bob in person at this point, and there was talk of a potential MeFi Meetup at some member's club near him. I was looking forward to the chance to meet the man I'd followed in some fashion for years now, and the guy who has been saying nice things about me in my kids for a few years too. But weather had a different plan. It snowed so much or was so icy and windy that things started getting canceled left and right.

Over the next few years, I'd see Bob come and go off of Facebook. Whenever he'd come back I'd nearly always say "Great to see you again Bob!"

About a year ago, when considering starting up a business, someone suggested to me that I find a business mentor. Legit, the very first person I thought of was Bob. He had somewhat recently gone into business for himself. And he's just been this guy with a ton of wisdom and thoughtful things to say. So, really, it was a no-brainer. I never did start that business until, at least until earlier this month. And I've just been waiting for this pandemic to end, and to see Bob back on Facebook to ask him. He was online in September, if I recall correctly. But he got off not long after. Again, I have to imagine the divisive politics and disinformation.

Then, last night, that same old boss/friend of mine sends me a message. "I just heard Bob Coller is gone. I'm trying to get more info." I found the obit. And I cried.

I'm not on Facebook much anymore, so I went to Twitter and said something. Then I messaged a couple of real life friends of mine who were also familiar with HuronBob. They both said "You need to put something on MetaTalk" and I said "I tried to last night, but I can't seem to post new on mobile?" Nevertheless, again, thankfully Jessamyn got this post up.

I never got to meet Bob. But he has had a marked impact on the trajectory of my life. His kind words, his generosity, the life and stories and photos he shared. Shared with us all, here too. The world was a better place with Bob Coller in it. It's definitely a bit sadder of a place now too.

RIP my friend.

Hugs to all of you.
posted by mrzer0 at 8:00 PM on October 25, 2020 [113 favorites]


Leaf...
posted by MonkeyToes at 8:14 PM on October 25, 2020 [3 favorites]


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posted by zengargoyle at 8:33 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by cabin fever at 8:36 PM on October 25, 2020


Oh no, I’m sad to hear this news. HuronBob was one of the names I remember from when I was still just a lurker here. His was a gentle good humoured voice and I will miss his comments.

Condolences to his family and loved ones.

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posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 8:57 PM on October 25, 2020 [5 favorites]


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posted by gt2 at 8:59 PM on October 25, 2020


Damn.

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posted by Mitheral at 9:25 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by riverlife at 9:39 PM on October 25, 2020


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HuronBob's voice was one of those that attracted me to the site in the first place.
posted by not_on_display at 9:48 PM on October 25, 2020 [6 favorites]


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posted by Lesium at 10:25 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by retronic at 10:28 PM on October 25, 2020


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posted by Thella at 10:38 PM on October 25, 2020


He made so many great comments.

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posted by Avalow at 10:48 PM on October 25, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by Alvy Ampersand at 10:50 PM on October 25, 2020


I've always been a fan of HuronBob. His voice will be missed.
posted by h00py at 11:02 PM on October 25, 2020 [1 favorite]


From 2015, on what to do with his ashes.

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posted by brainwane at 11:20 PM on October 25, 2020 [9 favorites]


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posted by Going To Maine at 12:18 AM on October 26, 2020


Huron Bob's passing leaves a void.
posted by Cranberry at 12:30 AM on October 26, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by Coaticass at 1:25 AM on October 26, 2020


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posted by terretu at 1:56 AM on October 26, 2020


Damn it. I’ll miss having him around.
posted by Ghidorah at 2:01 AM on October 26, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by ellieBOA at 2:02 AM on October 26, 2020


One of these usernames that feel to me like Mefi bedrock, one of the people I always liked to read from.

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posted by Namlit at 3:04 AM on October 26, 2020 [11 favorites]


I logged back in to Metafilter after a hiatus just to sadly say RIP
posted by growabrain at 3:17 AM on October 26, 2020 [3 favorites]


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posted by needlegrrl at 3:24 AM on October 26, 2020


Blessed be, HuronBob. Go well.
posted by prismatic7 at 3:54 AM on October 26, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 4:27 AM on October 26, 2020


. :-(
posted by SuperSquirrel at 4:35 AM on October 26, 2020


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posted by jgirl at 5:18 AM on October 26, 2020


I didn't like Bob when I first became of aware of him at some point. He was talking about how rap music had no melody and as a guitar teacher for 25 years or so at that point, he just could not call it music. I made a mental to sort of ignore him and move.

Fast forward a few years and at the dawn of the superhero movie craze, he mentions that his son is producer and works for a director who was doing a lot of stuff with the DC movie universe. Stuff I and a lot of other fans didn't care for, stuff this particular director was famous for.

Yet his stories of said director put a human touch to the man and it reminded me that just 'cause I didn't like the director's style, plenty of others did and he was just a guy who enjoyed a particular way to do superhero movies. Didn't make him a bad person, just different. I appreciate Bob taking the time to talk about that director, along with the clear pride he had of his son reaching such a high level in his career to work with a world famous director.

In time, Bob and I became friends on Facebook, where he would post pictures of his dog, whom he simply called Dog and it was the most beautiful, photogenic Husky I've ever seen. Bob would write comments about Dog was doing, such as staring out the window, wanting to go for walks, carrying a leaf around any what. It was incredibly lovely to see and Dog was sheer awesomeness. There was a cat too, but Bob clearly loved Dog and it was just a beautiful thing to witness.

Bob knew he was getting sicker and didn't have much time left and was angry that he probably wouldn't see the outcome of the 2020 US Presidential election. I'm sorry too Bob, especially with things looking decent for Biden to win. If he does (fingers crossed), I'll have a drink in your honor and fond remembrance of getting to know some of the best pieces of you.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 5:29 AM on October 26, 2020 [52 favorites]


Thanks to those sharing such loving details of BOb. I didn’t know him well (and am now regretting that) but you have painted the picture of a wonderful person.

To all of those who knew him well, loved him much and are grieving, my deepest condolences. I wish you strength in this difficult time.

RIP, Bob.
posted by terrapin at 5:42 AM on October 26, 2020 [3 favorites]


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posted by notyou at 5:58 AM on October 26, 2020


Ave atque vale, HuronBob. He will be greatly missed.
posted by briank at 6:09 AM on October 26, 2020


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posted by Ruki at 7:07 AM on October 26, 2020


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posted by darsh at 7:09 AM on October 26, 2020


I always felt connected to Bob because in real life we lived not far apart—just a couple of small town away on the road from where I am to Detroit. We paddled the same river. I always noticed and appreciated him here, and I'll miss him. My heart goes out to his family and closer friends.

Thank you, Brandon and mrzer0 for sharing your memories. Made me happy to hear about Dog.
posted by Orlop at 7:09 AM on October 26, 2020 [5 favorites]


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posted by From Bklyn at 7:28 AM on October 26, 2020


Rest in peace, HB.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:44 AM on October 26, 2020


Oh man.

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posted by nanook at 9:56 AM on October 26, 2020


One of those usernames I'll always recognise. I'm sad to hear he's gone, but grateful he was out there in the world, improving his communities online and off just by being there. So long, Bob.

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posted by fight or flight at 9:56 AM on October 26, 2020 [4 favorites]


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posted by MCMikeNamara at 10:02 AM on October 26, 2020


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posted by carter at 10:13 AM on October 26, 2020


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posted by jzb at 10:16 AM on October 26, 2020


A giant in this place. Very sad news.

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posted by Lutoslawski at 10:16 AM on October 26, 2020 [1 favorite]


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What a wonderful obituary. He'll be missed.
posted by Happydaz at 10:21 AM on October 26, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by nickmark at 10:21 AM on October 26, 2020


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posted by niicholas at 10:35 AM on October 26, 2020


Reading through his most popular comments, he was a thoughtful guy with a real eye for human relations. His clients at COPE must really have been blessed to have him.

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posted by GuyZero at 10:36 AM on October 26, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by HFSH at 10:41 AM on October 26, 2020


Ah shit. Sorry to hear this.

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posted by knapah at 10:45 AM on October 26, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by box at 10:54 AM on October 26, 2020


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posted by The Bellman at 10:57 AM on October 26, 2020


I am another fan of Bob. This is so sad. I am an "older" Mefite as well and appreciated his point of view and knowing there was someone older than I on this site.
posted by agatha_magatha at 11:00 AM on October 26, 2020 [10 favorites]


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posted by smangosbubbles at 11:03 AM on October 26, 2020


I just discovered this, posted by HuronBob in Jan 2015. Enjoy!


If I should die before I wake,
All my posts and comments take.
Put them in the text file pile
To mix and mingle for a while.

Spelling and grammar will have their way,
Recomposing what those words might say.
Then please post all I might have said,
had my brain been not so dead.

And when posts and comments you read,
attributed once again to me.
Feel free to flag and request a ban,
Crying "There goes HuronBob again."
posted by she's not there at 11:28 AM on October 26, 2020 [42 favorites]


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posted by dhruva at 11:44 AM on October 26, 2020


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posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 12:55 PM on October 26, 2020


I am so sorry to hear about this.
posted by y2karl at 2:13 PM on October 26, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by empyrean at 2:34 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by The Great Big Mulp at 2:57 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by equalpants at 3:37 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by Chairboy at 3:49 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by radioamy at 4:15 PM on October 26, 2020


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Gratitude.
What a good man.
posted by adamvasco at 4:16 PM on October 26, 2020 [3 favorites]


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posted by eirias at 4:19 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by Spatch at 4:21 PM on October 26, 2020


Rest in peace, HuronBob, you're a guy I never met, but always respected. I'm gonna miss you.
posted by 2N2222 at 4:45 PM on October 26, 2020 [3 favorites]


72 is too damn young.

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posted by Frayed Knot at 5:03 PM on October 26, 2020 [3 favorites]


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posted by Artw at 5:08 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by Knowyournuts at 5:12 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by nayantara at 5:16 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by rpfields at 6:11 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by cashman at 6:18 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by Mouse Army at 6:27 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by TwoStride at 6:52 PM on October 26, 2020


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We were all lucky to have him be part of the community.
posted by lepus at 6:55 PM on October 26, 2020 [3 favorites]


Oh. Ouch. Oof.
I'll miss him.
posted by Wretch729 at 7:24 PM on October 26, 2020 [2 favorites]


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posted by gauche at 7:59 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by Countess Elena at 8:17 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by amanda at 8:17 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by 41swans at 8:24 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by Recliner of Rage at 8:45 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by If only I had a penguin... at 9:07 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by dancestoblue at 10:09 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by dorothyisunderwood at 10:26 PM on October 26, 2020


I am at a loss as to what to say. I am not the sentimental or emotional type. In many ways I envied HuronBob for his wisdom, patience, and passion. All I want when I go is for people to say to themselves, there went AugustWest. He was a good father, a good husband, and a good man.

Without hesitation I can say that of HuronBob. A truly good man.

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posted by AugustWest at 10:53 PM on October 26, 2020 [10 favorites]


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posted by socialjusticeworrier at 10:54 PM on October 26, 2020


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posted by ltl at 11:06 PM on October 26, 2020


I will miss him. I will always remember the kindness, the low key brilliance, and the gentle ferocity that made his presence felt. This year. This dumpster fire year.

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posted by jadepearl at 11:50 PM on October 26, 2020 [5 favorites]


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posted by fourpotatoes at 1:56 AM on October 27, 2020


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posted by soundofsuburbia at 3:27 AM on October 27, 2020


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posted by Mister Moofoo at 3:36 AM on October 27, 2020


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posted by Wordshore at 4:04 AM on October 27, 2020


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posted by Sheydem-tants at 5:12 AM on October 27, 2020


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posted by Harald74 at 5:15 AM on October 27, 2020


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posted by BozoBurgerBonanza at 5:18 AM on October 27, 2020


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posted by mochapickle at 5:21 AM on October 27, 2020


Oh no! Such sad news!

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posted by unicorn chaser at 6:18 AM on October 27, 2020


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posted by The Card Cheat at 6:28 AM on October 27, 2020


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posted by jaruwaan at 7:23 AM on October 27, 2020


Such a loss. I was glad to know him here. He will be missed.
posted by Pater Aletheias at 7:33 AM on October 27, 2020 [2 favorites]


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posted by soundguy99 at 7:36 AM on October 27, 2020


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posted by introp at 7:40 AM on October 27, 2020


He will be missed. His obituary was so powerful that I started crying. We are all imperfect and I hope my journey will have a fraction of the impact that his did in person and online.
posted by victoriab at 7:50 AM on October 27, 2020 [5 favorites]


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posted by harriet vane at 8:07 AM on October 27, 2020


He has seemed always like a model of how to live one's life.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 8:32 AM on October 27, 2020 [2 favorites]


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posted by Hellgirl at 8:43 AM on October 27, 2020


Nooooooooo
posted by Omnomnom at 8:59 AM on October 27, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by snsranch at 9:21 AM on October 27, 2020


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posted by rewil at 9:32 AM on October 27, 2020


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posted by rachaelfaith at 1:04 PM on October 27, 2020


I'm really sorry to hear this. Thanks for the extra info about him.
posted by small_ruminant at 2:26 PM on October 27, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by ipsative at 4:09 PM on October 27, 2020


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posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 5:02 PM on October 27, 2020


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posted by UbuRoivas at 6:53 PM on October 27, 2020


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posted by heyho at 7:09 PM on October 27, 2020


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posted by St. Sorryass at 7:17 PM on October 27, 2020


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posted by schmod at 7:27 PM on October 27, 2020


. One of the greats.
posted by WidgetAlley at 8:45 PM on October 27, 2020 [1 favorite]


Oh No, how much shittier can my week get? Rest well Bob
posted by b33j at 12:39 AM on October 28, 2020


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posted by Start with Dessert at 12:43 AM on October 28, 2020


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posted by ourobouros at 5:35 AM on October 28, 2020


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posted by Jane the Brown at 10:35 AM on October 28, 2020


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posted by eamondaly at 1:15 PM on October 28, 2020


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posted by Bella Donna at 1:36 PM on October 28, 2020


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posted by selfmedicating at 4:21 PM on October 28, 2020


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Sucks. I remember HuronBob writing to me several years ago, and he was very helpful. What a nice guy, he will be missed.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 4:31 PM on October 28, 2020 [3 favorites]


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posted by Wrinkled Stumpskin at 4:32 PM on October 28, 2020


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posted by Foci for Analysis at 4:42 PM on October 28, 2020


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May his memory be a blessing.
posted by SisterHavana at 6:31 PM on October 28, 2020 [2 favorites]


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posted by wheek wheek wheek at 6:32 PM on October 28, 2020


Definitely one of the voices that stood out around here, and one of only a handful of Mefites I reached out to on social media. I remember when he turned away from the political. It might have been 2016 but it seems longer than that. Previously he had that same Mefi voice of outrage, then he abruptly announced he was done, that he was buttoning for a while, and possibly leaving the country. I was pleased to see him back after a few months and he’d definitely changed. More gentle, philosophical, and focused on the important things. I myself am still too much in the middle of things, affected personally by the Fucking Fuck, but his approach struck me as a very rational and viable strategy for a world gone mad and I’m not sure it’s not what we all should be doing.

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posted by Slarty Bartfast at 8:09 PM on October 28, 2020 [15 favorites]


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posted by Trivia Newton John at 8:53 PM on October 28, 2020


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posted by The Toad at 9:12 PM on October 28, 2020


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posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 9:53 PM on October 28, 2020


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posted by maggieb at 10:32 PM on October 28, 2020


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posted by sammyo at 6:53 AM on October 29, 2020


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posted by greenish at 9:03 AM on October 29, 2020


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posted by lazaruslong at 12:15 PM on October 29, 2020


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posted by kyrademon at 12:56 PM on October 29, 2020


I guess I don't stop by MetaTalk as often as I used to and am surprised this didn't show up on my Twitter feed where I think about half my friends list is connected to Metafilter, including HuronBob. What a sad loss. As with many who have commented above, I was always struck by his equanimity and generous soul. But it was particularly after I lost my own 16-year-old son in 2012 and found myself scouring the site for posts and discussions about grief that I came across his account of losing his own son so many years prior, at the age of 20. It was a critical beacon of light when I was lost at sea in a dark shipwreck of the soul--knowing that it was possible to have your world collapse like that and somehow survive. I'm very grateful that he learned how to talk about his loss and his journey afterwards. It made a difference for this starfish.
posted by drlith at 1:01 PM on October 29, 2020 [28 favorites]


This is hitting really hard. I knew I hadn’t seen him on FB for a while, but it just didn’t occur to me that something like this might be coming. Can this year get any worse?
posted by The Underpants Monster at 3:08 PM on October 29, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by annieb at 4:09 PM on October 29, 2020


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posted by longdaysjourney at 5:38 AM on October 30, 2020


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posted by Defying Gravity at 7:11 AM on October 30, 2020


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posted by nightrecordings at 7:17 AM on October 30, 2020


Like Namlit, I felt like HuronBob was one of those names that was like Mefi bedrock. I'll miss him.

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posted by foxjacket at 10:23 AM on October 30, 2020 [3 favorites]


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posted by fizzix at 10:52 AM on October 30, 2020


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posted by double block and bleed at 5:20 PM on October 30, 2020


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posted by ishmael at 5:49 PM on October 30, 2020


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posted by kinnakeet at 7:58 PM on October 30, 2020


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posted by Dumsnill at 9:26 AM on October 31, 2020


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posted by cybercoitus interruptus at 5:21 PM on November 1, 2020


So shocked to read this. Even after all these years, it's odd to me how someone you only know from posts on one little corner of the internet can feel like such an *acquaintance.*

I knew just some of his background- that he was from my state, had lost a son, did some type of social work.

But mostly I just know he posted good stuff, interesting, thoughtful. Like another person said above, I wish I'd gotten to know him better.

Such a gentle man, I wish he could have been around to see what I hope will be some changes soon.

And my deepest sympathy to his family. I hope it's of comfort to them to know he made such an impression on so many strangers.
posted by NorthernLite at 10:33 PM on November 2, 2020 [6 favorites]


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posted by Kattullus at 12:17 AM on November 3, 2020


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posted by Packed Lunch at 2:17 AM on November 3, 2020


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posted by vibrotronica at 10:21 AM on November 3, 2020


I never met him in person - somehow one or the other of us always managed to not make it to a meet-up although we live in adjacent communities. His voice was always worth listening to - am so sorry to see that he is gone. He made the world a better place with his presence.
posted by leslies at 9:05 AM on November 4, 2020 [1 favorite]


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posted by hap_hazard at 9:19 AM on November 4, 2020


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posted by Mutant Lobsters from Riverhead at 2:58 PM on November 4, 2020


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posted by Ten Cold Hot Dogs at 7:59 AM on November 5, 2020


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posted by ferret branca at 7:04 PM on November 7, 2020


I'm sad to hear this. I know he'd had more personal tragedy in his life than most of us ever have to face, and he seemed to be a exemplar of the adage that sometimes when something is broken, it heals stronger. He will be missed.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 4:06 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]


I am sorry to hear this.

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posted by andraste at 8:01 PM on November 8, 2020


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posted by one teak forest at 11:02 PM on November 8, 2020


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posted by OolooKitty at 11:43 PM on November 11, 2020


HuronBob's voice was a gentle, informed and distinctive one, and his comments framed issues in ways I'd never thought of before.

I bet he'd have been a great companion for a Before Times meal at a diner and the kind of conversation you can have there -- in which one topic keeps leading you to another, and you both still have so much to say after that last cup of coffee. But you know that the server needs to turn over the booth in order to make a living, so it'll have to wait until next time.

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posted by virago at 6:18 AM on November 13, 2020 [3 favorites]


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Farewell my friend x
posted by gomichild at 2:08 AM on November 16, 2020


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I have missed the photos of his puppy and the lake on Facebook and chalked it up to FB's awful algorithm. I never imagined that he had died. He had so much humor and positivity, and I wish I had met him, even once. A good journey to you, Bob. You will be very much missed.
posted by Alnedra at 2:20 AM on November 16, 2020 [7 favorites]


Safe journey, HuronBob. I'm glad our paths crossed.
posted by Capt. Renault at 8:38 AM on November 16, 2020 [2 favorites]


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posted by limeonaire at 9:43 AM on November 16, 2020


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posted by rider at 11:49 PM on November 20, 2020


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posted by nicolin at 6:37 AM on November 24, 2020


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