Beakerbob

[jimsflies]

The reefing community has suffered a massive loss. It is with great sadness that I am informing you that Bob Avery (aka beakerbob) passed away yesterday after a heroic battle with cancer . Bob's generosity and photography were appreciated by reefers around the country.

Bob served as a director for the Mid-Michigan Marine Club since its inception 10 years ago. For a number of those years he served as President. His work with the Mid-Michigan Marine Club help grow our swap into the largest coral reefing event in Michigan.

I had the privilege having Bob as a best friend. We rode together and attended nearly every frag swap in Michigan over the last dozen years. We served as moderators together on MichiganReefers.com. We worked in the same department until he retired a couple years ago. Bob was also a master home brewer and a fabulous woodworker. We never lacked for conversation when we were together. He helped me countless times from stuff with my tank to projects around my house.

Immediately after the Lansing swap this year, Bob felt ill and went into the doctor for what he thought was a routine cold. Tests revealed that he had leukemia and further testing revealed it was a particularly aggressive variant. Bob spent the past eight months fighting the fight. He had been in the hospital since June. Bob didn't make it widely known that he was sick and kept his situation mostly to himself.

While it became increasingly apparent he wouldn't win the battle, I did not expect the suddenness of his death. I last saw him a couple days before the Flint swap and he had been talking about getting out of the hospital for the first time all summer. I had a quick email exchange with him last weekend to determine if he was still in the hospital to drop in for a visit.

Bob's family has decided to have a memorial service in a month or two. Bob's son Laren (aka Son of Bob on the forums) mentioned to me that the family wanted to get Bob's corals out into the community so that all of us can remember Bob as we enjoy our tanks and spread Bob's love of reefing in the community. As more details are known, I will keep you guys informed.



A couple of my favorite photos that Bob took:

[Hopkins]

What a huge loss to the community. Bob was always one of the first people that I would look for at swaps or other reefing related events. I have never met another person so knowledgeable, caring and just happy in general. I was able to obtain a frag from him at the last swap I went to. You can guarantee that I will be keeping that piece in any tank that I have from now on, as a memorial. The reefing world is a little darker today, but we are all better for knowing Bob. Please keep us updated on the event, I am sure that many people would like to come out and celebrate his life.

[bigbill]

he will be missed greatly sad day in the saltwater community

[MizTanks]

My heart is broken He was always available to me with my many questions...even sending me his home made fish food...I will miss him very much....all my thoughts and prayers going out to his family....Rest In Peace @BeakerBob ((HUGS))

P.S.
Jim I'm so sorry you have lost your friend You are in my thoughts and prayers ((HUGS))


Sent from my iPhone 4s via Tapatalk.

[Mike]

This is a shocker. I haven't been around a lot lately but Bob was an awesome guy. This is really sad.

[Poseidon]

I am in shock, I've been talking about Bob all day to my friends, I can't believe he is gone. Jim, I know you and Bob were close, you were the first person I thought of when I read the news.

My best wishes to Bob's family, and all of us as "reef family", there is no replacing him.

[waynesreef]

So sad to hear this. Bob, great guy, he will be really missed.

[tdb320reef]

I only met Bob once when I won the LED fixture at the Lansing SWAP but it is sad to lose a fellow reefer. RIP!

[jimsflies]

Thanks for sharing the photo Mike (@Poseidon). If anyone else has some photos of Bob, I would love to have them posted here.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Such sad news. Bob was the man. His skills with a camera, friendly demeanor, and generosity are a few of the admirable qualities that the reef community has lost. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Tom