Bob Erck's page on the Argonne Laboratory site describes him as "Principal Metallurgist", with a PhD in metallurgical engineering. He authored or co-authored over 120 journal articles, many with titles so esoteric they confound me. It's fair to say Bob was a leader in his field, recognized by peers across the globe. His work dealt with saving energy by reducing friction and wear in mechanical components, and it was important, cutting-edge work.
In the Forest Preserves of Cook County he was better known as "Chainsaw Bob", a volunteer who loved wielding his saw and might show up anywhere, on any day, chainsaw in hand. A man in a cerebral occupation, Bob seemed to relish the physical side of restoration work.
When student groups came to a restoration day, he'd often switch to "Teacher Bob" mode, engaging with the young folks on techniques for felling a small tree or proper use of a lopper. He obviously enjoyed these interactions and his scientific teaching approach was readily apparent. I recall seeing his face light up one day when a student was able to tell him the third most common gas in Earth's atmosphere (argon).
He also relished the camaraderie of working with the group and the regular lunches featured at one of our sites. He was locally famous for the cooler packed with "nutritious beverages" that he brought to share with other volunteers.
Restoration in the forest preserves only scratches the surface of Bob's volunteer activities. Bob was a volunteer and President of Westmont Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, which informs residents of the multiple duties and activities of their officers and assists police with local events.
He volunteered as a set-builder with a local theater group, and one year had a small role in a play, prompting a number of us to attend a performance. He regularly helped at a camp operated by a church he supported and was involved in a variety of other giving activities.
Bob was also an excellent photographer, as well known for meticulously framing a photo as he was for his chainsaw and beverage cooler. He had a quirky sense of humor and wasn't above taking, or posing for, some silly picture.
Possessed of a generous giving heart, he donated to people and causes he believed in. I know this from others, not because he talked about it. I also recall more than one occasion when he bought lunch for a group of us which extended the post-workday conversation. Those conversations were always the highlight.
I'll always remember Bob, as an interesting, thoughtful, and thoroughly decent man, an integral part of a community that was greatly enriched by his presence.
In the Forest Preserves of Cook County he was better known as "Chainsaw Bob", a volunteer who loved wielding his saw and might show up anywhere, on any day, chainsaw in hand. A man in a cerebral occupation, Bob seemed to relish the physical side of restoration work.
When student groups came to a restoration day, he'd often switch to "Teacher Bob" mode, engaging with the young folks on techniques for felling a small tree or proper use of a lopper. He obviously enjoyed these interactions and his scientific teaching approach was readily apparent. I recall seeing his face light up one day when a student was able to tell him the third most common gas in Earth's atmosphere (argon).
He also relished the camaraderie of working with the group and the regular lunches featured at one of our sites. He was locally famous for the cooler packed with "nutritious beverages" that he brought to share with other volunteers.
Restoration in the forest preserves only scratches the surface of Bob's volunteer activities. Bob was a volunteer and President of Westmont Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, which informs residents of the multiple duties and activities of their officers and assists police with local events.
He volunteered as a set-builder with a local theater group, and one year had a small role in a play, prompting a number of us to attend a performance. He regularly helped at a camp operated by a church he supported and was involved in a variety of other giving activities.
Bob was also an excellent photographer, as well known for meticulously framing a photo as he was for his chainsaw and beverage cooler. He had a quirky sense of humor and wasn't above taking, or posing for, some silly picture.
Possessed of a generous giving heart, he donated to people and causes he believed in. I know this from others, not because he talked about it. I also recall more than one occasion when he bought lunch for a group of us which extended the post-workday conversation. Those conversations were always the highlight.
I'll always remember Bob, as an interesting, thoughtful, and thoroughly decent man, an integral part of a community that was greatly enriched by his presence.
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