Those of you who are PAMPA members will probably recognize the name Bob Kruger. Bob is the tireless volunteer who takes the Stunt News raw files after editing and layout and makes them ready for publication on the PAMPA website, and for print and CD versions of the magazine/newsletter. Bob has performed this task at no charge to PAMPA for several years. He did not want any public recognition of this service; he just wanted to serve our community in the best manner that he could.
About a month and a half ago Bob was in a terrible automobile accident. Apparently they had to extract him from his mangled Ford Explorer with the "Jaws of Life." Miraculously he was not "mangled" outwardly in the crash, but his internal organs were moved about and bruised. In the hospital he contracted pneumonia, and nearly died. He made a fair recovery and he called me after he was discharged from the hospital. I had no idea that he'd been in a car crash or that he was injured. He sounded very weak on the phone, and I told him not to worry about posting Stunt News and that we'd make other arrangements until he was better and ready to resume his normal routine (Which he indicated strongly that he wanted to do...). Our printer told us that he could perform the tasks that Bob usually did for us, and get stunt News for Jan/Feb up and ready. And, he did that...
As per Bob's instructions, I had Liz Helms (Our layout and graphics person) send him the finalized March/April Stunt News files for posting, but more than two weeks went by with no word from Bob. Then I received the following from his wife, Cindy in an email. I'm quite certain that Cindy would not mind me posting her note to me here.
"Hi Bob: I am sorry to have to let you know that Bob is gravely ill. We discovered underlying health problems after his car accident. I'm sorry I haven't gotten in touch sooner. I could not find your contact info as it was on Bob's computer which is password protected. I finally realized that I could access his email through his cell phone. Bob values your friendship very much And I knew he would want you to know. I fear he will not be with us much longer. He is in hospice care now. - Cindy"
This is just terrible news. Bob is not only a great volunteer, he's also a very good and humble man, and he's been a wonderful friend for many years (I first met Bob in 1972). Bob served our country as an Army Airborne Ranger with distinction and decoration, and he truly loves this great hobby of ours. Please, please keep Bob in your thoughts and prayers.
Bob Hunt