Rest in Peace - Bob O'Connor

[B1PRORACER]

Bob O'Connor

Bob O’Connor was a great guy who always loved outboard racing and he was always willing to help someone out. He race “alkies” in the early 60’s and had a lot of respect for them. He built boats for many decades. The two earliest O’Connor boats that I remember in the 60s were the boats of Don DeRocher -ASH and Mike -BSH (and Patty- ASH) Marvonek. No matter what the decade was, you could always recognize his boats by their distinctive cowls. I will miss him talking to him in the pits, hearing his stories and sharing his thoughts…..

[Matt Dagostino]

My Condolences

I talked to Bob several months ago. I never met him but as a SORC Commissioner wanted to chat with him about his love of Stock Outboard Racing and his desire to get YOUNG people started by offering new boats at prices that reflected 1980's pricing..........

Bob would build a NEW C Stock Class boat with a couple coats of varnish on it for $2000 brand new!! And he quiped that for a extra $50 he would mount the hardware if you sent it to him! He truly was interested in keeping the sport affordable to new and old members.

He was very direct in his feelings about doing his share to try and attract new YOUNG members to the sport and apparantly carried this mindset right up to the end........

Sounds like he was a great guy.

[koconnor]

Hi, this is Bobs daughter, Kathy.....and i would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all your words about my dad....it was sooo wonderful to see how much he meant to many people...I have not met most of you, but I know that boat racing and boat racers were top on his list(sometimes i think we came second, boat racers first..hahah) He will be missed in my heart forever. He was a man that did not want any fuss like funerals and what goes with them, so we are honoring his wishes, but we are having a celebration of his life on July 3 at noon, at his home and all are welcome. Again, THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH

[Team Main Racing]

Sorry to hear of Bob's passing we would like to extend our condolences to Pearl and family. Bob will be missed dearly and all of his great stories.

From the Main Racing Family

[mainer]

Thanks

I would like to thank all you race enthusiasts for your condolences. I would also like to mention that if anyone would like to make a donation in my dad's memory, they can send it to SSOA Commodore Alan Akerstrom. His address is: 39 Beaver Brook Road, Westford, MA 01886. I would like to let Billy Allen know that I still plan on finishing the boat my dad started.

[j hydro racer]

sorry

Bob was one of a kind and will be missed. Our condolences to the O'Connor family.
-Johnny

[L. Allen]

" I would like to let Billy Allen know that I still plan on finishing the boat my dad started."


Wow. That means a lot and I will let my brother know.

There is a picture of me with Bob on Billy's living room mantle taken the day I bought the original Twisted Sister from Bob. And that is where the picture will stay.

Hugs to you.

[mainer]

Bob O'Connor's address

As my sister mentioned we are having a get-together on Saturday June 3rd at noon.The address is 709 Holley Road Farmington Maine for those who have not been to his shop.

[Fast Jack]

Just to clear up the date

Hi , Is the gathering on Sunday July 3rd at the house ? Shawn

[mainer]

Get-together

Jack
I am sorry it is on Sunday,June 3rd @ noon.Hope to some drivers and let them know my plans on keeping some O'Connor boats on the water.

[Dave M]

Condolences

I don't believe I ever met Bob, but I sure heard a lot about him, and how he kept the sport affordable with his boats. Priced very low compared to all other boat builders for a real quality boat.

I am sorry for your loss.

[spunky64w]

Deepest sympathies from the Warnocks. Bob built excellent boats.

[B1PRORACER]

Dave- an example of Bob O'connor's good will. My son and I were at his first race running JH. We had trouble all that weekend getting the boat on plane. To say the least, it was very disappointing to my son! Bob came over to talk to Pete and offered to build him a boat for the cost of materials! I had reasoned that our engine stunk, so I called APBA and ordered a new Mercury. I got the new engine instead of a new boat because I really couldn't afford to do both! I will never forget the offer though... Bob was a really nice person.

[Wild Bill 96D]

I am planning on making it to the gathering, and I will be parking my chevy pickup truck on the street. (I remember the GREAT story he told me about that.) WILD BILL

[mainer]

I would like to thank all the race drivers and friends who attended the gathering today. Your support and friendship has made this time a little better.I will be talking to you from time to time on continuing to keep some O'Connor boats on the water.