Bart Kamen

FIRST General Forum
#41

I was one of the lucky ones who got to know Dr. Kamen casually through FIRST, as well as his wife and Libby. I loved watching him encourage the kids and cheer them on during game play at competitions. His conversations were always fascinating, and I relished the time I was able to spend with him. Dr. Kamen inspired me in so many ways. I will miss talking with my role model, but will never forget what he taught through his words and deeds.

Libby, I hope that you and your mom will make it through this difficult time by relying on the wonderful daily memories you have of your dad, and knowing that he made a difference to so many kids - especially the ones who are alive today because of him.

#42

I first met the Kamen family at the 2006 Montclair Mayhem post-season event. My son Pace was in 8th grade, and he and a friend partnered with Libby Kamen and a friend to use an old Raider Robotix robot as pre-rookies getting introduced to this program, well before teams 1807 and 1923 existed. Dr. and Mrs. Kamen explained to my wife and I just what this program was all about, and we felt welcome right from the outset that this was going to be something great. I subsequently was inspired by Dr. Kamen during many of the introductory speeches he gave at FIRST kickoff events at Montgomery.

He will be missed…

#43

On behalf of the Grease Monkeys and myself, I like to send or deepest condolence to the kamen family for thier lost, he is in a much better place, watching over his family and the entire FRC community

#44

Dr. Kamen was such an inspiration to us all. I and the RoboBees send our deepest condolences to Libby and her family at this time of grief. He and his influence will be missed. We will be keeping the entire Kamen family in our thoughts and prayers.

#45

I only had the opportunity to meet him once, when he judged us for Chairman’s at CMP in 2011, but Dr. Kamen made you feel like you’d known him forever. I’ll never forget his calm, friendly attitude, and how he helped my high school team continue to be inspired in what we do. RIP Bart Kamen

#46

I am very sorry for your loss… I didn’t know your father, but I heard enough stories to be sorry about it.
I hope you and your family can find comfort at this dark time.

God bless his soul.

#47

Here is a link to the obituary. What an amazing man. I feel fortunate to have known him.

http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary.aspx?pid=160166573#fbLoggedOut

#48

I honestly choked back tears when I heard the news. What an amazing, inspirational man.

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet him, even if it was only briefly at CMP 2011. I was staying with Libby, but arrived in the city before her, so I had to meet with him to get my room key. He was very kind, asking me about where I was from, asking how the ride down was, asking a bit about my team, and making sure I was excited for the event. I was completely alone in the city at that point, and that small exchange really calmed my nerves and made me feel less alone. I saw him a couple more times throughout the weekend, and he always greeted me and asked how I was doing. I wish I had had more opportunities to talk with him; what a fascinating and friendly man!

Rest in Peace, Dr. Kamen.

#49

Dr. Kamen had a strong case of Old World Manners. His manners and his grace resonated from within; they were just part and parcel of who he was. We see them reflected in Libby. They were really something.

I’ve been thinking about Ian’s post about moving chairs out of the way as he moved through a tent. I’ve been thinking about it a lot. :slight_smile: What I’ve come up with is that Dr. Kamen was clearing a path and putting the chairs back where they belonged for the people that would come later for other gatherings in the tent. It just sounds like something he would do. Kind of, leave it better than you found it.

Jane

#50

On behalf of FIRST Team 375(The Robotic Plague), we send our condolences to the Kamen family. Bart Kamen’s inspiration and dedication towards others was the foundation of Gracious Professionalism we should all strive to imitate.

#51

Sorry to bump an old thread - I just realized I hadn’t really gotten a good ‘thank you’ to you all. Life’s been blurry for a little while.

I’ve gotten so many wonderful messages from FIRSTers and it means so much to us. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We feel the love.

See you during the season, all.

#52