Today, we said goodbye to the man that inspired us all. Team 107 Mentor, Bob Bonczyk, passed away following complications after a heart attack he had on December 14th.
Bob had been a FIRST Mentor for 30 years. In that time he won the Michigan State Championship Woodie Flowers Finalist Award, volunteered hundreds of hours at events, mentored FTC Teams and poured everything he had into Team 107.
The lessons Bob has taught us will live on for years to come through our students, mentors and alumni. He impacted hundreds of students through his time in FIRST.
Our hearts are broken and we continue to pray for Bob’s family through this impossible time.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Psalm 46:1-3
I remember Bob from when I was a student and saddened to hear of his passing. Thank you for the wonderful words of remembrance @TheRealJamesOo and thank you Bob for all of your work and inspiration to the FIRST community.
Bob was one of the first people to welcome me into this program back in our rookie year. Every year since then I have always enjoyed our conversations and the few times we got to coach side by side and the advice he was always willing to share.
It is sad to see this news. I always looked forward to seeing Bob at States and to catch up briefly. Even better when we could coach matches together. We’ll celebrate all the great value he added to the FIRST community.
I know I’m among countless students on other teams who crossed paths with Bob during his time in FIRST, but he was certainly a person you couldn’t help but run into a lot and remember if you spent enough time around the program. I’ll always remember his friendliness on and off the field, regardless of if we were crossing paths as partners or competitors. May he rest easy, my condolences to those feeling this loss.
I was in such shock when I heard this, RIP Bob! You were an inspiration for all of us. While we didn’t cross paths often, when we did there was always good conversation over the years. You were one of a kind and always so genuine, I will miss our conversations for sure. FIM won’t be the same without you.
Condolences to his family and to 107. Bob will missed for his kindness and bright energy he brought to every competition we crossed paths with. I will miss our conversations, but I have no doubt that 107 will continue to be strong and build upon what Bob contributed to them and to FIRST.
Thank you Bob.
I have learned so much from you in the short time we knew eachother. A standout memory of mine will always be the two times we were on the west-side of the state.
2023 West Michigan District: 27 won against 107 in the lower bracket playoff match, I (human player) turned to Bob after the match and shook his hand. “Go on and win it all now” he said to me, so we did.
2023 West Michigan Robotics Invitational: We had won the offseason event, and Bob was the one to present the trophey to me in the evening. “You’ve done it twice now kid” he spoke as he handed the trophey over.
Thank you Bob and all of 107 for the amazing memories, he was a man of faith who inspired many. Peace to his family, both blood and robotics.
When they did the recognition of mentors by number of years of service, Bob was often one of the last still standing. His contribution to his team, WMRI, FIRST in Michigan, and FRC cannot be recognized enough.
Beside that, he was a truly nice man. I consider Bob to be one of the top mentors I’ve ever met, in the ranks people like of Andy Baker and Dave Verbrugge. We would trade quips and I always looked forward to events where Team 107 was competing.
I pray for his family (wife, daughters, son-in-law and grandchild) that they may find the peace that their faith will give them. You will be sorely missed, Bob.
Bob was one of the best I met. When I started mentoring I can remember talking to Bob and have sought to model myself after him and his passion. I was looking forward to competing with him and his team this season and he will be missed. Best wishes to Team 107 this season.
Bob’s family has setup a scholarship fund in Bob’s honor. Donations can be made to help continue his good work for future FIRST Robotics students: https://gofund.me/ed6ca25e
Rest in Peace Bob. You were a FIRST OG and I will always learn what you taught me in my early days in FIRST. Hug loss for First in Michigan and FIRST in general.
Rest in peace Bob, FRC has lost a great mentor. Bob was always a pleasure to work with, and with my high school team being right down the road from 107, I was lucky enough to work with him often. He helped shape my FIRST experience and it is hard to imagine the program without him. He will be missed.
Rest in peace Bob, I worked with him at a 'lot of events and it was always really great talking with him. I even remember seeing at events helping out other teams with there robots and shearing his wealth of knowledge with them as well. Bob will be missed dearly in the FRC community but also in FIRST in Michigan and in FIRST in general.
