A Mentor, Friend and Co-worker (Bob Unruh)

What I remember about Bob! I met Bob when I was the young age of 25. He happened to be a “Curtain Wall Guru” that was brought in to help teach a group of new hires how to do custom curtain wall. As a group of new employees in the glazing industry we had no idea who we were being instructed by. Come to find out this man was one of the lead draftsmen on the Petronas Towers, which used to be the tallest building in the world, and he worked on many other significant projects all over the world. Bob never boasted about the things he had done; he was always humble. Not sure what he ever saw in me, but he and I developed a close relationship and since those early days being taught by him, he became a mentor to me and always had my back for the last 26 years. I always looked up to Bob for who he was and how kind he was to everyone around him. He was truly a genuinely kind human being!

I have worked for a few glazing contractors over the last 26 years and every time I made a change, I usually made that call to Bob, and he always reassured me no matter where I go, I would be alright. I can honestly say, he pretty much taught me everything I know related to the glazing industry. Five years ago, I decided it was time for me to go out on my own and start my own company with my wife, to do what Bob always did! I remember having a long call with him around the time I made the decision, and he said, “if I do everything right for my clients, I will always have work, so make sure you do it right!” Throughout the years, he was always there for me, he would always give me fresh ideas to acquire new clients, and he would regularly reach out to me to make sure everything was going well. I am certainly going to miss his reassurance and kind words he always shared with me. As one of our closest friends said to me, “we definitely lost a Good One”. He is going to be missed by many in the industry, but he is truly in a better place now and can finally be at peace.

Many prayers to Bob's Family and friends may God bless you and protect you all.

See you on the other side my friend!

Chris Burdick

I'm so, so incredibly sad to hear that Bob has moved on. He lived up to (and exceeded) all the wonderful words that are already written here. I would just like to add that he was a great teacher. I'll never forget the time I came home from high school with Austin, and joined in on an Unruh family dinner.  I remember being a little nervous, because we didn't really spend much time upstairs with his parents.  We mostly stayed in the basement with some pizza, ping pong and video games - like a couple of ninja turtles.  

Before we all sat at the kitchen island to eat, I washed my hands in the kitchen sink just trying to prove that I was actually pretty civilized. I remember I burned my hand on the scalding hot water that came out. "Ah!", I said while shaking my hand in the air, more surprised at how efficient their water heater was than the pain it caused.  I think Kristy asked if I was okay, but Bob gave a wry smile and jumped on the opportunity to say: "Looks like someone needs the ole hot-and-cold lesson", a statement which I distinctly remember made Austin and Kristy groan. One of them said "oh god", and the other said "heeere we go."  If Kloe was there, I imagine her reaction would have been the same, maybe adding in an eye-roll. 

Figuring this must be some kind of Unruh house secret, I waited patiently while Bob stood up and walked to the sink.  It took about 2 seconds to realize that he was about to give an extremely sarcastic, in-depth lesson of what the words 'hot' and 'cold' meant, and how to identify it on a sink.  I was probably about 16 years old, and just so embarrassed that I was essentially getting roasted by my friend's dad for burning my hand, and also couldn't believe how committed he was to this little bit about hot and cold water.  It goes without saying that no one came to my rescue, I think Austin was dying of laughter at this point.  I assured Bob that I already knew all of this basic information, for quite a number of years now. And I believe he said something like "Really? If you say so!"

It was a great lesson, not necessarily in thermodynamics... mostly about sarcasm and banter...  but more than anything, it really made me feel like one of the family.  The hot and cold lesson was a rite-of-passage, I guess. It's just one of a whole library of moments with Bob and the Unruhs, that I'll carry with me my whole life.  Thank you, Bob.

Sending all the love I have to give to the Unruh family,

Noah

I am saddened to hear about the loss of Bob. 

I will always remember going to Bob and Kristi’s house and fishing in the backyard with Kloe, Austin and my brothers. 

Bob and I shared a common interest in drafting and design. So much so that Bob took me under his wing early in my career at his company, RDU Cladding, which sparked my interest in Curtainwall, ultimately leading me into my career at Enclos, where Bob previously worked.

Later in life, I remember completing my first marathon and Bob was one of the first ones to congratulate me. 

Words often feel inadequate in moments like these, but I want you to know that my thoughts are with you, your family and everyone who knew Bob. I hope you can find comfort in the memories shared and in the love that surrounds you.

Our hearts ache with the Unruh Family.   Losing such a special husband and father makes the world “less.”  May memories be a comfort as you go through the many “ firsts” to come. 

Love to you all.

Judy and other Bob