A Celebration of Bob

Bob Brueckner 1955-2025

This is a reminder to come enjoy Bob Brueckner’s life, humor and dedication at his Celebration of Life tomorrow.

The event will be at the NC Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill, indoors at the Reeve’s Auditorium, marked A in orange, on the map below. Park at the first parking lot on your left as you come in on Old Mason Farm Road.

Forecast is 70 and partly cloudy around noon.  Light jacket weather, although the event is indoors.

The address: 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Get Directions

 Here’s a map of the grounds.

https://ncbg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/963/2021/04/NCBG_masterMap_2021_web.pdf

Please bring your Bob stories. Here are some articles and comments about Bob:

From Carolina Paddler:   https://www.carolinacanoeclub.org/content/farewell-to-bob-brueckner/

Bob’s Obituary  

From News & Observer (Bob’s workplace for many years):

Comments from friends:

Amie Scott

Thank you, Bob, for welcoming me into the paddling community, always being willing to teach and encourage me, for being humble despite your great skills, for never feeling like a river was beneath you, for your joy that you shared with many. Your warmth, kindness, and graciousness will always be remembered. You will be greatly missed!

Angela Wiseman

Bob was one of the kindest people I have met. I will never forget how he patiently taught me how to learn kayaking skills through a part of the Haw River that I usually just quickly paddled through. He showed me the beauty of slowing down, appreciating each rapid, learning to control my strokes and to improve even on small ripples. He had such a kind heart and was so patient. He will definitely be missed!

George Ploghoft

Oh, no! I didn’t know about Bob’s condition and I’m so sorry he’s no longer with us. I remember one trip we took on a small river that empties into TN from the Smokies, where, at the put-in, Bob was stung multiple times by bees, which he told us he was allergic to! Bob got into the COLD water hoping to short circuit the allergic reaction, while we were wanting to take him to the nearest ER. Bob ran the river that day, and had a great run. Good times Bob, my friend. May you RIP. See you on the great river of life and death…

Larry Ausley 

Bob was a great guy and probably the best friend the Haw River has ever had. I greatly respect all of the volunteer work he did for natural resources, the paddling community, and the dedication he always had to the CCC.

Tom Womble

Incredible person. Every time on the river with Bob included gut-busting laughter. I’ll see you at the takeout, friend.

Marcos Harkness

Bob was a constant for me. I first met him in the late 80s, before whitewater was even on my radar … I was an intern at the News and Observer and he was an editor with kayaking pictures all around his cubicle. His hobby seemed absolutely insane to me at the time but even then I remember his gentle passion for it. A few years later I wound up catching the bug and finally understanding what all the buzz was about for him. What a life, and what dedication! SYOTR, Bob!

Matt Thomas

Really sorry to hear this. Bob was a madman in the best ways possible. I will forever treasure the times I got to paddle with him.

Morgan Randell

He helped my daughter and I when she was a nervous youngster paddling the middle Haw. Such a wealth of knowledge and a calming disposition. Will be missed.

Shane Brown

This has been heavy on my heart. Bob cared so much and even though he may have given up the Conservation Chair title, he never stopped working. He was tireless in his commitment and I am grateful to have known him. He is missed.