I'm sorry to report that Bob Waechter, a long time member here on the V8Buick forum known as "66gsconv" passed away today after a courageous 2+ year battle with brain cancer. Those who knew Bob or read his posts remember that he was a devoted fan of the nailhead, and a prototypical hotrodder. He corresponded often with me, Tom Telasco and GSGTX (Joe) and others both on the board and off, spec'ing particularly effective cams profiles and just dreaming up ways to go faster. He was an effective self taught head and manifold porter, and managed to pull the best flow numbers out of nailhead heads than any porter before him. He had one of the meanest 66 Gran Sports out there, and was not afraid to tear it apart and find ways to modify it, including the installation of a very trick 200R4. He was not only passionate about hot rodding and Buicks, he was also a dedicated family man and skilled union electrician. He leaves a wife and two daughters who he adored, so much so that he went to great lengths to support them in lean periods of work. I recall that after a bruising layoff one year, he gladly commuted two states away on a weekly basis for almost a year to make sure they were provided for. He was fortunate to find work for the State of Missouri soon after, and was terrifically proud of his work on the St Louis Arch. I'm trying to find it, but he sent me a particularly beautiful shot of him replacing aircraft warning lights on top of the crest of the arch, with the entire city beneath his feet. I'll try to dig that one up for you all. I'm sure there's many of us who could share stories of Bob's genius and generosity, positive attitude and skill, and invite you to do so here . I'm sorry that I cant tell you any of the official information on his calling hours or official memorials, perhaps Joe will have more information for us soon. In the meantime, please keep Bob and his family in your prayers.
I didn't know Bob sorry to hear about this my condolences to you and his family will pray for all of you.
I did not know Bob but wish I had. Your post makes it obvious he was a terrific person. My sympathy to his family and may he rest in peace.
I've known Bob for MANY years BEFORE he knew how to set timing. We would spend hours on the phone talking Buick & personal things about family, etc. HE will be sorely missed & has been since this ALL started. To Bob, his wife & two girls. RIP Bob. One person who learned from scrap & endured. For his wife & girls. Now you don't have to see the suffering any longer or the frustration. I for one LOVED this man!!!! AGAIN, Bob will sorely be missed by myself. Tom T.
So sorry to hear the news. Bob was extremely talented, knowledgeable, and very passionate about Buicks. I am honored to have known him and been able to call him a friend. He will be missed by many, sincere condolences to his family.
Some pictures that Joe sent me, including the one I described. Joe also reminds me that Bob was a veteran and avid biker. More information has become available on his services at this site: https://www.archwaychapel.com/obituaries/Robert-Waechter/#/ServicesEvents#!/Obituary
Did not know the man, but sounds like he was a great human being. My thoughts and prayers for his family and friends, very sorry for your loss.
Sorry for his family's loss, and the loss to the Buick community. Thanks for letting us all know about him.
I did not meet him either but certainly can relate to what he felt was important. Sounds like he was a great guy. RIP 66GSConv.
Hi, I didn't know him either, but most likely read a few if not all the post in the nailhead section and helped me gain more appreciation for the engine design. My condolences to his family, friends and the Buick community. Regards,
man, i may not of known him, but I sent all my prairs to the family and members on here and close friends
I wondered what happened to Bob, I remember reading his posts about porting N/H heads, very funny and informative, without me even knowing him he seemed like a great guy, I'm sure he'll be greatly missed by all. May he RIP or whatever it is that we do after we leave this world?
