The Puget Sound Grand Banks Owners Association joins the maritime community in mourning the passing of Bob Smith, founder of American Diesel Corp, and a truly legendary figure in the maritime community. From Brian Pemberton, President of PSGBOA:
“Sad news at the passing of Bob Smith. Bob was the engineer who designed and oversaw the production of the Ford Lehman engines. For many years they were the standard for most Grand Banks. For many years Bob was a regular speaker at the PSGBOA Rendezvous bringing engines to run at the show and use as teaching aids. Bob was the unofficial historian of Grand Banks and more than once gave presentations on the history of Grand Banks. We will miss Bob.”
Bob Smith joined PSGBOA at many Grand Banks Rendezvous here in the Pacific Northwest over the years. Rendezvous attendees greatly enjoyed his incredible knowledge base and willingness to listen and answer questions. We will miss Bob!
This is indeed a very very sad news. I was lucky to have a one-on-one dinner with Bob one time after one of his all day seminars in San Diego. Our conversation covered a large range of topics during dinner and I was amazed by his wisdom, knowledge (not just on diesel engines, on which he was a legend), and kindness. I will miss seeing him and listening to his wisdoms and wonderful stories.