I was deeply saddened to learn that Robert W. Probst, a genuine icon in the medical equipment business and a pioneer, passed away two weeks ago.
There was a time when if you needed spare parts for Siemens, the first person you thought of was Bob Probst.
Bob Probst was a guy who always met you with a smile and a firm handshake and was a pleasure to meet and to know.
He was also a guy whose word was his bond and if Bob said something to you, you could take it to the bank.
He had a great gift for remembering people's names.
He was also neatly dressed and conducted himself in a professional way.
I don't know if I ever heard him curse or use foul language.
If he didn't have something good to say about someone, he would say almost nothing, and I only can remember one situation I know of where he had a disagreement.
He had a tremendous memory for small details including parts numbers and revisions to parts.
One time he said to me "Phil, you're not wearing a white shirt, what's going on?" I had lost my luggage and had to buy a shirt and because I have arms like a gorilla, the only shirt I could find was blue but sure enough Bob Probst remembered.
I am ashamed to say that I lost touch with him over the last few years, but I am sure if I'd seen him, it would be like only yesterday that we visited.
For those of you who remember Bob, I invite you to
visit his obituary here.
