Speed and outdoor enthusiast Bob Dill will be remembered as the Iceman, World Record Holder, Bob-o-tron, Grandpa Bob and Dad.
Born in Sewickley, Pa., Bob graduated from Northeastern University and spent his career as a chemical engineer and the head of research and development for the Whiting Company in Burlington, Vt.
Outside of work, Bob was well known on the icy lakes around Vermont, handing out his homemade ice picks and participating in ice safety classes whenever he got the chance. He was an avid hiker, snowboarder, windsurfer and photographer, but one of his most notable achievements was designing and building the fastest land yacht in the world, breaking the world record in 1999. He spent years building his craft, the Iron Duck, in his basement with the help of family and friends, using some old Volvo parts and a lot of duct tape. A decade later, he helped a fellow land sailor break the record, and he enjoyed watching the progress of the New Zealand team who broke the record again in 2022.
In addition to his world record achievement, he is remembered for the smaller but significant moments that comprise the legend that is Bob. Long ago we coined the term “Bobventures” as those around him would be pulled into his gravity and end up on an adventure with Bob.
Bobventures ranged from going on a hike you never even knew existed — just stopping on the side of the road and saying, “There it is!” and pointing to a very nondescript trailhead with an amazing view at the end — to going to Lowe’s for the fifth time on any given day. From changing snow tires at the Swedish Pit to being taught to windsurf to fishing for eels by flashlight off Perkins Pier to being taken for a ride in an iceboat, there were many Bobventures that family and friends embarked on.
Bobventures also included being squeezed into a dry suit while he tested the ice, as onlookers grew curious about the guy with a giant ice saw carving out chunks. He would bring these ice samples home to take beautiful photos of the crystal structure. He used these pictures and many hours of research and analysis to create a website about lake ice (lakeice.squarespace.com) that has been described as “encyclopedic” by his fellow ice lovers.
We are grateful for the Bobventures we had and like to think that he is out sailing his boat again and cruising along at top speed without a care in the world. Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary; his brothers, William and Fredrick; his sisters, Nancy and Carol; his three children, Jennifer, Andrew and Emily; and four grandchildren.
A Bobventure-themed celebration will be scheduled at a later date.
This article appears in Oct 25-31, 2023.
What an amazing interesting tribute to Bob ! He certainly accomplished a lot while here on earth . His grandchildren will be inspired by his legacy !
Fro Barbara Henegar … Emily and Damon’s aunt
Bob was a walking encyclopedia and made adventures not only fun but informative. Yes, there were those beautiful ice photos, but all things rock too. A hike at Niquette’s Bay was an opportunity to see the earth in a deeper way. He could be trusted to help others feel safe, whether skating, rock climbing, on the water or hiking. He was a wonderful, helpful neighbor, with a generous heart. Oh yes, he was unique. Bravo friend, well lived!
Richard Peabody
Cheers, Bob, we will all miss you. When I lived in Menominee, he encouraged me as I moved from my first bought DN to build my first hull. He helped me write Big Lake Ice describing the nuances of Green Bay ice season in Runner Tracks. When the Navy moved me to California, I discovered he and Shumacker were land sailors, and we both sailed Manta Twins. He arranged a DN for me for DN worlds in Lake Geneva. There from CA, we sailed a tiny sail and flew around the course when there was too much wind to race. He took my young kids exploring the mountains around Ivanpah when there was too little air to sail there. I brought Bob and Bob’s trailer from storage near Las Vegas to a landsailing event so he could sail. We shared a meal or two in Vermont at another DN world’s in Burlington. We last talked last spring when he asked if the latest world record speed record guys were listening to advice from Bassano, Shumaker and the best US sailors. Hail and hurrah, Bob. Hope there are fair winds and smooth sailing surfaces in your presence forevermore.