Tribute to Robert "Crazy Bob" Vanover

It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Manitowoc Airshow Founder "Crazy Bob" Vanover on Monday January 11, 2010. It was Bob's vision, dream and can-do attitude that got the Thunder On The Lakeshore Airshow started over 18 years ago. From the very first "I'll bet we can get some jets in here", Bob was dedicated to building Thunder On The Lakeshore into one of the best small-town Airshows in the country.

It was Bob's dream to bring top military jets to Manitowoc, and when, at an EAA meeting one night, he said he was going to get on the phone and call the Pentagon to get some, one of the folks nearby said "You're crazy, Bob!". He did it, and the name stuck.

Bob was often seen with eyes to the skies the days before the Airshow when the first jets arrived....screaming overhead with afterburners on. He would be pointing, jumping, yelling and laughing towards the skies, saying "We did it again!" For a guy who never flew an airplane, he had the dedication of a fighter jet pilot.

The Thunder On The Lakeshore Airshow committee had the pleasure of working with Bob over the past 17 years. The show has grown, changed and matured. It's grown to one of the most respected mid-sized airshows in the country. Bob was a big part of that.

Today we face the challenges of a tough economy and a need for a few more key people, working to keep the show going. With the dedication of a great team of volunteers, we'll again be able to point up to the sky on June 5th and say "This one's for you, Bob!" We'll all miss you!

Sincerely,

Curt Drumm
Chairman & Producer - Thunder On The Lakeshore