November 08, 2018

I am sorry for the loss to his family, I attended the funeral at Arlington with my mother Raeann Karig, stepbrother Caleb Karig, and stepfather Roy Karig of which is one of Bob’s nephews. I am currently 15 as of writing this and wish I could have known him.

My deepest sympathy to Lyn, Thom, and Dolly.  Bobby/Bob was a very special person to me.  With the exception of his family, I probably knew him the longest.  Our families had cottages next door on Lake George and we shared many wonderful times–in the early days, water skiing (which he taught me) and nights around the barbeque with the four Karigs, my brother and me, and on occasion some others. As the years progressed, Bob would hitchhike up the lake from his night job at Julie’s in Lake George Village and rap on the window to let us know he had arrived.  As we grew older we stayed in touch.  He and I were King and Queen of my high school Senior Ball in 1966.  (Bet most of you didn’t know Bob was a King among his many other accomplishments!)  Through his two tours in Vietnam we remained friends; although holding somewhat different views about the war I respected his dedication and valor. Twenty years ago when I was facing a life-threatening disease, Bob was there for me, frequently calling my husband to check on my progress.  I could go on for many pages about what a caring person he was, but I think you can see how I felt about Bob.  I was glad he found Dolly and was able to share his life and experience much-deserved happiness with her for the past two years.  He was a super person and I will miss him terribly.

Carol Campbell
Norwich, VT

I want to send my deepest sympathy to Lyn and Tom, along with the rest of those that loved and cared about Bobby. He will always be Bobby to me,he is older than me so I can’t really remember alot of things about him but I can remember that smile that would light up a room. I remember hearing stories about what a great person he was and how much is accomplished and the flying of the helicopters in the war.We are all very proud of him and there is a part that will always miss the exchanging of Christmas cards with a quick hello in them.

Love to you all
Kathy Kortright Burgess    

Our Sincere Condolences and Love to the family of "Bobby" Karig . We have many wonderful memories of Bob from Hudson Falls to Lancaster.

We loved him very much and will miss him. We wish we could be with you at this time.

With all our Love
Aunt Merle and Uncle Don.

I met Bob through our shared interest in railroads and the history of railroad freight cars where Bob made outstanding contributions. I just saw Bob at a meeting in in Naperville, Illinois. I’m very sorry to hear of his passing. Its a great loss to many communities including those of us who are interested in railroad history.

Larry Kline
Pittsburgh, PA

I last met Bob at Fort Ticonderoga a few years ago.  We had been exchanging coal car information.  Bob was working on a historical fiction book centered in that area and was looking for author inspiration in the mountains.  We clicked because I had been the S-3 Air with the 2/17th Cavalry (Airborne), 101st minus its helicopter troop in 1967 at Ft Campbell before deploying to Vietnam where I had a Pathfinder Detachment for a year.  We worked with many Air Cavalry Troops and lift Battalions while on the Cambodia border.  Bob helped me with many an coal car article for the C&O History Magazine and we will miss his critics and our professional experiences sharing.  We will miss him very much.

Al Kresse
Romeo, Michigan

I knew Bob for several years as a member of the Ontario & Western Railway Historical Society.  He had a great sense of humor and appreciated a good laugh.  His sense of humor did not abandon him even when he might be in disagreement with the way things could go in a meeting, never failing to offer alternatives and persuasive arguments towards our common goal of making the Society better.

I will miss him very much.
Joseph N. Myers, Treasurer, O&W RHS, Inc.

My sincere condolense for your loss. It is a sad day for me to hear this news,as Bob was the one who always kept us informed of others making their way to Fiddlers Green.
May he rest in peace.
Ron Collins
A Trp 2/17
1/66-12/66

I am one of the ground cav guys requited by Bob to the A Troop Assoc. I have been in e-mail contact for several years, and finally met him at last years re-union in Nashville. He took on a big job doing the re-unions, he really had his heart in doing them. He will be missed by all us A Trooper’s. My condolences to his family.

George E. Brown, 6/66-1/68 VN

I served with A Troop 2/17th (ground Cavalry scouts) in 1965 -1966 prior to Bobs tour with them as a pilot in 70-71 . Although my 1st aquaintance was with Bob through the ALPHA TROOP SITE he founded I WANT TO LET HI HIS FAMILY KNOW HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE BEING ABLE TO CONTACT OTHER ALPHA TROOP BUDDIES

WHICH I NEVER WOULD HAVE FOUND WITHOUT HIS LABORS

JOHN HARRIS -Presidential Citation Tou Moroung 1966 Valorus Unit Award Tua Hoa 1966 Valorus Unit Citation ,Purple Heart wounded in action February 24th 1966 Thank You COLONEL BOB

I am one of Bob’s Vietnam comrade-in-arms from A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 1971-1972. I was a scout pilot in the troop while Bob was an AH-1G Cobra aircraft commander. When we flew together, I always knew that Bob was there, covering my aircraft as I conducted reconnaissance. He was a comforting presence when situations got confused and hectic. You could always count on Bob.

Years later, Bob was the one who contacted me to let me know about the Alpha Troop reunions. Because of his persistence and encouragement, I started participating in the reunions, and rekindled many friendships. I saw Bob at our last reunion in Nashville, TN in 2011, and was looking forward to seeing him at our next reunion. I’ll miss seeing him and talking with him.

My condolences to his family.
Don Price CW4 (Ret)