Robert Charles Kilo, better known as Bob, was born on December 24, 1946; the seventh child of ten to Ernie and Lorna Kilo. All the siblings agree Bob was the best Christmas present his mother had ever received.
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Bob attended Merri Merric School and proceeded to Henty Central School, where the story goes that he was one mark off being the Dux of the school.
In 1962 at the age of 16, Bob started his career at the Alpha Cordials Factory, riding his pushbike the 8.9 kilometres to the factory each day and working for John Rodgers who was a great mentor to him. Later, due to John's ill health, Bob and Lorraine went into partnership with his brother Bill and his wife Ros in 1977 and purchased the business.
Bob had four favourite f-words and a summary of these follows:
The first of these was FAMILY.
Bob's family meant more to him than anything. This cheeky seventh child got away with everything and was often found in the outhouse when it came time for the dishes to be done.
In 1966, Bob started to frequent Dale's supermarket where he had an increasing interest in a particular shop assistant named Lorraine Fischer. He made her the irresistible offer of driving her home in his green FJ Holden Ute. From that moment, Bob and Lorraine's love blossomed. They were married at St Paul's Lutheran Church in Henty on October 3, 1970. Nine years later, in 179, their first son Matthew was born, followed three years later by Travis in 1982.
Bob was the most wonderful father to Matt and Trav. He loved and guided them in every aspect of their lives. He taught then everything he knew about yabbying, fishing and most importantly how to keep the beer cold, declaring "the beer's not cold unless it is on ice".
On the March 27, 2004, Matthew grew Bob's family when he married Susan. They have blessed their Pop with six beautiful grandchildren who he loved and adored.
On the October 29, 2016, Travis added to Bob's family by marrying Hannah Jane Sharp. Bob had memories of Hannah from many years before when he drove the bus to preschool and left her in it at the depot. Lucky, she had her lunchbox!
Bob's second favourite F-word was FISHING.
Bob was the most wonderful father to Matt and Trav. He loved and guided them in every aspect of their lives.
There are too many fishing trips to mention. The things remembered most are the friendships that he made along the way. Bob and Travis could be heard far and wide down the river having yet another argument about what bait to use, or the one that got away. Bob would say, "That was a big one, Thaug!' After 5pm was when things got interesting. Plenty of yarns were spun with Bob's trusty dog Plugger always by his side.
In more recent times, Bob and Trav introduced his first grandchild, Henry Wally Kilo, to the art of the Kilo Family fishing Trip. Henry's fondest memory of fishing with Pop is last December at galore, when Pop caught an 83cm Murry Cod.
FOOTBALL was the third f-word.
In 1963, at the ripe age old of 16, Bob started his relationship with the Henty Football Club. From this time Bob played 357 games for his beloved Swampies. According to Bob, kicking 547 goals, but only 13 behinds. He also believed he was the best left foot kick in the Farrer/Hume League. The Henty Football Club was a second home for Bob where he won numerous awards including: Four times Best Club Person; Best and Fairest in 1970; Playing Coach of the 1981 Second Grade Premiership team and wining the Hume League Medal that same year. Bob fulfilled many different roles for over 50 years at the Football Club including club secretary; committee member; selector; coach; trainer; club caretaker; barman; ball steward and club patron. Bob was awarded life membership which was his greatest honour.
The final f-word was FIRE BRIGADE.
Bob served tirelessly for the Fire Brigade and formed many relationships with its members, including superintendents and training officers over his 45 years of service. He served as Captain from 1981 to 2015 where he was affectionally known as 'Captain Bob'. Some highlights of his time are social events, including belle of Bed. Balls, Christmas parties and especially having the NSW Fire Brigade Band and marching girls visiting Henty. More lifelong friendships were made through going to fire brigade demos over the years.
Bob was prominent and highly respected member of the Henty Community. Bob will be remembered by his loving wife Lorraine; his children; Matthew, Susan, Travis and Hannah and his six grandchildren; Henry, Lucy, Sophia, Josephine, Freddy and Tommy.
