Robert David McMann 1938 – 1998
Toronto. In 1990, Bob McMann joined the PHSC and became its authority on Nikon history and products. Three years later Bob joined the PHSC Executive as Programme Director and then two years later as 2nd VP. Long before computers became common-place, he put his own computer enthusiasm to good use doing preliminary investigation of the nascent internet and web technology.
Unfortunately, Bob became ill and a year or so later he succumbed to his condition, and died in June, 1998.
He is remembered with an article in issue 24-2 of the journal. “With sadness we note the passing of member Robert McMann on June 9th, 1998 after a lengthy illness in Toronto’s Riverdale Hospital. Bob was a well-respected technician in the laboratories at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, where he had worked for 27 years.
“Bob joined the PHSC in 1990, bringing with him his extensive knowledge of the Nikon Company and its famous Nikon cameras. At the June 1992 Toronto meeting, Bob joined forces with Larry Frank from Nikon to present a Nikon evening. Bob covered the Nikon SLR evolution, and the history of the famous Nikon F, the camera that opened the door to North America for professional quality Japanese cameras.
“His second interest was personal computers. This interest prompted Bob to give constant voice to ways the society could use computers to further its objectives.
“On May 1, 1993, Bob joined the executive of the PHSC as Program Director. After two years of organizing a rich and diverse monthly speaker program, Bob moved on to the 2nd VP position in the society. In that capacity, he performed the preliminary investigations, which supported and encouraged the society to join the wired age and implement its own web page.
“Bob did not stand for re-election last spring [1997] in light of his poor health. His enthusiasm and active participation in the society and at the Faculty of Medicine laboratory will be missed by all.”
