Bob McDermott passed from our midst September 30, 1992, a victim of cancer.
 Robert T. McDermott
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Bob, a retired General Motors Engineer, was born in Janesville Wisconsin on March 14, 1930. It was in Janesville that, in 1961, he began his lifelong love for barbershop harmony. Three years later he moved to Michigan and the Oakland County Chapter, where he embarked upon a long and distinguished career of service to barbershop.
A diligent worker at all levels of the Society, Bob served in a number of capacities in the Oakland County Chapter (now part of Detroit-Oakland), including chapter president in 1968. In recognition of his efforts, he was named Oakland County's Barbershopper of the Year in 1971. He worked his way through the levels of Pioneer District offices, culminating in President (1985-1986) and International Board Member (1988-1989). He was also an active member of the International Archives Committee and served as both Detroit-Oakland Chapter and Pioneer District historian up until the time of his death. He was inducted into Pioneer District's Hall of Fame in 1990.
Bob was a showman, as well. He made more than 40 appearances on the contest stage—including five international contests—singing with the Oakland County WOLVERINE Chorus and the Detroit-Oakland Chapter's GENTLEMEN SONGSTERS Chorus (which name he devised). An active chorus member, his bass voice also rang out through the years in two registered quartets: the CONCHORDS and the INNOCENT BYSTANDERS. He emceed several district contests through the years, and he was a certified secretary for judging contests.
Ever a recruiter for the Society, Bob had 13 Man of Note Awards to his credit. One time he brought a whole quartet into the fold upon hearing them singing in his neighborhood.
Always involved in communications both within and outside the Society, Bob chaired a District PR booth at international convention (numerous times). He created an historical display on barbershopping for the Society's 50th anniversary which won an award at the 1988 international convention. It was used again in 1990 when it was displayed for a month at the Michigan Historical Museum in recognition of Pioneer District's 50th year. Bob served as editor of both the chapter bulletin, The Gentlemen's Songster, and the district bulletin, The Troubadour. With the help of Co-Editor Tom Uicker, Bob lifted The Gentlemen's Songster to win the international bulletin contest in 1991.
A member of PROBE (Public Relations Officers and Bulletin Editors), Bob served as bulletin content judge since the early 1970's, and later as PROBE vice president for bulletin editors (1990-1991). In 1991 he was elected PROBE's president, but was unable to complete his term due to his advancing illness. In the summer of 1992 Bob was elected to PROBE's Hall of Honor, in recognition for his extraordinary service to the organization.
In display of their affection, the Detroit-Oakland Chapter and Pioneer District staged "Old Songs and Old Friends," a testimonial in Bob's honor, just a few weeks before his death. It was attended by Bob, his wife Dottie, his children and nearly 200 barbershoppers from Michigan and the Province of Ontario. The GENTLEMEN SONGSTERS Chorus led off the musical salutes to Bob and his family. Quartets abounded with the GOOD NEWS AMBASSADORS, OPENING NIGHT, CROSSTOWN EXCHANGE and finally, POWER PLAY, who brought the evening to an emotional climax with a powerfully tender presentation of "Old Songs Are Just Like Old Friends."
It was a special night for everyone, but most especially for Bob and his family. It capsulized Bob's 34 year career with the Society so well, and it was nice to stroll down memory lane. It was also very touching to see so many old and dear friends with whom so many life experiences have been shared.
Adieu, old friend, until we meet again.
