Wednesday August 5, 2015

Brother Robert; it has been a year since you left us but every now and then a thought comes to mind where I think," I should call brother Bob".
Then I remember I can't do it now as I could do it in the past. Like when I needed a differential modified with a better gear ratio for a vacation trip or an engine rebuilt. Just a phone call would find you willing to help with your expertise.
Then other thoughts come to mind, like good times when we would go fishing on Waukegan's pier with Grandpa Sam or memories of when we were doing tasks for our hard working but sometimes harsh father as young boys. You had my back.
You always told me there was too much fiber optic cable laid for phone calls but I think it would be nice to call to the "hereafter". Maybe you could plow in a little more cable so I could call you!
Brother Jim.

I can't believe a year has past since we lost our brother, Bob.  We have lost a special part of our family and gatherings are a little less lively without his energy and effervescent personality.  I hope that wherever his is, he is looking down on his family and feeling the love.  Miss you brother....Patricia

Uncle Robert, I know you would want me to smile and be happy, but it is hard  knowing I can't call you anymore when something reminds me of you. I will miss that more than words can say. I could always count on you to cheer me up just hearing that hearty laugh of yours on my voicemail. You would always say, "How'd you get so pretty," or "Who loves you?"

You will always be in my heart and I will never forget you as long as I live. I promise to live life to the fullest and keep your memory alive at Austin's, that place will never be the same without you. 

I will always be your "Itty Bitty". I love you forever!

Your youngest, pretty niece,

Lisa "Itty Bitty" Konet

Bob came to work for the company in the mid 60's.  He and his brothers were landscaping and he was hired to clean up some of our jobs.  I had the privilage of doing his shovel and rake work.  It was miserable but Bob was so colorful and entertaining that it made the days go by fast.  Seems I worked a lot of summers with Bob, heard all the stories about race cars and women.  He was the smoothest on a piece of equipment.  From day one, he made a machine hum, made it look easy to operate, and got an incredible amount of work done efficiently and fast.  He stayed with us for my whole career, always trying new technology, ideas, methods.  I was there when we first stuck a cable plow in the ground on the tollway property.  10 people said "stop you can't do that, it must not meet spec somehow", but he did not look back.  After he plowed in the first 5000 ft they just all went away in amazement.  Bob was a genius with the self confidence to try anything, and most of his ideas worked well.  Our company grew and prospered due to his leadership.  He impacted every market where we work, transportation, power, and industrial, and did it with highest regard for safety and quality.  He was a good friend of mine and the family, was very loyal, and is sorely missed.

I can`t believe I will never see you again in Poland. I will never forget you Bobby, thank you for everything you done to me... Thank you for being in my life. You had a big heart and sense of humor.

We are saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Our deepest sympathy to all his family and friends.

Joe and Joyce Sekulich

Bob hired me 25 years ago when he was running the Fleet Dept at Aldridge Electric. He was never afraid to speak his mind and never let facts stand in the way of a good argument. He was a great mentor he taught me alot, he was also a great friend. 
I go Walleye fishing a couple of times a year. When i returned Bob always called to see if I had a good time, if I caught lots of fish and when were WE eating them. He would show up with a case of Corona and a empty belly. Man he could put away some fish. He was over for dinner in June. He had his latest RC creation, we discussed all the mods he had done. he was like a kid at Christmas. 
He lived his life every day, holding nothing back. A lesson we could all learn. I will truly miss him.

I worked for and with Bob for many years. The man truly had my respect. Even though he wanted to fire me for whistling. You just had to love that guy. He will be missed.

I am sorry to hear that Bob past away, still young. I started working with him at Aldridge in the early 70's doing underground work. He was a lets get it done type of guy and got along with all workers.
I personally learned a lot from him.
To the family and to all the workers that knew him at Aldridge, my condolances, he will be missed

George Pieracci, Highland Park, Ill.



To Bob's Family
The passing of Bob is a such loss for all of us that knew him. He was a major influence on my life and Aldridge Electric.  For many decades Bob inspired a culture of innovation at the company with his creative mind and firm grasp of plain old common sense. With his wonderful curiosity he developed an incredible understanding of how things worked in the mechanical world of electronics,hydraulics and all kinds of motors. Never satisfied with the status quo,Bob constantly refined ,invented and reinvented all of AE's equipment and construction methods , always with the goal of making our company's work place the industry leader in safety , productivity and quality. Bob loved to hire , mentor and train people , positively impacting many a career in the electrical underground trade.
I will remember Bob's  kindness and generosity to countless people, his love of all things of Poland ,his zest for life, his truly unique person. 
Bob Malek was a dreamer with boundless self confidence,uncanny common sense, intellect to match and relentless drive that made so many of the dreams come true. And he inspired some lucky people he touched to believe in their dreams.  Like me. 
I will miss my good friend, The Bob.

My deepest sympathies to the Malek family. It has been years since I have been in touch, but the memories are still vivid. The many nights spent in the garage wrenching on sleds, Robert welding up the latest set of go fast pipes, the road trips, the stories, the life experiences, thanks Bobby for sharing!

Remembering a great man who got me started in the construction industry.  I looked forward to Monday mornings following a race for the usual Ford vs. Chevy rivalry.

The family is deeply saddened by the loss of our brother Robert.  We are touched by the many friends that have offered their condolences.  Rest in peace my sweet Bobby.  Carolyn Hamkins

Was truly a shock to hear that bob has left this life .but happily on to another  l will truly miss him  a  great  co worker  and friend

To Bob's Family

I'm truly sorry for your loss. Bob was the most unique person I've ever had the pleasure to work with. It was because of Bob's  mentoring, guidance and knowledge that I was able to move up the ladder so quickly at Aldridge Electric. I'll always remember the "pre-job planning sessions" where ingenious gadgets and ideas flowed from Bob's brain like water out of a faucet. He left an impression on everyone he met. The construction industry has lost a true pioneer, but heaven is in for treat.

Brian "Hard Rock" Weir

To the Malek Family, I am truly sorry for your great loss.  Bob's honesty, energy, and enthusiasm for life were inspiring for me in both my construction career and my personal life.  He was never satisfied with simply doing things right.....he pushed us all to do the right things right.  I can honestly say I'm a better person because of Bob's mentoring and the many lessons he taught me.  I will carry them with me always.  Knowing Bob was a true priviledge and I'm thankful to have been one of the priviledged.

To the Malek Family, including all who respected and loved Bob,
The years went by way to fast, I will always remember the get it done no excuses attitude that Bob brought to the table whether in the office planning or in the field where the rubber met the road. Bob had the insight and talent to do the work yet would give an ear to others ideas, that's what brought us together, fast cars also got us going. As Shoes once said thanks for putting up with me and being a friend.You were one of a kind and we are all thank full for that.

To the Malek Family,
I am deeply saddened and truly  stunned in the sudden loss of your loved one, Bob Malek.  He called this Monday to chat about combined hydraulic circuits on the digger derricks being built these days.  I wish I had known that would be our last conversation.  I could have told him how much he meant to me and how much he was appreciated.  I would never have guessed when hanging up on him mid rant so many years ago, that I had just gained a mentor and true friend for the rest of his life and most of mine.  I worked directly for Bob and shared the same work space with him at AE for ten years.  He was the best boss I ever had, period.  He possessed the boldest personality I have ever encountered and produced the most devious laughter I have ever heard.  Working for Bob was an adventure to say the least and you learned something new every day.  He was extremely knowledgeable, experienced and full of bright ideas that he was always willing to share and I was always there to listen.  I really loved that job.  He was a great leader, always building up his people, which earned him a great deal of respect.  A rarity in this day and age.  We will sorely miss his candor, humor and his down & dirty love of the job.  I will miss his visits to the shop, and his checking in, in general.  We will never forget the original Maverick or his passion for efficiency, horsepower and speed.  The blue oval and yellow iron warrior will live on in all of us fortunate enough to have known him.  Rest in peace our good brother, we'll see you on the other side.

OBITUARY

Robert A Malek

August 13, 1943 – July 8, 2014

Marsh Funeral Home

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