Robert (Bob,Rob,Swiss) A. McBroom was set free from this life on June 29,2013.
• He was a son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a professional and accomplished guitarist and musician for well over 35 years. He and George Blekas with the help of friends established PEDALWORX/a company that made and manufactured pedals worldwide. He loved music, especially Jazz and Blues. He played in several worship bands in the Huntsville area as well as all over the U.S. He was considered by all that heard him play as one of the finest guitarist Huntsville had to offer. He recently recorded with the (BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA). We want to include several comments from his multitude of friends to describe him and his life below.
• He spoke to you through his music and wow’ed every one that heard him play his guitar. He was to have said “I’m not afraid of death because heaven will be so cool and that dying shouldn’t be sad.” He was a fuzz guru. If you close your eyes and think of him, you’ll smile, because he always had you laughing. Had a laugh like Barney Rubble. If you say the word Bad when talking about him it was because he was the baddest guitarist ever.
He was a man of exceptional character, best friend and roommate. Took me to church and led me to God. Always upbeat and funny, an optimist, who found the funny in everything. You could count on him no matter what time of day or night and he expected nothing in return and you would have a hard time getting him to take anything. He was a friend to all who knew him. His friends say he was a brother from a different mother and we know you are smiling down on us right now.
• He is survived by his father, Clyde D. McBroom of Huntsville. His sister, Tanya L. Griffin (Otis) of Rock Hill, S.C., A brother, Randy D. McBroom of Thailand. Sons, Travis Marshall McBroom (Chara) of Huntsville, Ala, Robert Zak McBroom (Kelly) of Jacksonville, Fla, Tyler McBroom of Columbia, TN. Grandchildren, Austin, Gabriel and Christian Of Huntsville, Ala. Zachery McBroom of Jacksonville, Fla. He had numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts and uncles. • He is preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy L. McBroom of Huntsville, Ala., Grandparents Huie and Dollie Gipson of Huntsville, Ala Eula Swafford of Blytheville ,Ark. Aunts and uncles too numerous to list.
• He will be missed by all who knew and loved him . • Rock On Little Brother and I’m looking forward to jamming with you when I make it up there.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 10th at 8pm at the Improve at 200 Oakwood Ave in Huntsville,AL.
3 comments
If you are lucky enough to have one friend in life like Bob you are truly blessed.
He wasn’t just the best guitar player that I know but the most humble and big hearted man that I know. He loved his Anderson guitar but no where near as much as he loved his boys. I saw him go through a Winter without heat so that he could provide child support for those boys. He was as good a friend as he was a father and no wonder we are all crushed by his loss.
I think due to his spirituality he is more ok with this than the rest of us so rock on brother Bob.
My sincere condolence to his family and may justice prevail.
God bless
George (the other half of PedalworX) Blekas
I was shocked to hear of Bob’s death and wish his family the best. I enjoyed jamming with Bob in a friend’s basement in the 80’s and was impressed with his knowledge and intuition on guitar.
I spoke with him not long ago at the Fret Shop and will miss him…
Jam on Bob!
A friend of mine sent this obituary to me. She and I lived in Germany, and the last name rang a bell with her. I met him only a few times when I went to Huntsville from New York City to see his brother. That was many years ago, and I remember how kind he was to a silly girl! I am saddened by his loss. He lived the life many of us envy! Even though he wouldn’t remember me, I will always remember his kindness. Peace and Love Bob! Tonii McMillan, Tucson, Arizona