Vale Bob Eastgate

[Mustang51]

It is with very great personal sadness that I report the passing of Robert "Bob" Eastgate this morning. Bob was a great guy, self effacing but achieved such huge feats in the Australian warbird movement. He is the owner of CAC Mustang VH-BOB but also established a RR merlin overhaul facility, was involved with Winjeels and also returned a Lockheed Hudson to Victoria from northern Qld ( supplementing this with the recovery of a Hudson cockpit from Kalumburu). I was very fortunate to know Bob through the Mustang initially but got to know him far better over many years - including the three of us who did the Kalumburu trip. He was a great husband, fantastic father and just an all around great guy. I am really sorry that he has gone and the warbird community has lost a stalwart in his passing. I am very glad to have known him.

[ZacYates]

I read of Bob's passing on Facebook today thanks to a lovely post by Ashley Briggs. Growing up reading CWD and CW he and his aircraft seemed to be at all the shows across The Ditch and I'm sorry to say today was the first time I'd seen his post.

A sad loss for the Aussie warbird community indeed.

[Dave Homewood]

Sad news. RIP

[vultee43]

Met Bob on several occasions. Great man and always generous with his time, especially to younger aviators. Blue skies Bob.