During this busy summer season with activities like baseball games, family pool days, lawn care, and graduation parties, I’m also focused on preparing Sutton’s 2025 budget to boost our economic growth and potential. Amidst all this hustle, I received sad news on Monday, May 20th: my friend Bob Solway passed away.
I met Bob in 2017 when I joined the Sutton Volunteer Fire Department.
Bob was always a joy to be around, supporting everyone at fires, sharing fishing stories, helping with the Dug-Out Days chicken barbeque, and cooking at fundraisers. I fondly recall two fire calls: one where we put out a car fire before anyone else arrived being “first on scene” taking his recommended short cuts, and another where he humorously reminded me that firefighters don’t stop at stop signs kicking on the red and blue lights and hitting the sirens.
Bob, affectionately known as “Fun Bob” by my kids, battled cancer without complaint, always asking about my family instead. Despite his illness, he remained dedicated, missing only one BBQ fundraiser before returning to command us with his usual vigor. Our last fire call together was memorable, with Bob looking like a mad scientist, moving levers, revving the pump, eventually getting the fire engine to work with assistance from Alan Quail that day!
I will deeply miss Bob and know he’s now in a place without pain. His lessons on valuing family, fishing, and friends will always stay with me. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the Solway family; Bob was loved and will be greatly missed.
Living in Sutton is a true blessing. As we move forward with our plans for Sutton’s future, let’s remember that budgets and economic strategies, while important, are secondary to the time we spend with our loved ones. Bob taught me that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always time for family, friends, and cherished moments. Let’s honor his memory by making those priorities central in our lives. I’m wishing everyone a safe, fun and family fulfilled Memorial weekend.
