Bob Rosendahl

Hey, Dad, I guess that’s a wrap…
I would like to first say thank you to all the people that have made their kind comments about the man that was the most influential person in my life. If there was any one thing I could say about my Dad is that the main objective of his life was to make a positive impression on everyone he met throughout his travels.
He had great pleasure in taking his teaching talent and being able to explain a concept that could be simply understood. His first time he touched the router was with his 1/3 hp. Stanley and 4 high-speed steel router bits. I remember that he always had a good story to tell, here are a few stories that he has told me through our travels.
I would like to share the following:
My first story is when he was completing the Canadian Post Office in Carnduff, Saskatchewan 1951, as working on the federal government post office job he was missing one piece of a 4-foot length of ¼ round molding. He went to the local building supply store in Carnduff to purchase the molding but they refused to sell it to him because the local contractor didn’t get the contract to upgrade the post office. His response was to sit on the tailgate of his station wagon with his newly purchased router between his legs and make the molding needed to finish the job. That was his first project with the router in 1951.
My next story is about talking to the teacher's conference in North Dakota in 1968 with the objective of the seminar was to talk and demonstrate to 60 to 75 state industrial arts teachers about the most versatile power tool in the classroom. The conference room was standing room only and the subject was the router. In the 2 hour session, Dad build an Italian Provincial Footstool with just the router, he cut the pieces to size, mitered the joints, and shaped the legs. Everything was completed on stage and in front of everyone then assembled on the stage. Nothing was left to the imagination and Dad just demonstrated in 1968 that the router was the most powerful tool in the classroom. He had his first free handout that was a 60-page book explaining what the router just finished in that conference room.
What was next was the first “teaching tool” which was a router mounted in a table that needed to be friendly to the beginner woodworker. They needed to be able to change the router bits easily, there needed to be a place for the router bit to go and it needed to be portable. Dad designed his first “teaching tool in 1979” that had to be easy to use. It was used and refined in his classes as taught to his new industrial arts teachers learning how to teach grades 7 to 12 students of the Industrial Arts Woodworking category.
Now that he was armed with the idea that the router is the first tool needed to get into woodworking then he was convinced by Mom to write “the Router” in 1981. He just hurt his back and was in pain and couldn’t move. Dad wrote the book in 3 days. The Router was self-published in 1982 with the first printing of 2,000 copies. In 1986 it was revised and has been reprinted over 11 times. It was one of his best works and many woodworkers still reference “the Router” as they do their woodworking in their shops throughout the world. “The Router” is an evergreen topic that holds to the test of time.
Next is about Phil G. a person that convinced Mr. Lu from Taiwan that owns SY Tool Company to sell him router bits. You guessed it, SY makes router bits for all the big dogs throughout the world. Why is this story so important? Phil had the local Chinese restaurant owner write a letter to Mr. Lu and it convinced Mr. Lu to sell router bits to Phil. This was the point where the price of the carbide router bit went from $26.00 retail for a dovetail router bit to $5.00 retail with Phil’s cost at $2.75. Phil opened the woodworking market wide open to everyone with an interest in a new hobby. Instead of $2,000 for router bits to get into woodworking you just needed $50.00. Thanks, Phil, your contribution that was so important to the many people that today enjoy woodworking.
The last story for this time in history is with Bob D. from Public Television who was hired as the director to create the first of many series of “the Router Workshop.” Bob D. was instrumental in getting the Router Workshop on public television that first aired in July 1995. Dad was known for his “teaching tools” that were used to help the beginner woodworker complete the router task as seen on the public airwaves. The Router Workshop teaching tools were mentioned like the puppets teaching 4-year-olds how to count. The Internet was coming of age just around this time and in 1996 the Router Workshop was put on the Internet with the first double opt-in subscription newsletter about how to use the router.
Dad, you will be very much missed and thanks to all who were fans of Bob Rosendahl.
Rick Rosendahl

Bob was the reason I got into woodworking many years ago. By chance I tuned to Bob's show and after watching an episode I was hooked. I loved Bob's style of keeping things simple and using his methods I made my first box which I still have today. Bob would be proud of me as I have never worked on any tool without first unplugging it.
I ordered Bob's Router Workshop videos so I am able to look back when I need a refresher.
Rick, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know you were very close to your Dad and will miss him dearly in the years to come.

I only met Bob once at the Kitchener Wood show. But when I discovered the Router Workshop, was when Bob taught me(and i am sure a lot of other people) how to safety and efficiently use this tool. I always got a kick out of his "fine adjustment tool". He will be missed.

Years ago I watched the router workshop and was so convinced with the simplicity of the way Bob made it look that I purchased a router & table and a number of box set videos from his web site. I enjoyed making many items and gave them away as gifts. In the beginning I created a lot of sawdust and then it all came together. Had a tremendous satisfaction creating bookshelves, fancy tables, even books made of wood. Good times thanks to Bob & his son.

There was a man named Bob with a lump on his noggin that had a lot of smarts when holding a router.
It was fascinating to watch the skills of Bob in those half hour shows on TV. All the videos were great.
Bob, you will be greatly missed by us viewers of "The Router Workshop". I am glad I have you on tape.

First, My condolences to the Rosendahl family.
Rick, both you and your father were a life changing influence for me. In the late 90's I was going through a divorce and the work I was doing just wasn't working out when I saw your program on our PBS station. I hadn't done any woodworking in years but I always loved it so I gathered all the tools I had (not many at the time) and proceeded to follow a new path. Not having much money I used all the scrap wood I could find and it's amazing how much there is out there "If You Look". Thanks to your Dad, the Router became my second hand so to speak, used it for practically everything, including a lot of things I had never thought of, like copying and trimming. I now have several routers and I don't know how many bits and hardly a day goes by without one or another being used for something. My new wife and I have a small woodworking business on the internet. I do the woodworking and she is an Artist using both paints and her preference, woodburning. When I get a problem Figuring something out, I'll sit back and think to myself - "How would Bob handle this". Things usually work out
Again; my condolences to you and your family. Ernie and Christine Hunter

Hello. I would like to offer my condolences on the passing of your father.
I grew up at 814 4th street in Estevan, just a few houses west of where your family lived. When I was 11 we moved to Westview, and i still live in Westview.
Your father taught woodworking at Estevan Collegiate Institute when I was in grade 9. I am sitting typing at the desk he helped me make in his class, in 1967.
Nothing fancy, good solid plywood.
I had a visit with him at your store in Winnipeg, guessing late 80's, early 90's. I enjoyed that, bought a couple rotor things, AND his book. I still have it.
He inspired me to get into woodworking, and I still enjoy getting the table saw and routers etc out.
He was a special man and person.
I have included a pic from the 1960 and 1962 Estevan and area phone books, showing the Rosendahl names. I remember in the late 50's when they were promoting the ME4 thing as being the great way to remember 634.

Hello Rick, Please accept my condolences to you and your family. I watched the Router Workshop Show on PBS for a lot of years and I have many VCR tapes to fall back on. That was my thing to record your show every Saturday so I could watch it Sunday morning while everyone was still asleep. That was My Time alone with you and your Dad teaching me the things that I loved. I have bought many of the Jigs and Fixtures from Oak Park Enterprises over the years and they have performed exactly as described! I enjoyed Bob's humor in the shows but sometimes he moved too fast for me so I would rewind to watch it again. You Rick, on the other hand took your time to go through the procedure and that is when I got it. I think the combination of the two of you made the perfect show. I have all these shows on tape and will go back to them over and again just so I can stay in touch with all of you! Thank you for everything that you and your family have done over the years and may you find the strength to carry on!

Mark Aitken

Bob taught the "woods" program at RRCC for my term 71/73. Faced with a bunch of "older in years" students he guided rather than taught. For the first activity we were provided a set of instructions and materials to build a footstool. Bob stood back and watched the chaos. I still have the footstool. I appreciated his approach to teaching and employed it in my classes frequently. I enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the construction of the house on Charleswood Rd., a unique building experience.
He made the world a better place.

I have enjoyed your shows for years. Sorry to hear that your father has passed.
I have not been able to find any new shows, will you be continuing to make shows for TV.

I remember Bob on the Router Workshop on PBS on Saturday mornings. I was looking for a hobby and after watching Bob I got the urge to work with wood. I worked long hours so I had to tape his shows and I would watch them over and over. He was quite the woodworker and showman. RIP Bob. Gone but not forgotten.

Bob Rosendahl

I just heard the very sad news of Bob's passing and I immediately thought of the loss to his family and friends. I am and will always be Bob's very good friend. He was the very best facilitator of learning that I have ever met. If you could just watch Bob in full swing explaining a process or procedure, you could not help but join in on the excitement and the learning process. A well of knowledge and an uncanny ability to use tin can geometry to layout the most difficult projects.
I am reminded of the time that I built a Victorian snow sleigh for my oldest granddaughter. The project had four angled pieces making the box for my granddaughter to ride in, but the angles just wouldn't work. I worked at the college at the time and I asked every expert that worked there and no one could help. A quick call to Bob and he laughed and said-well you have a Hopper Angle. What the hell is a hopper angle? He explained. I cut what he said and it fit like a glove.
To suggest that he was just a woodworker is not a good description of my friend. We spoke so many times of how his life revolved around Rita and the boys and later the grandchildren. He would tell me- guess what they are doing now and the pride and love for his family would pour out. Bob was an incredible woodworker, teacher, facilitator, friend but family was more to him then any other thing in his life.
I will miss you my mentor, my friend, and will think of you often and the many experiences that have enriched my life and that of my own family.
Rest in peace and I hope we will meet again.

Brian and Karen Bean and family

It is hard to imagine that Bob is no longer with us.
It was a pleasure to be in his presence: with the larger than life personality and as a passionate story teller. He projected confidence, love of life and concern for people.
Bob created magic with a router, so much so, that router suppliers would bug him to use their routers on his TV shows and on his router workshops shows in Canada and in the USA.
As a former neighbour, my wife and I were fortunate to be able to witness the construction of his fabulous and unique 8 sided house.
In our perspective, his greatest attribute was the love for his family and his desire to include them in all of his adventures.
Our condolences and best wishes go out to Rita, Rick, Glen and Dean.

Ria & Ray

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Bob. He was fantastic with the router. I have never seen anyone as versatile with the router. His instructional videos have been an inspiration to me as well as the many others he has touched with his knowledge. He will be missed.

I'm from France...I remember I used to watch his router lessons... I learnt a lot from him. Thank you Bob.

My condolences to the Rosenthal family.
I haven't been in contact with Bob and family for a very long time but when I heard of his passing I felt the need to acknowledge a person who left an indelible mark on me. I was one of the lucky ones enrolled at Red River Community College when he came on staff. As much as he taught us about machines, routers of course his speciality, he taught us to think differently when faced with problems. I spent a lifetime teaching, with some refreshers from Bob and Rick at first. Although we lost contact I often referred to him in lessons and never forgot his attitude. Working with young people requires patience and an acceptance that knowledge was meant to be shared as widely and as often as possible and the gift is in the sharing. I recall his wit his love of people and his pride in his work and his family. Thinking of Bob still makes me smile!

I remember seeing my first episode of the router workshop when I lived in Ohio. I would wake up every Saturday morning and tune in to public tv and enjoy every minute of this show . Bob inspired me to get my first router. I then graduated to the Hitachi M12 router , what a joy it was to use all the helpful tips that both Bob and Rick have shown me. I live in Buffalo NY now and would love to see the entire collection if shows . Thank you Bob for all of your knowledge and passion for great woodworking , I am deeply saddened by his passing, but I believe he left a great legacy for woodworkers everywhere.

I met father & son at a router workshop at Colorado State U. in the 80's. I learned so much from that workshop & dinner afterwards...it remained with me throughout my entire teaching career as an Industrial Arts teacher. Sincere condolences from the Aleman family

Bob was my shop teacher in the 9th grade way back in Estevan Saskatchewan in the 60's. He was an incredible teacher and very inspiring. I moved to the US in the 80's and later on this show came on PBS called The Router Workshop. I had no idea that was my 9th grade shop teacher until a visit back to Estevan and my Father in Law and I were watching the show and he said to me " that's old Bob from the high school here in Estevan". Sure enough it was. When I got back home to Huntsville, Alabama I called him and left him a message. He called me back and we had a great discussion. I loved that show. Rick, I learned more from you and your Dad about routers than from any other source. Sorry for your loss.

I will surely miss Bob in all the times I look at the videos I still look at them and have kept up with them all these years I will be sending Prayers for Bob and the family.

I began woodworking in 2002. I had no prior experience with the exception of shop class in junior high school. I began reading and watching TV shows and adding tools as I needed them. I found the Router Workshop program on local PBS stations. Religiously, I watched episodes every Saturday. I learned so much about various concepts of woodworking joinery and how the router was a key tool. When Rick and Bob began the internet educational series, I signed on to continue learning. When the entire Router Workshop series was made available, I bought the thumbdrive so I could watch episodes when I needed to review a concept or a set up. Fortunately, I was able to meet Bob and his wife at their winter home in Arizona when I was visiting my in laws. Obviously, this was a highlight for me. We had a great time discussing things like the "fine adjustment tool" (hammer) or the phrase: "It's not any good if it doesn't fit". I still use those words today. Bob was a great teacher and mentor to me as well as a craftsman extraordinaire. Thanks, Bob. And,I offer my deepest condolences to Rick and your family.

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the Rosendahl family at this time of loss.
As I watched the video's of the Router Workshop, I have learned many different aspects of routing which I use daily. I am not always conscious of the lessons I have learned as I work with the router but many times I see or hear in my head the safety lessons. So far I still have my 10 digits, and i attribute that in a large part to the way Bob and Rick hammered those lessons home. Thank you.
God bless!

I was fortunate to have met Mr. Bob Rosendahl many years back at the Cloverdale woodworking show. He performed on stage just as efficiently as he did on television. He took the time to meet with me and he really inspired me to get in the workshop and enjoy playing with a router and doing projects. He was a genuine gentleman and a great teacher. God bless and rest in peace.

My deepest sympathies I enjoy your dad's show very much will miss him

My deep condolences to Rick and his family. Bob was a great role model and mentor that help me learn how to safely use a router and to create various wood projects! Every week to looked forward to watching the Router Workshop and leaning more about how to use the router. To this day, I still use various items that I bought from the Router Workshop. Thank you for being a positive influence in my woodworking hobby! God Bless. Bill

I remember watching the Router Worksop on TV, and becoming quite excited. I bought the router table and many of the accessories that made the router a tool I could use. I have used the plans to make tables for grandchildren and the church. On a trip out west I even had a chance to visit the store in Elie. The delightful way that Bob and Rick presented the shows was a real treat. Now both my sons have router tables, and are making things for more grandchildren. A man who left with me only the pleasantest of memories. Thank you.

Although I have added comments to this "memories" page, I have decided what better way to pay tribute to Bob than to show some of my router projects that were inspired by Bob and Rick over the years. As previously stated, I worked with the Rosendahl's for years so had the fortune of having many years of "hands on" experience rather than just seeing Bob at the wood shows or on The Router Workshop TV series. I am retired and continue to dream up new ways to use the router - thanks to Bob.

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was such an inspiration to all us woodworkers. I will never forget the first time I saw him on TV. The system and methods that he introduced and used were so unique yet so down to earth. I watched all his shows, bought some videos and the router workshop system and jigs. Still using it.

Bob showed me how to make things with a router that I wouldn't even think it could be done. watching all the show that I could , I now use the router more and more. Sorry for your lose. on a good note it would be great if pbs would re-air all of those shows again in his memory. At different time so we could see them , am and pm.
Thanks for sharing this with use.

wood working family.

bill

I am very sorry to hear about your Dad, Rick. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I remember meeting Bob as Mr. Router as the Woodworking Shows during the 1980's. He demos were very entertaining and informative, as well as yours were. I enjoyed our business relationship with Oak Park Enterprises over the years.

Thanks to Bob and Rick, I learned that a router can do more than just roundover the edges of wood. I first saw him on public television many years ago. Today, I still watch his dvds and still learn from him. I would loved to have met him and taken some classes form him. In my opinion, Bob is responsible for the many router jigs / fixtures available today. My prayers are with his family. I know he will be missed by anyone that ever knew him.

The Router Show was probably the first DIY show I ever saw. Always enjoyable and always instructional. I am saddened by the news. I want to send my Sincere condolences to you and yours during this time.

Bob was my first introduction to routing. he showed me nearly everything i now use most times Thanks for the knowledge

I think I was about two years old when I started to watch the Router Workshop! Mom said as I sat and watched, that I was absolutely memorized by the show! Sunday’s became one of my favourite days for that day I got to watch the Router Workshop! Mom said it was her special day as well, for that was the only time she got cuddle time in front of the tv for it was the only show I watched! I spent most of my time outside with my dad in his workshop! I remember working on a project with my dad and told him I wanted to give it to Bob!! So dad and I sat down and wrote Bob a letter. I will always remember that phone call I got from Bob himself! He invited my parents and I to a workshop he was doing in Vancouver!! We lived in Kelowna BC at the time but we made it work and we took off for the weekend to Vancouver to see Bob! I remember walking into the room and seeing Bob for the first time in person! I was about five years old then. Even though we have never met, Bob knew exactly who we were when we walked in the room! He stopped what he was doing and came and welcomed us immediately! My parents remember it well! I remember my mom saying what a kind man he was! When he invited me up on the stage that evening my parents and I could not believe it! I got to sit with him throughout the whole workshop that evening! One thing that always stuck in my head as I watched his show was Bob always said to unplug the Router before you change the bit. Well when I was on stage and Bob went to change the bit he forgot to unplug the Router!
Bob could tell I wanted to say something and asked me what I was thinking and I said out loud in front of everyone that he forgot to unplug the router! I do remember the people laughing but had no idea why. My parents said I didn’t really notice anyone watching I was just too busy watching what Bob was doing. We spent the next day at the workshop as well and again I was up on stage! I remember after it was all over Bob sent me home with a whole collection of his tapes! That is definitely a weekend I will never forget! Bob went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed! A million thanks to him for making a difference in my life, for his teachings and the kindness that he has shown! Thank you Bob!

Jayden Olfert.

When I started to get interested into woodworking, I went to my first Wood Show in Atlanta and Bob Rosendahl, Mr. Router, was there. I was totally taken in by his down to earth uses for the router. It only took me about 15 minutes to know that I wanted to learn how to use my router to do so much in my shop. I left the show with just about everything I needed to get busy making many fun and useful projects. Over the years I have kept up with Bob and Rick and have enjoyed so much seeing their new and very useful ways of using my router. Bob has given me so many wonderful years of joy in the shop. I am sure there are thousands around the world that feel the same way that I do. He will be missed but never forgotten for all the wonderful ideas he shared with the woodworking world. Thank you and God's Speed!

I live in Idaho. I used to live in Washington State and enjoyed the woodworking shows. My favorite part of the shows was watching Bob using his router. He was a virtuoso and he made it look so natural and easy. I'll admit that sometimes when I got home and in the shop, I found his techniques a little difficult but I learned one thing which I am sure was his message. You can create beautiful products if you have the right tools and you practice. I can still smell the aromatic sawdust from his use of Tennessee Red Cedar. He was unique and one of a kind. He will be missed but thankfully, I have some of his lessons on video. Some woodworkers' teaching methods are to stress how hard it is. Bob's was just the opposite. He instilled confidence in so many people. His demonstrations have inspired so many people and that is a great achievement.
In such a sad time, I hope his family will focus on his ability to and desire to help and encourage so many people to strive to be a better woodworker. Focus with pride on his accomplishments. I will always remember Bob with great memories.

The Router Workshop was one of my favorite woodworking shows. I learned many more ways to use a router. He will be missed by all of his woodworking fans.

Thanks for all the education about routers.

My deepest condolences to you and your family Rick. I had the pleasure of meeting your Dad once at a show in Woodstock, ON. I was left with the impression that there were no strangers in his world, only friends he hadn't met. His teachings and simplified routing methods will live on.

I have watched some shows and really enjoyed Mr. Rosendahl. He knew his work and was fun to watch.
I want to send my Sincere condolences to all family and friends.

You brought enjoyment every Sunday to me, I can't thank you enough. I hope you RIP.
I learned so much from you and your son, God bless the two of you!

Sorry for your loss, He was such a unique person. I enjoyed watching the tv shows.

Many years ago when I first saw Bob on TV he was an inspiration for me. Later on when I met him at wood shows and watched him demonstrate
with skill and humor I was not disappointed as he demonstrated his rubber ruler.
He will be missed by the woodworking community.
My sincerest condolence to the Rosendahl family
Brian McCarron.

When I first began woodworking I knew I had to buy a router so I did. I didn’t really know how to use it until I found router workshop. I bought their router table kid and mounted my porter cable. It sits there still today. I subscribe to their series online even though I kind of grumble to myself About having to pay for anything online. Pretty soon it was obvious that this was money well spent and my skills began to improve. I am ever thankful to Bob and Rick for the skills they have helped developed in myself and I am sure thousands of other woodworkers

Your dad was a very special man, and a wonderful teacher of a fine wood working art. He will be missed. May he rest in peice

Rick -

My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your amazing father, Bob Rosendahl.
I am certain that he lives on in the memories of all of his students, be they personal or internet only.
I suspect the folks who have learned from him are without measure as his legacy lives on.
May the immeasurable comfort of The Lord attend you and your family in these most difficult days.

Ned

My sincerest condolences to the Rosendahl family. I fondly remember the many things I learned from watching The Router Workshop on PBS.
May he rest in peace.
Mohamed

Bob is the reason I got into working with the router. His style of using the router made it easy to learn. I have most of his videos and I review them often.

Rick, I am truly sorry about your Dad passing away. He and I are close in age and I learned so much from your Public Television show. I taped the episodes and would watch them over and over. I bough the table and several of the accessories and they never failed me. Nor did the tips and techniques I learned at your hands. I used this knowledge to make Bunk Bed Doll Beds for grandchildren and others. I have made furniture, shelves and window treatments. I have made ornaments and door treatments and decorations and I made them all safely and efficiently using the knowledge you and your Dad so generously shared with me. I have attached some photos. There are more, but it gives glimpse of how much I have learned and how the "Router Workshop" worked for me. Thank you so much. My condolences to you and the rest of your family. Your dad was a great guy, and I got to meet him through the show and appreciate everything he did.

SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS . WATCH THE SHOW ON TV YEARS AGO, ENJOYED ALL THE TIPS YOUR DAD WAS A VERY SMART MAN,STILL HAVE SOME OF THE TIPS SAVED ON MY COMPUTOR! EVEY ONCE AWHILE BRING ONE UP AND USE IT.

So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I enjoyed many years of your show, & missed it when it was no longer available. Got many a good woodworking tip, that I still use to this day. Condolences to you & family.

So sorry to hear the news. My condolences to you and your family.
Many years ago I watched the Router Workshop on TV. I picked up many tips from your dad. He was a very ingenious person. He will be remembered and missed by myself and all who know him. He would want you to continue with your sharing of router mastery with the public and those that are new to woodworking and the router.

I never met Bob in person, just through the Router Workshop TV series which I watched every Sunday morning on BC's Knowledge network for several years. At the time I was embarking on renovating a church built mostly from fir in 1939. The relaxed, informative, creative and safety-conscious Bob (and Rick) gave me the confidence to pursue our project and use a lot of reclaimed material to effect. This experience in turn helped me figure out how to make various boxes and fixtures for sculpture projects. I still hear his voice in my head when I set up my router table: "...unplug the router first..." Many thanks to you and your family.

Met him a couple of times at trade shows in BC. Bought the entire router table kit at the show based on his great demonstration. Liked his sense of humor....why measure....and his tapping of the router fence with a hammer.

I still watch the video series that I also bought. Good stuff.

Sorry for your loss.

In his presentations of the Router Workshop, Bob was an insiration.
I enjoyed getting to know him both through his books as well as the TV broadcasts.

My deepest condolences to his family.

My Condolences to Rick and all your family

I only wish I could have washed more of Bob and your help about routers, but I had many medical problems,
so I lost connect with your show, and much need information about routers.

My Condolences Rick and your faimly may GOD bless you and your faimly

I used to watch every episode of the show and learned a lot from the shown router usability. I still every day work the same way on the similar router table I build.

Thanks for the shared knowledge and we will miss you.

I stumbled on to the Router Workshop in the middle of Season One, and fell in love with the show. It was like Bob and Rick were my own personal shop teachers, and I couldn't wait for the next episode. I enjoyed Bob's energy, passion for the craft, and down to earth, common-sense approach. Each time I re-watched an episode I picked up another tidbit I missed before. When the website launched, it was great to actually have the opportunity to interact with your woodworking heroes.

When my kids were little they enjoyed watching my RW videos, and loved the idea of a father working in the shop with their child. I shared this memory with Bob and Rick on the Routerforums.com website in it's early years, and Bob and Rick called and talked to my youngest. It was a great memory for us both. She is now in her final year of school, where she is one of the top students in her woodshop class.

Bob was one of the major influences in my woodworking hobby. His no-nonsense, keep it simple approach to woodworking has made it a much more enjoyable and successful hobby. I am truly thankful for all the lessons that he has taught me and countless others along the way.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends.

Grâce à sa pation il ma fait aimer a travailler avec une toupie, Avec ses explication très simple tout devenait facile. Je ne regarderez pas ses vidéos de la même façon, Repose en paix .
A tous sa familles sincères condoléances.
Michel Dubuc

English Translation:
Thanks to his pation he made me love to work with a router, With his very simple explanation everything became easy. I will not watch his videos the same way, Rest in peace.
To all his sincere condolences.
Michel Dubuc

I will miss this great person. I really enjoyed his show and learned a lot from watching him on it. I just wish that it didn't stop. RIP my friend.

So very, very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. When your program was on one of our cable channels, I watched every one.
What a great program and hosts it was. I will miss Bob very much.

Alan Moriarty, Lakewood Ohio USA

P.S.
I had also purchased all of your VHS tapes.I wish I had DVDs to replace them. I purchased many items from the Router Workshop and have used all of them.

I watched your show on TV all the time, my dad was like your Dad always in the workshop building something. Which sparked my interest then I came across your show and was very interested. I then bought my first router table that you guys used on your show and still use it today. Very sorry to hear of his passing.

So sorry to hear about Bob's passing. Condolences to Rick and his family. The Router Workshop introduced me to using a router. I learned a lot watching the show and the skills learned have come in handy over my woodworking attempts.

Rick

Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family. Your dad was such a clever man and could make a router complete just about any task. He will be missed in the woodworking community.

Sincerely
Bruce Beatty

Bob's positive teaching techniques were very inspiring to "take your router out of the box" and do some innovative things which seemed so normally simple and "Why didn't I think of that?" Thank you for all the router tips and jig ideas which have been most helpful in many of my projects.

Condolences to the family and may God grant eternal rest and bless our remembrances.

Everything I know about routers, I learned from router workshop show. He could change router bits faster than anyone else on earth. He will be missed by all. God have mercy on his soul.

Thank you for all the Great Shows! Have followed him for many years. You can always look at the router he is using and be able to tell what year the show was filmed.
He will be missed.

Bob's positive teaching techniques were very inspiring to "take your router out of the box" and do some innovative things which seemed so normally simple and "Why didn't I think of that?" Thank you for all the router tips and jig ideas which have been most helpful in many of my projects.

You was the Best

So sorry for your loss. Very much enjoyed his wisdom and experience. Will indeed be missed... among the last of the true craftsmen....

Ed Livesay

I have one of his router tables. So sad to hear about his passing. So sad.

Very sorry for your loss. You and your Dad inspired me to attempt to use a router. My fondness memories are a father & son working together, its all about familly. Rest in peace.
Lou A

I always enjoyed watching Bobs videos about tips. on router projects. He will be missed very much. My condolences to his family

I watched you and your father for years until they stopped carrying your show locally. I bought my first router and started attempting the items you made. My condolences to you and your family

Just a note to express my sadness at Bob's passing. It seems we are all getting up there, and I am to the point where I attend way more funerals than weddings.

I owe my love of woodworking to the Routerworkshop, I have watched those videos so many times each that they are all resident in my mind, and I can call them up when in the shop and a problem arises I hear in my head, Bob saying "it doesn't matter if your fence is straight!" Indeed, thank the both of you for such a wonderful education, sadly I am no longer to make it out to my shop anymore, being pretty much stuck in my recliner, yet I am still able to care for myself so that is indeed a blessing.

Rest in Peace Bob, and remember you have so very many fans who will love you till the day we die.

Bob was a instructor of mine at Red River Community College, I have many good memories of his kind and good natured soul. At the time he was teaching Construction classed at the College, and I gain all my construction skills from him. The best memories of him that I have was having coffee with him in the College lunch room where he shared his many stories with members of the class. He will be sadly missed.

My deepest condolences to family and friends. The Router Workshop is what got me started in woodworking and I am grateful for the knowledge and skills Bob shared on that program. I am a proud owner of all TRW tools, jigs, templates, books and videos and still use them on a regular basis. He is an icon that will be greatly missed.

I enjoyed his show for many years he always made working with the router so easy inspired us to look into how much you can do with the tool. Rest In Peace

SORRY FOR YOUR LOST, HE WILL BE MISSED, AND GOD BLESS YOU BOTH.

I contacted Bob one time for some advice, now every time I pick up my Router which is every day I will think of him.

Bob, I hope you are still making some sawdust.

I am just one of many of the watchers of Router Workshop who regularly watched you and your dad's show. It was all done in a very interesting way with the viewer in mind. It was always done in a very nonthreatening way, by which I mean you let the viewer know that you didn't need to have tons of high-priced tools to have an enjoyable and productive time doing woodworking with the router. And I always loved it when Bob would pull out his elastic ruler and stretch it way out to measure a dimension to reinforce the fact that there were lots of times there was a more practical way to measure a dimension than to use a tape or a ruler! Like any knowledgeable professional, both of you guys have lots of practical ways to get the job done – but that stretchable ruler was always a classic that made so much sense. It was great when he pulled it out.

I'm sorry for the loss that you and your family have suffered, and I hope you understand how lucky you were to be able to share a lifetime of experiences with him. My father passed away when I was 16, and there are a lot of things I am sure I would have enjoyed with doing with him had I been a little older. I think one of the measures of a person having a successful life is not just by seeing what they learn and achieve, but by seeing what they pass on to future generations. By that measure, your dad was certainly a success, and many people gained a lot of practical information from his ability and willingness to "pay it forward".

I first met Bob at the woodworking shows that were held in Seattle in the early '90's. His presentation style was engaging and entertaining. I then watched probably every Router Workshop show on PBS when it came to our area. He certainly encouraged my knowledge of router technique and usage. Rest In Peace, Bob.

My sincere condolences to Rita and the whole Rosendahl family on Bob's passing. The suddenness of his death is a jolt to everyone...family, colleagues, friends and woodworking students. It makes it difficult to say Good Bye because he was such a fine man and a good friend to so many.
I first met Bob and Rita at a Toronto Wood Show in 1988 or '89. I was truly amazed at how 'simple, easy, clear and slick' Bob did the live demonstrations. I was skeptical that it really could be that easy. I was more skeptical when I realized it cost about $1100.00 + tax just to get started! So I waited 2 years and 6 show demonstrations before I took the plunge (pardon the pun) for a router, table and early jigs. I've NEVER looked back, thanks to Bob and the entire family who have been so supportive of all of their students for years!
First and foremost Bob liked people, all people. That made him a strong teacher and communicator. He had no bias. He believed that everyone can learn and he made it happen. After router demos at shows he answered everyone's questions, yes everyone's. Bob practiced the principles of 'adult learning' even before they were 'formalized' years later. The results are within his students.
The Winnipeg 'Router Workshop' in '92 and '96 were the most fun learning I ever took. The motto in the workshop was "SEE ONE, DO ONE, TEACH ONE" and this still works today in all teaching. We made loads of mistakes, even more corrections and went home with completed projects galore. Always safety First! We formed great friendships between the fellow students. My wife Janet remembers the Ladies Programs. She also met some friends and corresponded for years. We truly were part of the Rosendahl Family, not just for the week, but long term. Bob and Rita encouraged woodworking friendships.
Bob was a student of the Router and he pioneered the adaptation of the router to 'under table use'. How great has that been! In 1982, some 38 years ago and BEFORE the INTERNET he published "the ROUTER" book. It had 2 printings before the 'Revised' edition in 1986. Now you can buy it on Amazon. It remains the 'Must Read' for all router woodworkers to this day. "Imitation is the finest form of flattery". Bob designed and perfected the FIRST Router Table...mine works just fine 30 years later. How many "Me Too" router table designs are there on the market to day? Too many, and they all copy his basic design. A great accomplishment Bob.
Bob was always a gentleman. Whether at shows, doing demonstrations, or when travelling Bob always had time to say hello, and ask "How are you doing?" He really appreciated everything that his staff did and many a time I saw him say thanks to them for the little things, especially a coffee.
In our life time we remember those who have had a great impact on our lives. Bob Rosendahl was instrumental to getting me back into my workshop and "moving the needle" of my capability to make projects and renovate / build. Bob was a "giant of a true man", who honoured his friends and family with honest and wholesome presence and principles. I will miss him. Respectfully Norman Flett
P.S. I loved his story about his relative in Saskatchewan who found and raised a young moose, and eventually trained it to pull a sleigh in winter. When horses couldn't get through the deep snow, the moose could. Innovation began in his family even before Bob.

My memories of Bob, as one of my instructors at Red River College, would exceed the character limit in this space so instead I will let the photos do the talking...Bob inspired (and mentored) me as a contractor through his stories of the building trade in Estevan and his answers to my numerous question about the trade but one aspect of building that held my interest for over forty years was building in the round...Bob liked the challenge. He made it look like fun to the point that I had to build several projects with curved walls. Some of the fun disappears when you get into the middle of these curved structures. The photos show the last curved project that I did. I had always intended to have Bob come by to see this project but never got around to calling!
My sincere condolences to you all.
Tim Stephenson

Bob was a good friend.

I first met Bob and Reta when they were looking for a winter home in Citrus Gardens Mobil Park. Bob stopped in at the wood shop to see what the wood shop had to offer.

A short time later, they had moved into their winter home and Bob joined the wood shop. Bob and Reta were soon very active and involved in the many park activities.

Before Bob joined the wood shop many of us had never used a router or had any idea what you could do with it. It wasn't long before Bob had outfitted the shop with Router Workshop work stations, cutters,bits and routers. Then came the router workshops. He organized and taught several classes of 10 members at a time on how to use the router; starting with making small cedar boxes. It was amazing to see the pride people had when completing the beautiful boxes.

After the classes,much to our surprise, there were all kinds of router projects started with Bob's help and knowledge. There were coffee tables, cabinets,oak cabinet doors,foot stools and all sort of items produced, many were prizes for Park functions. Members would approach Bob with projects they would like to make, and Bob would reply "let me think about that". The next day Bob would knock on your door and give you a jig he had made and explain how to use it with the router.

Bob was an excellent teacher, and we soon learned not to abuse the tools, especially the wood chisels.

His next project was an expansion to the wood shop. Bob drew up the plans, we raised money by having Park dinners and Bob organized and supervised the shop members, we had a good time building the expansion. Next came the cabinets, benches, saw table extensions and many additional workstations in the expanded shop, all organized and the work supervised by Bob.

If someone in the Park needed help, Bob would say " come on we have work to do". There were many new counter tops and cabinets repaired or replaced for people who were not able to have these projects completed.

I know Bob sure had an impact on me, teaching many woodworking skills and introducing the router and how to use it.Bob was fun to work with and will be missed by many people, it was a privilege to have known him

Bob was my woodworking instructor at Red River College in 1985. Though I enjoyed all the courses I took there and got along well with all the instructors, Bob was certainly my favourite. His knowledge of woodworking was extensive. I loved building things and whenever I was stuck on a process, he always had an answer. I still use many of the ideas, jigs and fixtures in my own workshop to this day. I distinctly remember that his class was all day Wednesday. I would be there before him in the morning and also work right through lunch because he mostly let us just design and build.

What I really liked about Bob was his story telling ability. He would regularly captivate the class with war stories about teaching or working in the industry. Bob had all the tools to be a great teacher; compassion, patience and a sense of humour. His greatest skill though was his ability to build relationships. I remember being invited to his house to meet his wife. He always had time for his students and he had great insight into our abilities as well. As a young student, I still wasn’t sure that this was even the field of work for me. He took me aside one day, encouraged me to carry through with the program and promised me I was going to be successful. He was right. Though I only taught industrial arts for a few years, I recently retired from education, finishing the last 15 years as an administrator.

Yes of course routers. And router tables. And building garages. But Bob was much more than that. The fact that I still remember much of what he taught and did 35 years ago speaks to that.

Thoughts and well wishes to the family.

I wish to give my condolences to the family. You will be in my prayers.
Bob was my instructor at RRCC in 1979-1980 I remember is easy going manner and his mastery of the tools and and subject matter. Especially the router. It seems as if he was born with a router in his hand. I remember his octagonal house I talking with him about his propane powered truck. I sad to hear of his passing. He will be missed.

Bob Rosendahl
Always happy to see you, always interested to know how you were doing and always eager to lend a hand or bit of advise.

My favourite memory of Bob was his assistance in making my cottage cabinets. While Rick was my initial guide in constructing my kitchen cabinets at the cottage, it was Bob who completed the project when he saw Rick and I got busy with other distractions. My cabinet doors turned out beautifully and I will always treasure the contribution Bob so generously made to my cottage.
Thanks Bob

I met Bob in 1978, when I started the Industrial Arts Teacher Program at Red River College. He quickly became one of my favourite instructors.
In his classes we learned how to build garages, sheds and cottages. I remember that Bob could do anything with a router.
Bob shared many amusing stories and personal experiences. He was a was a funny and caring man who was kind to everyone. He was a great Carpenter and builder, but he was a family man first and foremost. I learned a lot from Bob and I tried to treat all my students in a kind supportive way like Bob had shown us.
I am so sorry for you Rick and the others in your family.

Bob was probably one of the best profs I had in college. I loved his practical approach to doing things. In many ways he reminded me of my own dad who was also a very smart and practical carpenter. Bob was always one to see the humour in things even if things went poorly. He looked at the bright side as did my father. I watched the Router Workshop and marvelled how he made everything look so easy. I bought the Router workshop book and some jigs and used them in Woodworking classes in high school. Routers became a major part of my classes. I thought of Bob often and spoke of him to my classes, ( "Has anybody seen the Router Workshop? Bob was my prof," I'd say proudly.) My sympathies to you Rick and your family. I remember Bob fondly. He was truly, one of a kind.

To Reta and family,

It is with heavy hearts that we say "good-bye" to Bob.

I was fortunate enough to spend many years working for Bob and his family. My memories are of travelling to wood shows across Canada with Rick, planning week long router workshops with Bob, helping with the Router Workshop TV program and manufacturing router tables, jigs and accessories. Bob was very innovative and creative in designing new systems of how to utilize the router. He could make the router do just about anything - either hand held or hanging it upside down in a router table. He was a wizard with this machine.

Bob loved people and would take time to listen, visit and have a coffee with everyone he met. No router problem was too large or too small for him to solve. He would say, "just come to my workshop and we will figure it out". He helped people from all over North America and always had fun stories to share with them.

It's hard to say "good-bye" to Bob but know we will always treasure the special times we've had with him.
Sending our sympathy,
Brian and June Sprott