[arisakadogs]

Got some sad news today from Gary Nila. Bob Faris, who supplied many of the weapons for our AZ shoot, passed away last week. He wowed many of us with his extensive collection of almost any kind of firearm one could imagine.
He will be sorely missed.
He's in the foreground in this photo taken at one of our restaurant outings at the event this past year.

 

[Edokko]

Oh no, that's really sad. He looked like he'd still tick along another decade or so at least..... dang....

 

[CW]

I was worried that opening up this post would be bad news. My condolences to all.

 

[Vicasoto]

To all in Banzai and the Board :

A great loss to one and all with the passing of Bob Faris from Arizona . A very kind and generous person to all who came in contact with him, and those who had the pleasure of seeing his home and collection were in for a rare treat . Shame that the good ones have to go way too soon. My condolences to his relatives and friends.
Vicasoto

 

[Riceone]

I had the rare privledge of meeting Bob when he was 78. Never have been able to satisfactorly tell anyone what all I saw. He was very gracious and allowed me to take pictures with only one stipulation - don't tell where they are and I haven't. I hope the collection is saved.

 

[garfield's dad]

It's my unerstanding that his collection is going to the NRA Museum-Haven't had a chance to talk to George yet to confirm that-

 

[Jareth]

what did this gentleman collect?

 

[arisakadogs]

what did this gentleman collect?

Everything!
And, I'm not kidding

 

[okha]

He will be missed, several years ago his 92 was the first machine gun I shot at one of Langleys shoots. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share your precious toys, RIP Bob.

 

[CW]

Here's a link to an article that had appeared in Small Arms Review.
http://www.smallarmsoftheworld.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=512

I only met him once. You couldn't believe some of the MGs he had!

 

[garfield's dad]

For those who are interested,there will be a memorial service for Bob at Paradise Cemetary on Wed. Feb. 29th at
10:00AM- The cemetary is located at 9300 E Shea Blvd in Scottsdale,Arizona-Jim

 

[Trenchwarfare]

Rest In Peace, Bob. Prayers out to his family. Just read part of Bob's interview, in S.A.R. Thanks for the link CW. People like Bob, make you feel like you've done absolutely nothing with your life. Fascinating man, with a fascinating life.

 

[Quigley]

Friends,
Two images of Bob Faris.
Q

 

[smzeigler]

Sorry to hear about Mr. Faris. I'd like to live that long and have such an extensive collection. I am disappointed to hear his collection is going to the NRA. That is a lot of firearms permanently removed from the private collecting community. However, I do respect his decision. I suppose it is better than my wife setting my collection on fire in the front yard - the ultimate funeral pyre. Nah, she knows what my meager collection is worth, and I am slowly getting my kids hooked.

Shannon

 

[Francis C. Allan]

Bob was one of the good guys for sure. He was working as an advisor to Interams when the Siamese Mausers and the ammo first came in from Thailand. He was the guy who had to break the news to Sam Cummings that most of the ammo was 8x50R and most of the rifles and carbines were 8x52R. Also, that most of the ammo was corroded and had to be tossed. I'll bet that was an interesting discussion!

We had several long phone calls on the Siamese Mausers and he gave me a lot of insight as to what happened.

He will be missed.

Frank