Remembering Big Rob Freedman
There are some people who leave an impact on an industry, and then there are people who leave an impact on the people within it.
Rob Freedman did both.
“Big Rob” was a teacher, mentor, colleague and friend to so many across the corrosion and coatings industry. His knowledge, passion for teaching, larger-than-life personality and unmistakable laugh touched countless students, instructors and colleagues across Australia and around the world.
The best way to remember Rob is through the words of the people who had the privilege of learning from him, teaching alongside him, travelling with him and calling him a friend.
Justin Rigby
“Rob was my tutor and then my mentor and most recently a peer with whom I have seen many students learn through the CIP series.
Just like Rob himself, his contribution to the industry has made a big splash.
The lessons and laughs have been memorable, and I look forward to seeing Rob in more casual settings moving forward.”
Geoff White
“My first CIP course with Rob was in 2014 in Sydney as a candidate Instructor. I guess I must have shaped up as looking back, most of my teaching has been with Rob in Brisbane in which time I have been able to observe his professional but relaxed style with students and his ability to move through what is a packed agenda for both CIP 1 and 2 with confidence with excellent student feedback for each and every course. Thank you, Rob, for your advice, gentle prodding on weak points and your jovial and great company after hours.”
Willie Mandeno
“I have been support instructor to ‘Big Rob’ for 19 CIP classes in 7 different capital cities including 6 in Kuala Lumpur. He is an enthusiastic instructor and always willing to give extra time to assist students when required. He has also been a strong advocate for the ACA, has gone the extra mile in providing support to their training personnel and been vigilant in minimising operating expenses. I have always enjoyed my teaching assignments with him.”
Graham Carlisle
“As with many others, Rob was instrumental in initiating my career as an AMPP (then NACE) Instructor for the CIP program. I’ve always enjoyed frank and robust conversations with Rob whom always liked to set the record straight. A very valuable and appreciated trait in todays day and age. Looking forward to many more such conversations in the years to come.”
David Allmand
“Thinking back in years to a very special time when I was able to teach with Big Rob in Houston… What a wonderful time! I was impressed by Rob’s patience with students, and his desire to assist their understanding with his calm peaceful way… Thank you Rob for helping me understand a better way to work with the students.
I also remember going to Rob’s room to get him for dinner… I was a bit shocked to see Big Rob’s unmentionables and socks hanging from his clothes line in his room… We had some very good laughs about this and other special moments… Thank you Big Rob for being you!!”
Samir Degan
“Rob has taught with us in India for many years and has been acknowledged as one of the finest instructors. Over the years we have shared a very close friendship and will miss seeing him in India. From now on, we will have to visit him at Newcastle, to imbibe in a drink and good conversation. Thank you for everything Rob, will catch you on a call to discuss the finer points of the India Australia test series.”
Kingsley Brown
“Rob is a big figure (in many was) in the industry and well known, liked and respected. Rob always brings a smile to my face with this friendly loud deep voice and happy attitude.”
Gerry Marley
“I have memories of working with Rob in India. His Australian stroll kept me running to keep up. He also has an international ongoing card game against Rob Roy. At last count I believe Australia is ahead but regardless there is a Rob in the lead. Both are great guys.”
Rob Francis
“I have had the pleasure of working with Rob since we started the CIP program here over 20 years ago. His enthusiasm and passion for teaching rubbed off on me as well as the students. He has been a great friend and delight to be around.”
Mark Weston
“Rob was one of the original group of 7, who in May 2001 were inculcated into the (then) NACE team to teach Coating Inspection courses in Australia and parts of SE Asia. The Magnificent 7 were Willie Mandeno and Kerry Dalzell, New Zealand; Rob de Graaf, Western Australia; Rob Francis, Victoria; Rob Freedman and Peter Vilcek, New South Wales; and Mark Weston, South Australia. Of the original 7 only 4 are still active in the CIP program. The NACE instructors were Bub Perkins, Danny Vickers and Mike O’Brien.
The 4 sessions of the courses were delivered and completed, including test and Peer Review in one week. (Yes it those days there was CIP1, CIP2, CIP3 and CIP Peer Review). It was quite a week.
Rob worked hard to get the courses established in SE Asia before NACE opened their Chapter Malaysia.”
Narumon (Puke) Silaboonsak
“Uncle Rob is one of my best guru instructors who have a deep understanding of the subject matter, Uncle Rob teach and explain in an easy-to-understand way and are passionate about teaching. We have good times together in Thailand 🇹🇭 class & I always remember that uncle love to eat prawns 🍤
I will miss uncle a lot 😍”
Matthew Burkett
“Rob was my instructor through CIP 1 & 2, and Lead through my instructor apprenticeship. It has been a privilege to work along with such a positive, happy and engaging teacher as a fellow lecturer.”
Oscar Duyvestyn
“From being my Lecturer for CIP 2 in 2006 all the way to being his fellow lecturer as recently as February 2023, Rob has been a friend and mentor, and it has been a true privilege to learn from him in many ways. Thank you, Rob, for making me better at everything that I do, you are a true legend in our industry.”