Dear MMDers, it is my sad duty to report the passing of Bob Hunt
from Kennebunk, Maine.  Bob was an active member of AMICA, with
numerous contributions to the Boston Chapter.

Bob was a retired engineer who became very active restoring player
pianos and reproducing pianos.  His greatest contribution to the
field, many would say, was the development of his "VirtualRoll"
system which allows any type of pneumatic player system to operate
from computer scans of music roll files.

Bob constructed no fewer than seventy-five systems, with continual
improvements in the technology.  Some may recall seeing my Chickering
concert grand Ampico which I had on display at the AMICA Convention
2008 in Los Angeles.  Bob personally assisted me in installing the
VirtualRoll interface, enabling the instrument to have a nearly
unlimited library of music.

Bob developed a fast-moving leukemia a couple years ago; he did a
remarkable job of fighting the disease, though we all knew what the
outcome would eventually be.

Fortunately for us, Bob had the foresight to share much of the
technical knowledge required for the further development of his
"VirtualRoll" with others who should be able to take over the reins.

Mr. Herb Lindahl, piano technician and player piano restorer of
South Windsor, Connecticut, spent several intensive sessions with Bob
just weeks before his demise, learning much of the detail necessary
for the construction and assembly of the VirtualRoll.

It was indeed Bob's fervent wish to see that his "baby" should live
on and, indeed, it will.

Tom Ahearn - "Player Piano Service" since 1972
Haverhill, Massachusetts