BOB’S STORY

A curious life, built by hand.

From early computers and a growing technology business to Key West and the water, these are a few chapters documented in Bob’s own records and photographs.

THE BEGINNING

Drawn to how things work

Bob’s résumé traces an early path through electrical assembly, RadioShack, technical college, and computer science work at The Ohio State University. He wrote that he enjoyed learning about computers and teaching others how to use them.

The archive holds pictures of classic machines and the Ohio State computer room. They make a vivid record of the technology he worked around as computing changed.

Little Robert in 1966

MILESTONES FROM THE RECORDS

Work, ventures, and a move south

Electrical work and computer retail

Bob worked in electrical assembly and at RadioShack in Cincinnati, then studied electrical and mechanical engineering technology.

The Ohio State University

His résumé describes computer and network support roles, eventually managing a system support group and a large network of workstations and personal computers.

Pinnacle Data Systems

Bob founded and led Pinnacle Data Systems in Columbus, growing the computer service and design company before it went public in 1996, according to his résumé.

Paradise Technologies and Key West

He described Paradise Technologies as a computer consulting, service, and support business in Key West. The photographs from these years also show boats, friends, and life in the Keys.

“I enjoy learning myself and teaching others about computers and their uses.”
Robert K. Henkel, personal résumé
Ina and Bob boating in 2001

BEYOND THE WORK

Always making room for the water

Across Bob’s records, sailing, boating, fishing, travel, woodworking, and learning return again and again. His plans list both practical goals and adventures: a sailboat to work on, places to visit, and more time to explore.

The photo album holds moments from the 1980s through the 2000s, with family and friends in Ohio and Key West.

See the album

About this timeline: Dates and job details come from Bob’s archived résumé. Captions follow the labels on the photographs. Some records differ or are unfinished, so this is a starting point for the family to refine.