04/17/2026
To our North Fork community and Bob McKee’s friends and family near and far:
Most of you know by now that Bob passed away suddenly last week after an unexpected illness and a 3 week traumatic hospital stay. He fought valiantly to recover from the multiple problems he was experiencing, but in the end his body was too weak to go on. The experience was tragic for him and also for his family.
While we understand that it is natural for his friends and customers to want to know the details of his medical condition that led to his death, life-partner Jen and daughter Lisa would prefer not to discuss those disturbing events at this time. Discussing and re-discussing the trauma with everyone who enters NFHW or sees us on the street brings up more pain than we wish to handle at this time.
Please let us remember the good and happy times we have all had with Bob over the years. We will happily engage in that type of conversation with you. Thank you for your understanding as we process and deal with our huge loss.
Now some answers to the questions we have been asked by nearly everyone:
1. There will be no funeral services for Bob’s passing as he requested there be none.
2. He did approve of the family having a small more private celebration of his life that included happy stories and festive food etc.
3. We recognize that our community is also mourning Bob’s passing and that the community in general may be in need of closure. So at some later date, a few months from now, we may arrange a more public gathering here in NF that would include those happy elements that Bob would like. If this does happen, we will make sure to let everyone know the details at the time.
4. Yes, we intend to keep North Fork Hardware in operation to service the town as best we can during this transition time. Thank you for your patience as we sort out the details.
5. Daughter Lisa may take over the business after we figure out the legal and financial logistics. Nothing is certain yet, so please let us work it out without discussing it with the public. Thanks!
6. If we are to keep NFHW open and serving the community, we will need the community to support us by shopping there as much as possible, and by helping us occasionally to figure things out. We intend to tap into some of our local talent when needed.
Bob left some big shoes to fill and we are finding it challenging to do the job he left behind. He was much more than just a hardware store owner!
Your love and support for Bob, NFHW and his family are VERY MUCH appreciated, always.
We miss him. ❤️
