A Tribute to Robert Surowiec Nevada Court Reporters Association (NVCRA)
Remembering Robert "Bob" Surowiec: A Cherished Colleague and Friend
The court reporting community recently lost one of its most esteemed members, Robert "Bob" Surowiec, a dedicated professional and cherished friend. Bob's career spanned several decades, during which he left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy of kindness, professionalism, and unwavering support will be remembered fondly by colleagues and friends alike.
A Journey of Friendship and Professionalism
Bob's journey in court reporting began long before he became a well-respected figure in the field. He first made his mark at Franklin & Associates, which later became Franklin & O'Malley, where he met Denise Kelly in 1985. At the time, Denise was a brand-new reporter, and Bob quickly became one of her closest friends. Their friendship would span 39 years, growing stronger with each passing year.
For those interested in Bob's earlier years, Vicki Turner, a court reporter, recalls meeting him at a court reporting firm in California where he worked as a court reporting student. This early connection to the industry laid the foundation for his future success.
Bob's professional journey reached a significant milestone when he became a partner at CSR Associates of Nevada, a court reporting firm in Las Vegas. Bob, Denise Kelly, and Barbara Kulish managed the firm together for 30 years. This long-lasting partnership was a testament to their unique dynamic—two women and a man—where Bob often played the role of the calm and quiet mediator. His colleagues fondly remember teasing him about being the voice of reason among them.
Throughout his career, Bob was known for his unwavering support and friendship, both professionally and personally. Denise reflects on their time together, sharing how they navigated life's many milestones—celebrations, disappointments, and everything in between. "We could celebrate, laugh, cry, and without question, he was always there for me," Denise recalls.
A Legacy of Kindness and Dedication
Bob's kindness and graciousness were well-known in the court reporting community. Comments on the NVCRA website frequently highlight his generosity and willingness to help others. Cheryl Gardner, a fellow court reporter, echoes these sentiments, emphasizing Bob's unparalleled kindness.
Born on New Year's Eve, Bob seemed to embody the spirit of new beginnings. Denise believes this was fitting, as he was always open to new opportunities and challenges, no matter how difficult they might be. His love for dogs, particularly his beloved Zeta and Bella, was another testament to his caring nature.
Bob's contributions to the court reporting industry were significant. He served as a member of the Nevada Court Reporters Board and played a crucial role in creating legislation against reporting firms contracting in Nevada. Gene Backus, Esq., who served on the board with Bob, can attest to his dedication and impact.
In addition to his professional achievements, Bob enjoyed a unique lifestyle, splitting his time between Las Vegas and the Gold Coast in Australia. He cherished his time on the Gold Coast, embracing the relaxed and vibrant lifestyle it offered.
Barbara Kulish, one of Bob's partners at CSR Associates, adds, "Bob was a kind and loyal friend. His sense of humor, his integrity, and his calm demeanor made him an excellent businessman and partner. He was loved and will be missed."
Lori Judd, another court reporter who worked closely with Bob, shares her memories of his calm and professional demeanor, even during the challenging early days of computer mainframes in the 1980s. "The early Baron mainframes were notoriously unstable," she recalls. "Bob always had a calm 'just deal with it and move on' nature. He was very dedicated to our profession."
Lori also remembers a particular CCR Board meeting in 2019 where Bob announced his official retirement plans and the surrendering of his CSR certificate. "He seemed very happy and excited for his new life. I'm sorry he didn’t have more years to enjoy it," she laments.
A Lasting Legacy
Bob's passing leaves a void in the hearts of many who had the privilege of knowing him. His kindness, professionalism, and unwavering support touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the memories and hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Tribute composed by: Carre Lewis, Court Reporter
