The Dubbo man passed away on February 2, aged 91.

Mr Slapp moved from Sydney after he was discharged from the RAAF at the end of the World War II, with his wife Jean.

Business started not long after on January 16 1946 when he opened R.W Slapp in 129 Macquarie Street, opposite the now Myer store. Mr Slapp lived in the back of the store with his wife. He specialised in canvas-making and any fabric works.

“He did anything that needed to be done, from tarpaulins to swag rolls,” son Richard Slapp said.

Mr Slapp experienced some of Dubbo’s most momentous events, including the Queen’s first visit to central western NSW in 1954. Bob manufactured the canopy for the Queen’s dais in Victoria Park. It was then used for sunshades in the Dubbo Aquatic Centre’s children’s pool.

The February 1955 floods in Dubbo were a hindrance to Mr Slapp, who was forced to move much of his shop equipment to the roof of the building so it wouldn’t get damaged. After the devastation of the floods, Mr Slapp relocated to larger premises at 181 Macquarie Street.

In 1978 the business was then relocated to the existing premises in Carrington Avenue. This is when sons Robert and Richard joined their father.

His expertise in canvas-making brought customers from right across western NSW up to the Queensland border, but his family said it was not only his expert craftsmanship and perfectionism but Bob’s love for a good yarn along with his wit that kept his customers coming back.

“You would only see some once or twice a year, but they were ongoing, 40 to 50 years to see Dad,” said Richard.

Business was always busy for Mr Slapp, who worked full-time in the shop for 50 years. He suffered a stroke in 1996, while he was at work on his sewing machine.

He continued to work part-time for as long as his body would let him. Right up until the last month of his life, he would visit the shop regularly and sit in his wheelchair.

morgan.downs@ruralpress.com