The PittStop MINI Club mourns the loss of a member.

Your participation requested in a MINI tribute gathering : Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007. (See below).

Robert E. Trent, Sr. of Venetia, age 57, passed on Thursday, January 18, 2007 after a courageous battle with t-cell lymphoma. Beloved husband of Helen (Berry) Trent; loving father of Robert Jr. and his wife Carol Trent, Erin and her husband John Rattenni, and Ryan Trent; dear son of Robert and Anne Trent; brother of Karen Sue and her husband Ken Johnson; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Bob owned both a Classic Mini and a New MINI.

Over the past few years Bob attended various Club events including poker runs and track events. Bob also volunteered for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix for the last 10 years. The past three years, he was Captain of Corner 19. He also had shown his Minis at the Saturday Car Show for many years.

Robert served with the Air National Guard and was later commissioned to the US Navy, eventually achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. During the Persian Gulf War he was activated as an intelligence officer. He received his Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Trent was currently employed by Bechtel-Bettis. He was a member of the American Legion, the PittStop MINI Club, and was a volunteer for the Vintage Grand Prix.

Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS. Friends welcome at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 724-941-3211 Sunday 1-4 and 6-9 PM. Service will be held at the Funeral Home Monday morning. Entombment in Mt. Vernon Cemetery. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association, 1996 Ewings Mill Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

Dear Friends,

I don't know how many of you remember or had the opportunity to know Bob, but he was a wonderful man. I sold him his new MINI and we spoke on various occasions afterward. Even in the short while that I knew him he made a lasting impression on me. What a genuine heart and true soul! I knew of his battle with cancer but never really thought I'd hear this announcement. This news affected me much more deeply than I ever anticipated.

With extremely short notice, we are trying to get as many MINIs/Minis as we can to gather at the funeral home this evening (Sunday, Jan 21) to show our respect for this wonderful man. I know Bob would love to see all of our cars gathered together. I'm also certain that their presence will bring much needed smiles to the faces of the family and friends who will be gathered on this somber occasion.

We will be meeting at the Sunoco gas station off of the Bridgeville Exit of I-79S at 6:00pm Jan 21, 2007 and arriving at the funeral home as a group.

For anyone interested, we will also be collecting donations to be made to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in honor of Bob as requested by the family. If so inclined, you can donate online or mail a check to the Club.

Motor Happy!
John Welsh
Tech Officer
PittStop MINI Club