LONG time Eraring resident and one time head of the Katoomba Police Rescue Squad, Sergeant Bob 'Uncle Bob' Kelso has died aged 78.

The Kelso family moved to Eraring in 1932 where they lived in a tent while building a home.

Mr Kelso started at Eraring Public School in February 1937.

When his father became ill in 1946, Mr Kelso, then 15, obtained a special licence to drive the family Model T Ford "to Dora Creek during daylight hours on business for Hugh Kelso".

After leaving school and following a string of jobs, Mr Keslo took the recommendation of a friend and joined the police force. He was sworn in as a police officer in November 1955 and was initially posted to Darlinghurst.

He was transferred to Katoomba in 1977 where he became leader of the Katoomba Police Rescue Squad.

Bob retired in 1988 and returned to his childhood home at Eraring.

The highly popular rescue expert who loved to entertain with his button accordion is survived by partner Coralie, two children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.