I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bob's passing.
I didn't know Bob personally, but, as a member of ezFolk.com, where Bob had posted a number of his tunes for our enjoyment, I felt like I had gotten to know him through his music.
I will miss him..
Tony Provencher
City:
Haverhill , MA
I
was sad to hear about Bob's passing. I didn't know him personally
but he was one of the most popular artists on the ezFolk website,
where his music can still be heard. Here is a link to his
music
page:
http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/7/
Bob was an accomplished musician and will truly be missed
in the ezFolk music community. .
Richard
Hefner
City:
Gastonia , NC
This is sad news I am just learning now. I worked with Bob in the pellet plant and our love of music formed a friendly bond between us. He taught me to play the banjo and the mandolin. I hadn't seen Bob in a few years so I did not know about his illness, but I will think of him whenever I play one of the many tunes he taught me.
Cajsa Maki
City:
Algonac
, MI
from 1979 to 1984 when I moved away, Bob and I were fanatical about learning banjo together. (spelled "banjo",not bango). we played several times a week, and learned many fiddle tunes. I count about 350 to 450, learned one at a time. It was my foundation in a world of music I have since expanded upon, making it a major part of my life.
we lost touch for the past several years, and this was a truly sad turn of events by which we reconnected. only retired two years, I'm very glad Bob was able to pass on his learning to new students. He will leave an important part of himself that way.
when he told me last month that he gave away his best banjo to a promising student - I had one just like it- ang gave away other instruments, well, at least he had a chance to distribute his "babies" where he saw fit. that was important, as a fellow musician, I know.
Bob was driven, as if he had a limited time to accomplish his musical goals. only 2 years of retirement to enjoy after 30 years working was unfortunate. I expect he would have expanded his music lessons and passed on even more of his passion to the next generation.
Bob was a good person. a real artist, and an asset to the community .He will truly be greatly missed. .
.
Steve Loring
City:
Cadillac , MI
Uncle
Bob will be missed greatly. His kindness, sense of humor and
his knowledge of so many different things. It's good to see
he will not only be missed by his birth family but also by his
musical family. I do believe he lived his dash well even though
it was cut short. It is hard to realize how much you will miss
them until they are gone. We love you Uncle Bob and you will
live in our hearts forever. .
Carrie, Jim and Jenna Miller
City:
Marquette , MI
To Robert's family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I met Robert over 20 years ago and still have several of his wood workings. He was instumental in expandimg my appreciation of music and helping me to enjoy the simple pleasures of learning how to play the banjo.
He will be missed.
.
.
Nancy and Gerry Wiater
City:
Marquette , MI
I didn't know Bob well, but he was my banjo teacher less than 2 years ago. He was such a generous person with his time and his talents. I have lots of CDs that he made for me, as he did for all his students, and I cherish the whilygigs he gave me that spin in the wind on my porch. I have been thinking about him lately. I didn't know he was so ill. I'll miss him.
.
Ginnie Killough
City:
Marquette , MI
I now live in Denver Co, but graduated from M.S.H.S. in 1968. I knew Robert only a short time, but would like to send my condolences to his family. Best wishes to you all.
Paul LeVeque
City:
Englewood , CO
Dear Carrie, Jim and Jenna:
Trudy and I would like to express our very deepest sympathy on the loss of your uncle and friend.
.
Gary & Trudy Taskila
City:
Negaunee, MI
The Hokenson Family - So sorry to hear of Bob's passing, but his pain is now over! Dad is sure going to miss him, he just could not go and see him in so much pain, but talked about him everyday and kept him in his prayers. He will miss the talks on the front porch with Robert as my Dad would call him. Karen there is going to be a special spot in heaven for you!!! You were a great sister and took very good care of your brother, and I'm sure it was not all easy for you! Carrie you also are a special niece, and Robert told us how much he loved and thought of you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this hard time in life!!!! Keep the good memories
Steve @ Betsy Savola @DeDe
City:
Marquette, MI
Carrie,
Jim, Jenna, Karen, Patrick & Kristi I wanted to let you all
know that you are in my heart and prayers at this sad time of
your life. Time heals the pain and memories will keep him with
you. Love and Sympathy to you all.
Dawn
Lambert
City: Gwinn, MI
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