Robert Bauer, January 3, 1950-August 19, 2010

Robert Bauer, January 3, 1950-August 19, 2010

7 am, August 20, Al wrote:

The first song I hear on the Starbucks stereo, as I join the Missoula sun coming up, is "Rainbow Connection" by Trespassers William, the first song I've heard since Bob Bauer passed on to another form last night. Around 8 o'clock last night he stopped breathing while being held by his dear friend Vickie. Although he seemed to be unable to find a comfortable position the last few minutes of his life, there was no complaining from him, so we hope he didn't experience very much pain.

He had been to the doctor in the afternoon, and he had described his pain level a 3 on a scale of 10. Bob was apparently spared the pain that we hear liver cancer can bring on. We are thankful for that, as we are thankful for Bob and all the good times he shared with us.

Bob was surrounded by friends and family yesterday. Vickie had impressed us by arriving  a week ago with her portable office in her computer, intending to stay indefinitely while doing her job by internet. Parker his older brother had been visiting a week, and his wife Charlotte flew in yesterday afternoon, bringing a smile to Bob's face when she walked in to hug him. Emily and I through intention and happenstance had spent most of the last two months with Bob. Vic and Virginia, long time friends and keepers of the grotto, were there too, and there would have been many more had Bob not requested a pause in the constant visits that became too exhausting for him. He was deeply loved and widely appreciated here in Missoula.

"The Rainbow Connection" is not a song I would associate with a man who would not have hesitated to vote for Ralph Stanley for president. Bob played clawhammer banjo, singing the old songs from the Ohio hills he grew up hiking. But somehow that song will now be connected with him, for me anyway, and I won't be surprised when some meaning there reveals itself. 

I don't know yet when a memorial service will be scheduled. I'll try to let you all know as soon as one is planned.

Bob Bauer - herbalist, naturalist, fine art mason, outdoorsman, banjoist, music and art collector, writer, raconteur, gourmet chef, brother, uncle, friend -  a Dios, amigo!

-Al Cantrell

thecantrells.net

myspace.com/thecantrellsmusic

thecantrells@yahoo.com