A Dear Friend

April 30, 2009 by Julie

A dear friend, Bob Church, passed away on April 29, 2009.

Bob has touched the lives of many people in the blogging world, including me. He is an incredible writer and an amazing man who will be sorely missed. My heart is heavy.

Shirley Whiting Allard of Word Catalyst Magazine says it much better than I can. You can read her tribute and poem to Bob HERE.

You can see Bob Church all over the internet, and his blog is HERE.

More good words about Bob can be found on BloggingPoet.com.

And here’s an awesome poem from Nan Jacobs of Silver Fox Tales. I love what Nan says. Yep. Bob has done all that.

Here’s a beautiful poem by Scot Young. It’s also in the comments section, but I don’t want anyone to miss it. Thank you, Scot. It is perfect.

I’m sure tributes to Bob Church will be all over the internet. He will never be forgotten.

Bob, thank you for allowing me to come along for the ride. Thank you for the stories, the e-mails, the journal entries, and your book. Thank you for the great advice and wise counsel.

Thank you for the laughter!

I appreciate your friendship here on earth, and I look forward to seeing you someday.

I can’t help but be jealous of the angels. Now they get to hear all the new Bubba Lee Strunk stories. We will miss you.

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Posted in Bob Church, poetry | Tagged Awesome writer, Bob Church, Dear Friend, We Miss You, Word Catalyst Magazine | 31 Comments

31 Responses

on April 30, 2009 at 10:09 pm nan

{{{Julie}}} Join the group hug. I hear all hell breaking loose up there at this very moment. *chuckles through tears*
on April 30, 2009 at 10:27 pm Julie

(((Nan))) Thank you for the hugs, dear Nan. I’m hugging you right back. And thanks so much for your e-mail. It was wonderful, as are you. I just read Bob’s self written eulogy again, and he made me laugh.
on April 30, 2009 at 10:43 pm Julie

P.S. Nan – Your poem is awesome. I added the link above. The part about his beautiful family is right on, too. They were his #1 topic of conversation. I am thankful to them for sharing Bob with the world.
on April 30, 2009 at 11:04 pm Kimberli

Kimberli stares at the computer monitor, her fingers poised over the keyboard wondering what to say. How many friends, family, aquaintances have passed over the years and still, words of comfort escape her? Words spoken by the well-meaning but awkward who know hearts are hurting and they must chose the perfect expression that will sooth without hurting. Without angering.

She taps the the L key with the ring finger on her right hand. If she were the one who left this corrupted body behind, what would she want others to say to those who loved her?

Julie, I’m so sorry to hear this. I know you prefer that he be on this earth laughing and loving with those who care about him, not in pain (if he suffered from it). But how wonderful that he has friends like you who will keep his memory alive in your heart and your work, and your willingness to pass it on.

Blessings.

Kimberli
on April 30, 2009 at 11:35 pm Julie

Thank you for that beautiful comment, Kimberli. I know what you mean. I have struggled all day over what to say…how to say it…if I even have the right to say it…and how to honor Bob and his family. People like me are hurting because he’s gone, but his family suffers the greatest loss. I finally decided that (based on what Bob has told me) they would like to know how many lives he has touched. I hope that’s the right decision. I think it is.

He really has been a friend to so many people. He has left a big mark on the world.

Thank you so much, Kimberli.
on May 1, 2009 at 1:54 am Scot

you asked me one day if we were brothers

–for bob

some people go through this life
never making a true connection
with another human being
never really making a difference
but your footprint
left gently in the mud
beside the lake
will be found
years from now
cast
into a single mold
studied
put on display
so others will know
how it should always be
on May 1, 2009 at 2:19 am Julie

Thank you so much, Scot. That is absolutely beautiful. Beautiful beyond words. I’m glad you used “gently,” because that is so perfect and so Bob.

Thank you.
on May 1, 2009 at 2:21 am Christine

I remember reading a post about Bob Church right here, not too long ago.

It’s really a gift, that he touched so many people through the power of his words. I wasn’t one of his readers, but I can see that I’ve missed out.
on May 1, 2009 at 2:41 am Julie

Thank you, Christine. He touched even more people than he realized. I’d be willing to bet that more people love Bob than the number of people I’ve even known in my life.

I can sort of imagine what he’d say about all of our talk about him. I know he’d make me laugh.
on May 1, 2009 at 2:58 am Annie King

Hi Julie, I didn’t know anything about Bob before your post, but I’ve read some of his blog now, and I thank you for your tribute, and a link to his stories. Because of your post, even more readers will come to know him. I’m sorry, for you and for everyone who loves him. I think this is a beautiful quote from one of his posts: “I’ve always thought of writing as art, with the words converted to vibrant and/or subtle hues of contrast giving life to a concept, disdainful of pragmatism and free to be kaleidoscopically whirled and twirled so as to catch the light, offering fire and brilliance as they’re read.” After reading a sampling of his writing, and everyone’s supportive comments, I believe this is how he lived his life, with fire and brilliance.
on May 1, 2009 at 3:05 am Julie

Thank you so much, Annie. That is the perfect quote to describe Bob. Fire and brilliance! You have really captured his essence. Thank you!
on May 1, 2009 at 3:19 pm 1poet4man

This just breaks me up…I am at a loss for words, all I can or want to do is wail……….Bob was a sterling light, a mans man, and I will treasure our few phone calls and emails…

Poet Man
on May 1, 2009 at 3:31 pm Julie

I’m so sorry, Poet Man. I should have e-mailed you. Bob spoke highly of you, as do I. Now I wish I had e-mailed you a personal note. I’m not thinking straight. I’m very sorry.
on May 1, 2009 at 3:41 pm 1poet4man

Its OK Julie, your words are tender, and for them I thank you.

The last time I spoke with him he seemed like he was doing better, like he might beat this, maybe he was just painting a better picture for all of us.

I will miss him, and that transcendent irreverence…

At the time of each of our deaths, let us all hope that there will be those who will come to wail, thrash about, and pull at their hair – crying ” Go because you must, but don’t ever believe that we will ever forget you.”

Poet Man
on May 1, 2009 at 4:21 pm Julie

So true, Poet Man. We will never forget Bob. It doesn’t seem real. Just a short while ago, he was asking me about MY troubles. Giving me great advice. That’s how genuine and kind hearted he is.

Thank you, Poet Man.
on May 1, 2009 at 9:29 pm Karen

Julie – I didn’t know Bob or his work, but I’ve looked at his blog and can see that he was incredibly talented and much loved. I’m so sorry for all who knew and loved him.

“…all mankind is of one author and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated. God employs several translators; some pieces are translated by age, some by sickness, some by war, some by justice; but God’s hand is in every translation, and his hand shall bind up all our scattered leaves again for that library where every book shall lie open to one another…”

~John Donne, Meditation XVII
on May 1, 2009 at 10:38 pm Julie

That’s a beautiful quote, Karen. Thank you for taking the time to look at Bob’s work. You’re so right! He’s incredibly talented and much loved. I’ve seen so many beautiful tributes to him just today. It’s a good feeling to read them all.

We all come at it from different angles. Some are newer friends like me. Some are old friends from years and years. Some are writers who have worked with Bob and are friends and colleagues. Someone e-mailed me to say he just met Bob a month ago and feels so connected to him. But one thing everybody has in common is a genuine love for Bob. That speaks volumes about one man. Bob is awesome.

Thank you, Karen:)
on May 1, 2009 at 11:29 pm soulintention

Julie, thank you for your post and sharing Bob with those of us who did not know him – that we may share in reading his works and learn from him even in his passing —

hugs –
on May 1, 2009 at 11:49 pm Julie

Thank you so much, Barbara. I like what you say about learning from him even in his passing. I have learned a lot from him, even now. Thank you for those awesome words.
on May 2, 2009 at 7:02 am johemmant

Yes, this is truly sad, sad news, he was a lovely, lovely man and it’s hard to believe that even at the end he was able to be in that great, bighearted way of his.
on May 2, 2009 at 6:29 pm Julie

So true, Jo. Thank you very much.
on May 3, 2009 at 7:55 pm Catherine Vibert

Julie, I am sad to hear about your friend. I did not know him, but I know how close we all can get in this little world, and so I am very sorry for your loss. He sounded like an amazing man with a big heart. I tried to leave a comment yesterday but the internet was not letting me post for some reason. A big hug to you Jules.
on May 3, 2009 at 8:23 pm Julie

Thank you, Cat. You’re a sweet person with a heart as big as all outdoors. This is just my little attempt to say what a good man and writer Bob was. I hate using the word “was.” He’ll always be with us. Thank you so much.
on May 4, 2009 at 12:16 am K. Lawson Gilbert

I know how this must hurt. I did get to visit his blog a while back and was happy to read about him and all of the great friends & family he had supporting him. He will live on through his writings and in the hearts of all who loved him. You have my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Blessings ~ <3 ~
on May 4, 2009 at 1:13 am Julie

Thank you, K. You’re another good soul I’m so happy to know. I’m glad you got to read Bob’s work. Thank you very much.
on May 9, 2009 at 10:11 am JR

Sorry to her about Bob. I’ll have to check out some of the links. I did read your poems at The Dead Mule. “Lessons in Genetics” I could certainly relate to; loved it.
on May 9, 2009 at 5:43 pm Julie

Hi, JR. Yes, please check out the links. Bob has a lot of writing on his site. He was an awesome storyteller. Thanks so much.
on May 20, 2009 at 5:54 am Kimberly Church

To everyone: Thank you so much, Again…
Maybe it was in August I stumbled upon the short story Dad had written : Phylox the Wonder Spatula pt 2. After reading it, and crying my eyes out at the realization that my father was going to die. I made a phone call. I asked him what perspective he wrote that story…. (only because i had read it from the perspective of a dying man, face with darkness ahead) … His answer to me, ” Kimmie, thats the beautiful thing about writing …. It means what the reader reads into it. ……………. Not sure why…. but i just wanted to share that with you. ……….
And for anyone who is unsure, or saddened by my dads passing, Dont be sad. He was a wonderful person, wise beyond his words, if you could believe that. Quite possibly one of the most amazing people to live here on earth. Who else could make you laugh then make you cry two seconds later? Rememeber him by doing something nice for someone, because its the right thing to do … and love one another… That is his wish!
on May 20, 2009 at 4:47 pm Julie

Kimberly, thank you for your wonderful words and for sharing that story about your Dad. It means a lot to me.

Your description is perfect. Yes, he was an amazing person and wise beyond words. It’s almost mind boggling to think how many people, even people like me out here in cyberspace, who have been so touched by one man!

Not many people will leave a legacy like Bob did. He left so much joy. I keep going back and reading his book, and he makes me laugh, cry, and feel empathy for other people. Even in his passing he taught us so much.

We’ll always remember his laughter and his kindness. Thank you so much for sharing your Dad with the rest of the world:) And thank you for your words. I’ll take them to heart and try to use Bob as an example of how to love other people. Thank you!!
on June 3, 2009 at 1:10 pm Valerie MacEwan

Found an essay of Bob’s in the submit.mule mailbox this morning. It was sent March 17. He mentioned your blog in this “howdy there” message to me so I tracked you down and did not expect to find such a sad message.

We’ll publish The Ladle on the Mule on June 5th. Not because it was Bob’s and he’s gone – No – we publish it because it’s a great essay and he was a compelling writer, fun to read and wonderful to contemplate.

Good bye Bob.
-Valerie MacEwan
and the Staff of the Dead Mule School of Southern Literature
on June 3, 2009 at 3:13 pm Julie

Valerie, this is such a wonderful thing. Bob told me he had submitted, and I can’t wait to read the essay!! I will pass the information and link along to his family and friends and post it here.

Thank you so much for telling me. It means a lot. I have loved the Dead Mule for a long time because of the fine writing, but also because of the kind hearts of the people who make it all happen.

Kimberly’s words about her Dad above are so true and really touched my heart. Bob left a legacy of kindness and happiness to everyone who met him.

Thank you again, Valerie. This has made my day!!