Just found out tonight. Barlow Bob was THE person responsible for helping me get into solar astronomy, sketching, viewing and imaging. His outgoing, persuasive and gentle personality inspired me to buy a solar telescope and be involved in the NEAF SSP for years. I will miss him, and so will my son, Vincent. Bob, we miss you. Thank you for everything, your guidance, emails, invites, dinners, and most of all, the fun solar viewing at NEAF.
-Vince Cianfichi, Moscow PA

I was just checking out the RAC website to see what events they had...first I saw I missed the Solar Star Party yesterday (I am one of those standing outside the RCCC gymnasium with my ultraportable solar scope set up for the attendees of NEAF) and thinking "Damn, it would have been great to see Bob!" Then my eye goes to the right and my heart sank. Such a generous heart, such a brilliant mind, such a driving force in the community...Barlow Bob was a legend in life and his loss is devastating. I'm glad I got to stand with him once more in the light of the sun but the sun's light will no longer be as bright in my eyes as his own light has gone out in this world. I will think of him every time I turn my scope sunward and every gasp of amazement at something new will be a tribute to this wonderful man. Goodbye, Robert. It was a privilege to know you.

Our world is a little dimmer without Bob's bright sun filled heart, my sympathies and blessings to Bob's family and friends. I met Bob in 1998 at the Connecticut Star Party in Colebrook, CT. Bob sent my friend and I out for cream soda in an exchange for a solar lesson (we got the better end of the deal). It was my first star party and Bob was certainly the highlight! In 2005, I brought my Boy Scout troop to the star party and Bob captivated them on the field for an hour! It was the only break I got during the whole event ;) See gallery for a few of my precious photo memories of Bob.

Bob encouraged me to attend NEAF this year for my very first time!
We demonstrated an itty bitty telescope system (image #3) to not only show the RF emissions from the Sun, but also geosynchronous satellites. My wife & I just could not believe this happened only a few months after his retirement. Clear Skies, my friend, FOREVER
MjP

I am so very sorry to hear about Barlow Bob. We had a lot of good times at the NEAF Solar Star Party and after at the diner. NEAF will not be the same. My condolences to his family and many friends.

Bob was truly one of the best. His enthusiasm and kind heart made everyone feel welcomed at NEAF, and he endlessly shared his knowledge and love of astronomy. I feel very fortunate to have known him and am thankful for the advice and encouragement he sent my way over the years. "Barlow Bob", you will be missed by all.

I feel comfort in knowing that you are now with Irene and Lorraine. May you find the peace and happiness that you have always looked to the sky for.
Love,
"Uncle Al"

My sincere condolences to Bob's family. Bob was a kind and generous man who shared his love of Solar Astronomy with everyone. He shared his "Stories" and technical articles with anyone aspiring to learn about Solar Astronomy. I miss his calls and e-mail as he was always looking to do something or share something new. My wife used to say; "That call is probably from Barlow" and she was usually right. This year at NEAF, Bob awarded me a RED hat and gave me the title of Solar Safety Manager. His added concern for the folks viewing in his "Field Of Scopes".  Miss you, my friend!

When I first came to NEAF 15 years ago and sneaked in the back door on Friday evening, Bob was the first person I met inside. He greeted me kindly and immediately took me under his wings. He introduced me to the Nagler family and the staff at the show. I remember Bob wearing the belt with Barlow lenses that give him his nick name.
Bob was the one that introduced me to Hydrogen Alpha viewing. I remember him sitting on the lawn north of the building all alone with his scope asking people to come and have a look. The views through the Bob’o-scope was not comparable to any other scope I have looked through. This was the start of the NEAF solar star party.
Bob was the one who let me be part of his solar staff and that way I have the privilege of coming in the back door. This meant a lot to me the years I came alone from Norway to the show every year. His kind gestures was a good part of the reason I came over every year.
I will think of Bob often and will surely miss his gentle way to include everybody and to run the Solar Star Party in a quiet and effective manner.

Barlow Bob will be sorely missed by all those that knew him and those that have not had the chance . His enthusiasm was absolute and everyone picked up that feeling. He will never be replaced.

Goodbye my friend, you will be missed. Bob welcomed me at my first Neaf in 2007. He was the reason I kept coming back for 7 years. He was a true gentleman. It wasn't a week after this year's Neaf that he called me with instructions and plans for the 2015 Solar Party. My condolences to the family.

Barlow Bob will be missed by the countless solar observers he initiated into this addictive astronomy activity. A tireless solar viewing ambassador, and true gentleman. He helped make the Conjunction Star Party in Northfield MA very special. Condolences to his family.
Many of us, in our small way, are carrying on by sharing our solar equipment viewing experience at public outreach events.
thanks Bob,
Phil Levine

Dear Uncle Bob,
My heart is broken by your passing. You've been a big part of my life for a long time and I will miss you very much. Long ago I had a star named for you and now I'm sure it shines brighter. I will miss your emails, pictures, phone calls and stories - Christmas will not be the same without the "Chief Elf". I love you and thank you for being part of my life.
All my love,
Debbie
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel." - Maya Angelou

We are so sad at Bob's passing. You will be missed by all who knew you. We will miss the many phone calls and e-mals and the fun at solar star parties. We learned so much about the sun because of Bob as did so many others. Barlow Bob's Agent amd his wife.
                  Audfey & Len

Bob, you were our Orpheus. Will the sun ever rise again without Barlow Bob there to sing how beautiful it is? Fortunately yes, but it will never be the same. You are missed and we will think of you any time we see a sun rise or do solar viewing.

It was a true pleasure knowing Bob. He was never shy about inviting perfect strangers to take a glimpse of our sun as they've never seen it before. His enthusiasm was contagious. His demeanor always positive and welcoming. I'm sad to learn of his passing. Bob will not be forgotten. My condolences to his family and friends.

I was very saddened to learn of Bob's passing. Quiet, Generous, Dedicated - a man with a passion for the Sun... we worked together for a number of year's and I remember the excitement he would have when he wrote another 'Barlow Bob' article and wanted to share it before he sent it in for publication. A sweet gentle soul that will be missed by many......but now will Shine brightly among the solar system he loved so much.

Working with Bob was a joy. He was game to try anything new. And Bob was always willing to share new stories, articles and pictures with us of his solar exploits. Occasionally Bob would bring in one of his "toys" and have show & tell with us. He was always excited to have new faces to introduce to the solar world. He would bring in some of his "toys" and send them for my oldest grandson to borrow. He so loved helping introduce kids to the stars, especially the sun. I've missed Bob since he retired. His was the first face we'd see here in the mornings. I'll still miss him, but differently now, knowing he's not alone in his new home. I smile just imagining the reunion!!

The Board and membership of Westchester Amateur Astronomers were saddened to learn of Barlow Bob's passing. He had a marvelous, infectious enthusiasm for solar astronomy that was most evident at NEAF, where I first got to know him. Bob truly embodied the generosity and passion of our avocation. We will miss him. We send our deepest condolences to his family.

We had many fun years of sharing the Sun together at NEAF. He always welcomed me with a smile. My best to his family. Greg Piepol

I worked with Bob very briefly about ten years ago. He was a heck of a human being. The world is a little less bright without him. Hopefully he's amongst the stars he so loved to gaze upon.

I've had the pleasure to know Barlow Bob through many years of the NEAF Solar Star Party. He shared the sun with all his heart... a sweet and gentle man who will be missed by many.

Bob was truly one of the "good ones". Bob was a quiet man who had a big heart who loved life and always looked to the stars. Bob would share his knowledge of the stars with everyone he met. I hope that Bob and Irene are amoungst the stars exploring all of their wonders. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed by all.

The worldwide community of amateur astronomers lost one of the “good ones” when we lost “Barlow Bob.” Bob was tireless in his efforts to encourage people to view our Sun. He was the Johnny Appleseed of solar astronomy, sharing the excitement of the sun with thousands of visitors to the annual Northeast Astronomy Forum in Suffern, New York, as well as many other meetings and conventions. His enthusiasm was contagious, and enthralled all who spoke to him, whether young or old. I was proud to know him and be able to call him my friend.

My deepest condolences to the Godfrey family at this time.

I will miss you Bob! The pictures you shared with me and the excitement that was in your eyes when you talked about the things you loved. You always made time for everyone, you took time to talk and that smiled you shared every morning will be truly missed. Heaven has a wonderful and kind angel up there now.

I have a lot of very fond memories of Bob. I am grateful for having the chance to be a friend and a cubemate of Bob's. He is a truely wonderful person. We will miss you greatly. We love you. Rest in peace.

Bob, there are no words to explain the loss we feel that you are gone. You were one of the "good ones" that is for sure. I worked with you many years and have enjoyed many many conversations about the stars, your magazines, and just the stories that came with them.. I have many things around me that remind me of you.. Through out the years you have given me many trinkets and your memory will follow them and I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to have worked with you... You will be missed very much.. You may not have been blood, but you held a part in my heart and it's broken and I know in time it will heal.. You will never be forgotten.. When I look up at those stars, you will be for sure in my thoughts. Love Reta To Susanne and Family, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and Bob always talked good things and cherished you. May God give you the strenght and the family to give you comfort.

Kind, Humble, Honest, Giving and Caring is what comes to mind when I remember Bob. I sure wish I had a second chance to say goodbye to a really great man. Without even knowing, Bob taught others humility by being himself. I will miss you Bob...

We are very sad to hear about Bob's passing. I remember Bob well from NEAF and Solar Star Parties there. Luda and I wish you all the best Bob in your new life amongst the stars. Our sincerest condolences to Bob's family.
Jim and Luda Kendrick
Kendrick Astro Instruments

To The Family and Friends of Bob Godfrey "Barow Bon",

We are very saddened to learn of Bob's untimely passing. Bob was a really enthusiastic amateur solar astronomer who we understand had just retired from a long caeer with Bank of NY. It is really, really unfortunate that he did not have more retirement time to persue his very favorite activities after retirement. Please accept our deepest condolences at his passing. We will niss him at all the events that we have met him over these many years. May his enthusiasm for what he loved be continued in his name by his good friends and fellow amateur astronomers. Bob's friendly attitude and unwavering positive outlook will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace. 

Sincerely, Tom and Jane Massey

Condolences to Bob's family and friends.

I enjoyed working with Bob at the various NEAFs I worked. He was enthusiastic beyond compare and friendly to all.

As was said, we lost one of the good ones...RIP and Clear Skies, Bob

Though I have drifted away from solar astronomy, I will always remember the times spent with Bob and what he taught me about observing the sun. He was gracious enough to sell me his first Daystar solar filter that I mostly used to introduce the public to the pleasures of observing our nearest star.

I met Bob at NEAF many years ago when he showed me the sun with his equipment. He was the most easy person to talk with. I always looked forward to renewing our friendship every other year that I attended NEAF. I feel proud to have one of the famous Yellow t-shirts and caps. I will miss those Sunday evening phone calls and the e-mails of solar observing and equipment reviews. He will be missed by many.

Steve and Sue Rismiller

I know you are up there closer to the sun enjoying the view with the Mrs. I can see a big smile and the joy all over your face. I can hear your sayings as Mr. Higgins recalls “Eh, what can I say? What are ya gonna do…”. You have been missed at work and will be dearly missed in life. Now it's time to relax, enjoy all the beautiful views from above and the wonderful company that you join.

“If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god.”
- Napoleon

“We all shine on...like the moon and the stars and the sun...we all shine on..
-John Lennon

"The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun."

Bob,
I hope you encounter new experiences that give you great joy and provide infinite suns to view.

Love always,
Suzanne

Bob,

We will miss you, at AstroFest.
May the mint always be on your pillow.

Fibber & Sally Magee