I remember Rob quite often. I have lost quite a few close friends since Rob’s passing, but he was the first and truly the best. I wonder about Cathy, and so miss seeing them both. I remember Rob when I go somewhere we visited and photographed together. He’s tied to events, to places, and activities… I cherish those memories…

Remembering Rob :: because of all the people of a lifetime, some are truly unforgettable. I am grateful for his life :: that he lived and shared time and gifts with so many. Sending prayers for Cathy as each anniversary must be especially tender as time passes. Wherever and however he lives on, time will come where we can see again those we love and share life with them. This I believe, whether it's true or not doesn't matter. A toast to you in the afterlife, my dear friend from long ago.

Some people you just never forget. Miss you, Robbie. You were always an inspiration.

Happy Birthday Rob !!! We miss your wonderful way and Corny jokes ❤️

I hesitate to enter a remembrance for Rob each year because I don’t like thinking about the loss of such a special man. As Mike said, we lost Rob’s wisdom, humor, intelligence and guidance. We could spend hours chatting about art, photography, investing and more and in each instance I learned something new. I could always count on him to talk me through any issue especially family issues. I truly miss you Rob.

Rob, it is dizzying to realize that it's been 7 years since you died. It seems both so long ago and just yesterday. This year has been hard for me in a lot of ways, but somehow something would show up to make me smile just when I needed it. Many of those times were related to something you said or did or someone's memory of you. Two came just the week: first Lisa Crosby-Torres posted to FaceBook the poster you created in 2006 showing the US Capitol almost underwater and urging people to vote for candidates who understood "global warming" (which, btw, Babe, is now called Climate Change -- but I know you'd agree with me calling it Climate Catastrophe). I posted that poster in the Gallery section of this site today. Sadly, it's even more appropriate than it was when you created it 16 years ago.  Second, Ann Hill sent me a copy of her blog from when you died. It spoke of how we both looked at each other with twinkles in our eyes. Yes, you often brought a twinkle to my eyes, and it reflected the twinkle in yours. You touched so many lives and so many people remember you.  And although I miss you, I know you and I will always be joined at the heart. Always.

Rob,
Oh how I wish I could share with you so much that has happened since you left.
Our conversations would always end with
you telling me ‘Onward’ ….
Well, I named my book “Onward Mississippi”
which is a coffee table book with scenics
from all areas in my home state of
Mississippi. I am in the Capitol of Jackson, MS for tomorrow’s book festival… I know
you would support me in this and somehow
I know you are here to encourage me on!
Miss you so much!
Your cousin,
Carolyn

I miss Rob's Smart mind and his Corny Jokes. I miss our talks regularly on the phone and his Very interesting view of the world. He was Amazingly Creative and had the Best Partner in Cathy. She kept his perspective headed in the right direction :) I look for him on my Computer screen often. He said he would try if possible to contact me that way some day. Onward and Upward :)

Sorry I never got to meet you Rob! I am pretty crazy about your baby brother! I will hopefully get to meet your Cathy soon. I know both of your brothers miss you and they sure talk about you often!! Peace and love, Cyndy Barnes

Thinking of you Cathy...always. Beautiful touch, the pictures. I think Peter's touching requiem, accompanying Rob's Death Valley painting, is beautiful and says everything we all feel and would like to say about Rob. 
Blessings,
RTW

Thinking of you Cathy although we've never met. I went to college with Rob back in the 60s and knew him in Atlanta in the 70s. Went to his 40th birthday party. We were friends and I'll never forget him. We carry old friends in our hearts as they have transformed us and left us changed by the essence of themselves they shared with us. Rob lives on as you. Blessings to you - and may his memory be a blessing

Happy Birthday, Rob! Today you would have been 73. It's hard to believe you would be that old, but, as I said in a FB post, you were always young at heart, and you will always be that way in my own heart. I still feel the love and laughter all the time! I'm posting a picture of you in a birthday tiara. Love forever, Cath

Hi Babe, I didn't leave a tribute yesterday (on the anniversary of your death) telling the world I was thinking of you. Fact is, I think of you every day so it didn't seem necessary to single out one particular day to write something. You enriched my life in so many ways and left your mark on so many others through your creativity and gifts! You really do live on, not just in my heart but in the influence you had on so many people.  I know from anecdotes people tell me about the years before I knew you, that your impact on them remains profound. And of course you changed my life.

I was in Santa Fe a few weeks ago with Jane, and so very many of our conversations were of memories of you. There were Robert Barnes Skies over us the whole week we were there, but they were most dramatic and compelling over our old house:"God light" shown down over your old studio and portal. Suby and I reminisced about how she was one of the few who knew 6 months before most people that we had gotten married. Robert Fiedler (who now has a Canyon Road gallery) told me a few stories about you as well. These encounters were unexpected and unplanned, and they helped make you a close part of our trip. Thank you for traveling with us!

I love you, Robert William Barnes, and I always will. 

Love, Cath



 

Rob, I'm thinking of you on this the anniversary of your passing. It's hard to believe it's been six years since you were with us, but your memory lives on in our hearts and in our minds. I was telling someone last week about your many accomplishments and the interesting life you lived. You were one of a kind. Someone asked me when I learned to play the guitar, and I told them that you taught me how to play when I was 10 years old and we were on the Malibar 13 boat our parents chartered for the most memorable vacation our family ever took sailing in the Bahamas. I miss you and I love you, bro.

Hey Rob, I chose not to commemorate your passing. Better to commemorate your birth. Don't you agree? Happy Birthday! I just want to say thanks again for all the times you picked my spirit up off the floor the way only a true friend can do. You live in all the people you loved and helped. Miss you greatly. J

Just an old friend dropping by. I was driving somewhere the other day and started thinking about you and I thought "I bet it's almost the anniversary of your passing." And it is. As we grow older it becomes clearer and clearer to me that life does go on in some way that is impossible for us to understand. I know that you are still among your friends and loved ones, as you always were. "On earth as it is in heaven" what does that even mean except that all that we have shared continues on forever, how could I have forgotten, how could I worry?  I know we'll meet again some day and remain friends as we always were - I think of all the lives you touched with your spirit of adventure and generosity - how you always encouraged and supported others' gifts and talents. You will never be forgotten. Thanks for your presence in my life, old friend.

Missing you, Rob, and sending love to Cathy, Peter, Bill, and all other family and friends. Thinking today about the great sci fi movies and books you introduced us to. You lived in and were fluent in so many worlds besides our own! I think you would have liked the TV series The Expanse which was released at the end of 2015 (you probably read some of the novels it was based on) :)

So, Babe, whew, 5 years! And what 5 years they have been!  I agree with Carol: a hint would have been nice. I've been watching the Dem Convention -- the first ever to be virtual. You would have loved that aspect, and while we watched it, no doubt you would have provided a running commentary on how it was being done, just like you did with so many things that were innovative. As I watch the 2020 version, I have been remembering your stories about the adventures of building the CNN booth for the 1984 Democratic Convention.  I posted pix of your hard hat from 1984 for all to see.
These last few years have been difficult, but I feel you with me all the time, often making me smile as you did throughout your life. Mostly though, I feel your presence through good times and bad, holding my hand or draping your arm over my shoulder, whispering encouragement, letting me know that you are still here, walking with me through whatever comes up -- lovingly walking me home.

Rob. FIVE years gone. Not forgotten. You were a soldier in the war against the mundane, an inspiration for creative thinking and being, and always a tester of boundaries. You stepped through life precociously but with intention and insight. You possibly foresaw a future that the rest of us didn’t. Sad you are gone but given what our todays are like now, I don't begrudge you passing on this mess we're in. You could have at least warned us before you left us here wandering around in circles befuddled by the orange comet that has hit us. A hint would have been nice. We could have, at least, broken ground for the compound. Planted some seeds. Hung up the artwork. Dude, you left way too soon. But you will always be in our hearts. Forever friends.

Your new sister-in-law here Rob. I am so sorry that I never got to meet you. Peter speaks of you often, and I love hearing his stories. I have gotten to correspond with your Cathy some. I look forward to one day meeting her. You are not forgotten. 

It's hard to believe it's been five years since Rob passed away. I remember flying out to Reno to see him one last time before he died but arriving just after he had passed. What a sweet time that was to be together with Cathy and Bill. And I also remember the time the following spring we all gathered at Yosemite to scatter his ashes. That was an even sweeter time. 

Rob was one of a kind. His heart was as big as his enormous talent, and he was a sweet teddy bear underneath his quirks and eccentricities. I miss his corny jokes and his lively mind. My heart goes out to Cathy as she makes her way without him.

May we all be grateful for the gift we were given in Robert Barnes for the 66 years we had with him. What a treasure. He and Lorie are enjoying the wonderful things God has prepared for those who know and love Jesus Christ.

Hey, Babe,  I found a few fun photos of you with the Grandkids and distributed them appropriately. All of you look so young! Today you would have turned 71, which you would have considered old. But I think of you as Forever Young (the words of the Bob Dylan song fit you pretty well).  And of course now you are ageless. 
I miss you so much, but I will always carry you in my heart and soul. We are all so blessed to have had you in our lives.
(And by the way, there have been some cloud displays recently that look very much like your art. I have no doubt they are sent by you. Thank you for that beauty!)

Rob, You Robbed us all. No, you didn’t take our treasures. You did the Rob on us by always being there with friendship and insight when we needed you. When ever I hit a low point you Robbed me and set my thinking straight. You never asked for anything in return (well maybe a sw installer or two but, hey!). Life just isn’t as rich these days without a call from you to chat about art, technology, business and life. I just hope I can Rob those who are still with me as well as you Robbed me. You were an inspiration. Miss you much.

I Miss you Bro as I know Cathy does. When I think of you, which is often, a Big Smile comes to my face as I remember our conversations and your wonderful corny jokes. You had a Great Big Heart and a Very Giving Way about you. Still looking for you to contact me on my computer screen (that is how you said you would contact me from the other side if that is possible) Maybe I will see you today :)

Missing Rob so much today... as we all do all the time. We had such good times together... we talked by phone often. I remember the last sunset we photographed together in Page, AZ after a strenuous hike in the Vermillion Wilderness. And I remember being in my hotel room in Alaska when I received Cathy's note that Rob was gone. I cried then as I do now writing out this note to my friend. I always miss you. Thank you for being my friend.

Still think about Rob often. He was such a mentor for me. I'm on my way to Photoshop World tomorrow, I teach Photoshop now and I laugh about the first "edited" image of mine that I showed Rob. He was so encouraging even though it was sooo bad!

RB. Had to visit the Apple Genius Bar today. Could feel your spirit there. Before leaving, I gave the tech a tour of the Barnes Gallery. Found you another fan. Like me. He thinks you’re awesome. Deep sigh. Miss you.

I'm so sorry you're not here, Rob, to celebrate what would have been your 70th birthday. I would have liked to have see who you would have become during these last three years, and I would like to have seen the art you would have produced. We all miss you terribly. But I'm so glad your suffering is over and you are at peace in the arms of God. Your memory lives on as does our love for you, my brother.

I can’t believe it has been three years
since you have been gone.
I think of you all of the time and miss
you and our conversations so much.
Much love forever,
your cousin in MS

I miss my Brother Rob Big Time. He was a Great Big Brother. I really miss his Corney jokes and his very Gentle Heart.

Rob, I miss you deeply, mightily and achingly. Not just on this, the 3rd anniversary of your death, but every day. I sometimes call today your Deathday (as in Birthday), but really it's your Heart Day, because, even though your heart stopped beating three years ago today, you still live and grow in my heart and will do so forever. These past few days have been a memory fest by your friends and family of your humor, your creativity, your sometimes single-minded stubbornness and unique view of the world, your talent, your intellect, your caring, your kindness, and your love. We cherish the gifts your life gave us!  I am so blessed to have had you as my husband and soul mate.
And although times may be tough, I feel you right there with me, holding my hand as I walk through the twists and turns of my life path. You bring me smiles every day. I may miss you mightily, but I also love you endlessly.  love, Cathy

It's hard to believe it's been 3 years since Rob passed away. I miss him. I miss his corny jokes, his creative talent, the stories of his crazy adventures at TBS, CNN, Apple, and Paramount, and I miss his love. At least we have our memories, and we have his art. Rest well, my brother, and know you are loved and you are missed. What a gift you were to us all.

Miss you, Rob. Especially the long-distance talks about life and status, art and achievement, friends and scoundrels, love and heartbreak, success and balance. Our fears of failure. Well, mine, at least. You always cheered me. I liked being your friend and your fan. Knowing you meant a lot to me. Like I said, I miss you, Rob.

Thinking of Rob today. It would have been his 69th birthday. Perhaps he and Lorie are celebrating in some big way in heaven. Hard to believe he's gone, but I have so many wonderful memories to comfort me in my loss. Rest easy, big brother.

Wish we were celebrating in person with Rob today his 69th B-day. There would I'm sure been much humor in the Birthday wishes as that is the way he liked it. Miss Rob everyday. He was a bright light in this world.

Rob was a remarkable human being and a wonderful brother. He was a creative, a futurist, a brilliant mind, a person of faith, a funny jokester, and a guy who had a big heart. Some light went out of the world when he passed two years ago. I miss him, and it was a blessing to have had him in my life.

Missing Uncle Rob today. Can't believe it was 2 years ago, missing him greatly, he was one of a kind.

My Brother Rob was a 1 of a kind. A Gentle very Creative and Loving
Spirit. I miss him every day. Still waiting for you to contact me Rob on my Apple Desk Top !!

Robbie, so much good karma you created in this life. You brought joy and warm appreciation to so many. Thank you. Your creativity opened the gates of creativity for so many others. You were brave in always being the first one to offer open-hearted appreciation. May you be surrounded with love and grace. May you never feel alone. May you continue to explore your arts. May we meet again in some other life or place. Like others, I did not get enough of knowing you. Namaste

My dear, talented cousin and friend, Rob Barnes.
I am so grateful for all of the phone conversations and emails we shared over the past years...and especially grateful for the visits with the last being in Reno ( 2,000 miles from my home in MS ).
I keep the last portrait I did of you on my mac's desk top...Not the same as face time, but good to see you everyday.
Rob you are missed so much by your family and all of the friends you made along the way. We miss your loving nature, your sense of humor and your joy in sharing life through your art...Your art will live on and you will be forever in our hearts.

Happy Birthday, Bear! You would be proud...the kids have a joke book they keep in the car :)
xoxo

Happy birthday Rob! Wish we could have a conversation about what you've experienced over the last year in heaven. Does this mean you get to start over at age 1 right now? We sure miss your smile and hugs.

Happy Birthday Bro !! You are missed and appreciated. Looking for you everyday on my computer screen. You said you would contact me there if possible. Onward and Upward !

Cathy, a year gone by and missing our boy doesn't seem to get any easier. Thanks for getting the gallery back up. Rob's unique and wonderful images will ease the process a bit.
Love, RT

It has been one year since Rob's passing. There have been many days that I reach to pick up the phone to call Rob to check on him, Apple stock or some question about my Mac and our Family and Cathy. Really miss our most entertaining conversations. He alway had a unique way of looking at the world and solving problems. He was truly a ONE OF A KIND. Miss you Bro

I keep Rob's phone number in my ready-to-dial special friends list hoping that I could have one more conversation with him. I've even dialed it once or twice. What a friend. What a guide. What a loss.

Rob was an incredibly gifted and creative man. Looking back, he's been extremely influential in planting seeds that have fostered my passions for art and technology. He gave me my very first chapter book 20 years ago and I still have it, with his signed note, on my book shelf. I miss you a lot Uncle Rob - thank you for all that you gave to us!

Hard to believe it has been a year since Rob passed. So many good memories of when he was alive. He left a mark on everyone he knew, and we are better people for having known him. I owe Rob so much – learning to play the guitar, my interest in film and photography, opening my horizons to technology, and Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp at the Cheesecake Factory.

Sorry I am late but just found out...Robbie's name came up just the other day when talking about the anniversary of the death of Duane Almann. Robbie was so ahead of the curve that he had invited the Almann Brothers to play at FPC before they became recording artists. Being a dorm mate, I offered my large single room as a place for Duane to crash. Robbie was appreciative. Months later Duane was gone. On another note, Robbie's photographic and movie making madness were a staple at FPC and Eckerd skit nights for years. Robbie was effervescent and a joy to behold. It was an honor to have crossed paths in this life.

in college and then in atlanta a creative force always at the bending of the curve; a gentle, caring bear of a man