Bob Rosen - a strong voice silenced too soon

Bob Rosen - centre - playing with the Gram Partisans - June 2010 - Bill Tieleman photo 

I was shocked and saddened to learn this evening that Bob Rosen had suddenly passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 64.

Bob was a teacher, a musician, an activist for social justice and one of the nicest guys you could meet.

I didn't know Bob as a close friend but we met and talked many times over the past 20 years and I was pleased to hear him play with his friends in the wonderfully named Gram Partisans -  a group that played both politically progressive tunes and the country works of Gram Parsons.

Bob had a wonderful voice, was a fine guitar player and played from the heart.

My wife Shirley Ross and I give our deep condolences to his wife Eva, son Michael and all his many, many friends and family.

Bob's music, commitment to the fight for social change and his humanity will be deeply missed.

We will not hear that strong voice again on this earth.

Charlie Smith of the Georgia Straight has posted an article on Bob's passing that I encourage you to read.

Also more on Bob here, including a video of the Gram Partisans playing "Home" - so nice to hear Bob's voice there.

A Celebration of Life:

We will celebrate Bob’s life  on Saturday, January 21st 2012 at 7:30pm at

the Peretz Centre 6184 Ash St., Vancouver.

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