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Robert Bluemle Obituary
80, retired attorney and magician, died Thursday, May 8th, surrounded by family in Williston, Vermont. The son of Orville Wesley Bluemle, newspaper editor, and Marguerite Fadely, court clerk, organist and pianist, Bob spent his youth in Anderson, Indiana, and Phoenix, Arizona. He earned his bachelor's degree and MBA at Indiana University, where he served as Student Body President and was voted outstanding graduating senior in 1955. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School in 1959. In 1960, Bob moved back to Phoenix with his wife, actress Sarah Jane Miller, where he launched a long and successful career in securities and tax law and raised two daughters, Tiffany and Elizabeth. Together, Bob and Sarah also had an active creative life, hosting international theatre troupes, writing and producing variety shows for the Arizona Bar Association, and helping to found the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. Known for his lightning-fast wit, mischievous sense of humor, and dashing sartorial style, Bob's greatest passions were magic, travel, photography, writing, and family. At the age of ten, Bob discovered Bert Easley's Magic Shop, and a young magician was born. Known to fellow performers as Dr. Juris and to children as "Magic Uncle Bob," Bob specialized in close-up magic and mentalism. He was an active member and officer of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians, and Ring 55 in Phoenix, and was a regular contributor to magic periodicals, including The Linking Ring and M.U.M. He also wrote film reviews and articles on travel, as well as an unpublished biography of European magician, Dr. Stanley Jaks. Bob's college stint as emcee of a USO show sparked his love of travel that included visits to over 100 countries. An intrepid adventurer, he was especially drawn to places of mystery or shamanism, among them Easter Island, Nazca, Macchu Picchu, Stonehenge, Nepal, China, Africa, and Tibet. By his own account, Bob found the greatest joy in being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was both dignified (rarely seen without a tie and blazer) and playful, whether fashioning dancing ballerinas from table napkins or pulling coins from a child's ear. An accomplished prankster while on a tour of English crop circles, Bob wielded a cleverly concealed laser pen to convince fellow tourists they were seeing a UFO. In 2001, Bob moved from Phoenix to Burlington, VT to be closer to his family. He was predeceased by his daughters' mother, Sarah Jane Miller, and his second wife, Carol Bidstrup. He is survived by his daughters, Tiffany and Elizabeth Bluemle, daughters-in-law, Liz Shayne and Josie Leavitt, and grandsons, Will and Jake Shayne (all of Burlington, VT) and his last romantic companion, Gloria Russell of California. Bob's family is grateful to the amazing Dr. Karen Sokol and to his many wonderful caregivers at Shelburne Bay, particularly his trusted friend and caregiver Elizabeth Wathugi, and the Vermont Respite House for their caring support of Bob in his final years and days. A tribute to Bob's life and spirit will be held in Burlington on Sunday, June 8th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Lake Lobby at Main Street Landing (entrance at the corner of Battery and College Streets). Please let family members know if you are planning to attend by emailing [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Vermont Respite House at 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bluemle
Marvin Johnson
June 1, 2014
My old law partner, was a good man.
Denise Thomson Spurlock
May 30, 2014
I will always remember that smile when I last saw you many many years ago. May peace and love always be with you in your next journey.
Libby
May 27, 2014
Dear Tiffaroons and Lizzyboo, my dear friends and at one time neighbors in Clearwater Hills (ha!) smack in the middle of the desert mountains of Paradise Valley… My heart is with you and I am thinking of you and your parents with so much affection. There are so many memories that make me smile, so many sweet times, so much fun and adventure and silliness. And your dad, always dashing and brilliant, with a trick or two up his sleeve, was the embodiment of grand style and good fun. I look forward to being together soon to celebrate your father's life and remember many wonderful times together. Loving you always,
Bob Conlon
May 24, 2014
Bob was a fixture at Leunigs for years. He had his favorite tables and loved Chalk Hill Chardonnay, but not as much as he loved dining with his family. Always a gentleman and very dapper. A great loss to our community.
Pam MacPherson
May 22, 2014
I loved this man! His gracious warmth, humble expansive intellect and "slip It in unexpectedly" wit will remain with me as sweet memories. I am so grateful for the opportunity to tell him this in my moment of goodbye. Much love to you, Tiffany and Elizabeth.
May 21, 2014
Bob was a great friend to all. He will be missed. Ron Wilson
Andrew Pinard
May 21, 2014
Bob was an angel in the best sense of the word - always looking to share his knowledge and support other up-and-coming performers. I regularly read his column in The Linking Ring and his contributions to M.U.M., I only met him in person a few times (usually when I performed in Burlington). He had wonderful things to say about my work (and a couple of recommendations that were spot on) and he paid me a great honor by asking if he could perform one of my signature pieces.
Bob was a wonder-filled man and will be missed...
Kurt Brueckner
May 20, 2014
My condolences to Tiffany and Elizabeth and their families for Bob's passing. Bob touched many lives. He was loved and respected by many.
I had the honor and privilege of joining Bob'law firm in 1983 and ultimately becoming his law partner. Bob was a mentor and a friend. He was a stern teacher at times, yet understanding when needed. Bob instilled a respect for the practice of law and a dignity for the profession. He was well respected by his peers and often referred to as the "Father of Securities Law" in Arizona.
Outside the practice of law, Bob loved to share his many travels. His love of magic played an important role in his life. I have fond memories of attending the magic shows in his backyard with my children.
I will allows remember RLB for the direction he provided to a young lawyer. He played an important role in my life and helped immensely with my start in the professional world.
May Bob rest in peace.
Jon Titus
May 20, 2014
Tiffany, Elizabeth and family, you all have my heartfelt condolences on your loss.
Bob Bluemle was a mentor to me in the practice of law. I practiced with him first as a law clerk, then as a lawyer and partner from the period 1978-1989.
I have always treasured the guidance and opportunities Bob gave me - opportunities to succeed and every once in a while to fail. But all experiences which made me a better lawyer and a better man.
Bob was the consummate professional at a time when law was a profession. When Bob dressed down, he wore a blue blazer and tie instead of a suit. Bob was highly skilled as a lawyer, he was always well prepared and when necessary, made the correct but sometimes tough ethical decisions.
I learned a great deal from Bob and I will always treasure his memory.
Don Wiberg
May 19, 2014
I became acquainted with Bob when he made arrangements for one of our IBM Board meetings in Scottsdale. It was one of the best organized meetings, thanks to Bob.
Subsequent to that and after he moved to Vermont, we had many interesting conversations about magic.
May he rest in peace.
Although we didn't have much contact in the past couple of years, I thought of him often.
Don Wiberg, Past International President I.B.M. and current International Secretary
Bob Killian
May 19, 2014
Bob was a 31 year member of the Psychic Entertainers Association where he had many friends. Our group gathers in Baltimore less than a month from now. Be assured that, with a tear in our eyes, we will raise a toast to our absent brother. Bob Killian, Treasurer, PEA.
Stephen Wiley
May 19, 2014
I never met the man, only knew one of his beautiful offspring. I wish I had a moment to thank him for that. Hopefully we'll all see him soon. I know he is missed greatly by those who loved him.
Robert's tribute to Dr. Stanley Jaks on the cover of the M.U.M. magazine for magicians
Lee Earle
May 19, 2014
Robert Bluemle was a mentor, a mensch, and a close personal friend for 25 years.
When last we spoke in person, each of us with the grim realization that we were probably experiencing our final handshake with one another, both sets of eyes were blurry with tears. As mine are now.
He was one of the early patrons of Manifestations - the Ultimate Séance, setting the record for an individual's attendance as well as serving as a prime benefactor of that enterprise; many times he would hire the room as entertainment for some of his select clients and guests. Oddly, most often those bookings occurred when Scottsdale resort hotel trade (our main source of ticket sales) was in the doldrums and we really needed the business to keep the doors open. Yes, Robert was a generous man and the source of wisdom that I retain and consult daily. "What would Robert do?" has been the compass with which I have navigated difficult times.
Today, I shall visit a gourmet grocer and purchase a wedge of one of the fine cheeses Robert cherished, pair it with that bottle of rare Port I've been guarding, and will personally toast one of the finest men it has been my privilege to know.
Robert, I lift my glass in your memory; save me a seat, my friend.
Steve Schieszer
May 19, 2014
Bob Bluemle was a good friend and will be missed by his magician friends in Arizona. He encouraged many of us to become Charter Members of the Society of American Magician's, which he opened in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was also known as Dr. Juris. He was published in SYZYGY Magazine, for his mental magic routines. I recall his performances at the IBM and SAM meetings. His presentation of the Leon Doll House was good. He also performed close-up magic of Dr. Jak's, as well as collecting some of his personal items. He intended to write Dr. Jak's story. He and Gloria attended our wedding. Rest In Peace, Robert Bluemle.
May 18, 2014
Sending my condolences to Bob's family. I had a long association with him through his connection to magic and show business. Over the years we spent many hours together and I was a charter member of S.A.M. Assembly 248 which he formed. I will never forget his help in making the 1999 combined IBM Ring 55/SAM 248 Annual Christmas Banquet the one banquet in Phoenix magic history that will NEVER be topped. RIP, Bob, and many thanks for all you have done for me and Brenda.
Ernie Brodersen
May 18, 2014
Tiffany, Elizabeth and family. I will always remember your dad dropping his wonderful daughters off at Kaibab Elementary in his silver Mercedes convertible. He honored me by asking me to judge a few amateur film festivals he was involved with. I was always impressed by his charm and by his children.
Larry Wilfong
May 18, 2014
Bob was a good friend and a strong force for promoting the Art of Magic in the Valley of the Sun.
His many friends will miss him.
R.I.P my friend.
Bern Porter
May 18, 2014
Bob was a great guy and a very good attorney. He will be missed.
May the many memories he helped create find root in your hearts and bring sweet recollection to your minds as you both mourn and celebrate his great life.
And may the grace of God be with you as you remember all that he did to make life better.
Jeb Rosebrook
May 17, 2014
I met Bob when he was a senior in high school, recently graduated. When my first novel was published, he sent me a telegram, spoofing a big movie sale. When we moved to Los Angeles, we saw his gifted performance at the Magic Castle, the holy grail of magicians. He wanted to own the first Jaguar convertible in Arizona and he did. The natty blue blazer man briefly dated a good friend of ours, and impressed with having his own match books with his name on them. We saw him at the home of Ed and Patsy Lowry in Paradise Valley, before he left for Vermont. I never sold the book as a movie but Elizabeth joined Embassy Television where I was under contract. One of a kind, his wit was also his magic!
Rachel Whyte
May 17, 2014
When I knew your dad, it was the 1960s and 70s when you were both growing up. My daughters, Rebecca and Carolyn, loved playing with their "cousins" Tiffany and Elizabeth. Your dad was always sweet and kind to all of us!
Joan Phillips
May 17, 2014
Dear Liz and Tiffany,
I met your neat mom and dad at Westlake. Please know how much I am thinking of you. Sending love to you and your families, Joan Phillips (Peggy's mom)
May 17, 2014
Tiffany and Liz so sorry for the loss of your father. From reading the Obituary he's not only a great loss to your family but also to the entertainment community at Large! My sincere sympathy to you all! Jo Caycedo
Chris Martens
May 16, 2014
Dearest Tiff and Liz, Heartfely sympathy and lots of love. Wish I had met your Dad.
May 16, 2014
I had the honor of meeting Bob and his daughter Elizabeth a few years ago. Such a wonderful man! My condolences to his family. Dave Yergeau
Craig and Laura Lucas
May 16, 2014
Sending love to you, Elizabeth. Our thoughts are with you.
Suzanne Ferland
May 16, 2014
My deepest condolences to all of you in a difficult time.
Gary Fadely
May 16, 2014
My amazing first-cousin, gentleman and role model. Through the years, everytime we were together was an enjoyable time. He loved his family, his magic, and the law. He loved to be with people and enjoyed creating events for others to enjoy.
Terri Hanagan
May 16, 2014
Dear Tiffany and Family,
Our deepest condolences at this time of reflection of your dad's quite remarkable life. He leaves this world in very capable hands, with you, Elizabeth, Will, Jake and Liz helping you move forward to continue his legacy.
Terri, Nicolas and Gabriela
Magic Uncle Bob
May 16, 2014
As a mid-career attorney
May 16, 2014
May 16, 2014
My deepest condolences, Tiffany.
David Usher
Gillian Randall
May 16, 2014
Your Dad was an amazing man, Tiffany. We hope you and your family will find comfort in remembering all your happy times together.
Gillian & Ed
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