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Robert Engles Watt

Robert Watt Obituary

Watt, Robert Engles Bob, who died on Jan. 2, 2012, was an artist and writer who touched many lives in his 86 years. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Raymond, and his sister, Virginia Dilley. He is survived by siblings Lois Wood, Phyllis Rulseh, Janet Bursek, Helen MacDonell, Alyce Jarr, and James Watt; by many nieces and nephews, and hundreds of friends whom he has greatly influenced. A Celebration of Bob Watt will be held 7:00 PM on Tues. Jan. 17, (Tues. after next) at Paddy's Pub, 2239 N. Murray Ave. Suminski LifeStory Funeral Homes Suminski / Weiss (414) 276-5122 www.LifeStoryNet.com

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Jan. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Watt

20 Entries

Don Mercer

March 13, 2012

Dear Friend Bob,
You were a reminder of the good in people! Your simple smile and gusty hellos, gave me a boost during my darker days down in the Barrio. It was amazing how you seemed to pop up at the times I needed a smile the most! Kaleidoscope and the Bugle American articles added a spring in my step and made many of us light up with hope. It just wasn't a happening without you there. I just learned of your passing and know the world is poorer without you, OLDE FRIEND!

martha evans

January 23, 2012

Farewell, my friend--we were all to hung up for you to have to deal with. I know there are many kindred souls on the other side who will be more than happy to cavort with you--and they will leave their suspenders at the door! Au revoir!!

Martha Evans

george johnson

January 22, 2012

I liked Bob Watt for his open-ended obsessions that took so many manifestations, and will miss his presence.

January 21, 2012

The world is a darker place without Mr Watt's luminescence.He will surly light up where ever he now abodes!
PEACE,
Cls

Susan Dilley - VerPlank

January 17, 2012

I remember as a child, Uncle Bob coming to visit our home for Thanksgiving dinner and how his sisters hovered over him, giving him a haircut, a new sweater, even a word of advice; they tried so very hard to fix him. Uncle Bob took it all in very graciously never changing even one tiny bit to fit others expectations of him. He certainly lived life his own way and thoroughly enjoyed himself. Here's to you Uncle Bob, to a life well lived.

Cheri Watt

January 17, 2012

Uncle Bob, hope your next adventure is everything you want it to be.

January 17, 2012

Uncle Bob, hope your next adventure is everything you want it to be. Cheri Watt (Niece in Green Bay, Wi)

Linda Gamroth/MacDonell

January 13, 2012

A lot of color is about to hit the heavens....you go Bob...

Sue James

January 11, 2012

In 1965 at age 17 I was a regular at the Brat Haus which was the coffee house Bob owned. I have great memories of the music, the poetry and the people who frequented his establishment with names like "Polish George," "Moby Dick" and of course Bob who was always present to make sure everyone was having a good time. After the Brat Haus closed, I'd still run into Bob around the city at art shows and rummage or estate sales. He was a kind-hearted, unique individual who will not be forgotten.

Mary McCormick

January 11, 2012

At age 16 & forbidden by my parents to go to Avant Garde, I would create some bogus date & go to hear Bob & the other Beat Poets. In college I worked for John Kois & Kaleidescope & enjoyed, although at times I didn't comprehend, every encounter with Bob. I no longer live in Milwaukee, but when visiting I could count on seeing at least his car on the East side. I will miss that reminder of days gone. Farewell, Bob!

steve martinez

January 10, 2012

A little bit of Milwaukee died with Bob's passing.
Rest in Peace.

B.J. Daniels

January 9, 2012

Bob was one in a million and lived the way he wanted to hell or high water. That is why a lot of folks were both envious and nervous around Bob. I was fortunate enough to get to "hang" with Bob during some of the crazy Jimmy Von Milwaukee shows as well as have my portrait done with him on numerous occasions. He will be missed, and he mattered deeply to those who think that the artsy fartsy scene has become less artsy and more fartsy full of stale, fetid, and windy ideas of what art should be in our town. Bravo, to a life lived for art and ideas of all kinds. R.I.P.

David Brannan

January 9, 2012

They will
knight you later with their new
self, when they realize you
helped bring it in.

-- Bob Watt

Rest in peace, good friend, great soul.

Anne LaFond

January 9, 2012

Bob was incredible in living out a totally unique existence. He had a vision of what he thought life should be and how people should be, and he really lived it. He was kind to the core, smart--couldn't be duped, and what is so amazing is that he got people to let go, to laugh both at and with him without intending to be funny. His seriousness was his humor. It took me months of being around him to get to that realization. When I first met him in 1959, I remember how my logical mind was just stumped and totally frustrated by him, until one day my logical self just suddenly threw in the towel -- and I laughed! And with that laugh, I had discovered a new capacity within myself--his gift to me-- and especially the secret of appreciating Bob Watt. But the mystery of his being, the courage to be himself in the midst of a society that was baffled by him, is truly remarkable.
Anne LaFond, Milwaukee, WI

John S. L. Singleton

January 9, 2012

From 1980 to 1993 my first wife and I were Bob's neighbors (two doors east) on Juneau, also artists but *much* less splendiferously voluminous in output. We couldn't help noticing that he set a very high standard for that, and for enjoying life. We'll need another 20 years or so to catch up to his levels, if we ever can. What a delightful, unforgettable, Whitmanesque fellow he was.

Linda Heiderer

January 9, 2012

I first saw Bob at the Avant Garde when I was in high school. He was hilarious. As I got to know him a bit, I recall that he laughed often and heartily.

Phil Blumenfeld

January 8, 2012

Bob entertained us, but I also remember the meaningful help, often food and shelter, he gave to people that others would have given up on.

Robert Raasch

January 8, 2012

I have known Bob since the mid 1960's, he was always a very colorful,interesting person, sorry to see he has passed, as Bob Hope would say, Thanks for the memories.

Sue Deutsch

January 8, 2012

I didn't know him personally but my brother was one of his friends and often spoke very highly of him. When my brother called this past week to tell me of Bob's death he was deeply saddened. My thoughts and prayers go out to Bob's family.