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Robert Smale Obituary
March 21, 1931 - November 9, 2010
Robert C. "Bob" Smale, age 79, peacefully passed on Tuesday November 9th at his home in Woodland Hills with his family by his side. He is perhaps best known as the pianist on the Lawrence Welk TV Show but will always be remembered for his witty sense of humor and unequaled musical talent. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Mary; sister Dianne Walters; children Margaret, Rob and David; 10 grandchildren & great-grandchildren. Please visit Bob's Memorial Video at
http://www.megavideo.com/?v=4PGH8STF
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Smale
Jim Boehler
December 16, 2021
Bob was a great piano player who added some jazz arrangements to the orchestrations. I only wish he had been interviewed for the repeats
One of the last known pictures of Bob with his grandson, Asher, doing what they do best - eating!
Dave Smale
July 25, 2011
As a kid I recall my mom and dad commenting that I had bigger feet than my dad. But as it turns out he's left shoes that I simply cannot fill! In my extrememly biased opinion there is not now, nor ever has there been, nor will there ever be a better pianist and composer than my dad. But to go further, I don't think I could've asked for a better father. The memories of not only his wonderful piano playing, but also his humor and wisdom are constantly with us (I'm sure I speak for my siblings as well). Dad we will always miss you! We love you and we will do our best to take care of mom.
Rob Smale
January 31, 2011
I never realized as a kid what a treasure the Welk show would ultimatly turn out to be, but it's incredible to have these clips as home movies. Most people only have a few fuzzy still pictures to remember their parents by. I honestly never got tired of watching him play, but now all we have is the great piano music he's left behind for us to enjoy. I'm truly blessed for having him for a dad.
Diane Yohn
January 3, 2011
Bob was wonderful entertainer and will be missed. I still listen to The Lawrence Welk Show. Bob was the ultimate showman.
January 3, 2011
I just loved Bob's jazzy arrangements. They still ring in my ears. He was truly one of the best. I regret I never had the chance to see him in person.
May he rest in peace.
Jim Boehler
Rochester, N.Y.
Josh Burnham
January 3, 2011
I remember watching Bob on the Lawrence Welk Show, one of the finest pianists ever to grace the music world. He will be missed, the sounds of Heaven's Big Band orchestra just got a little more sweeter
Margaret C Smale-Wells
December 27, 2010
Dad, I love you and miss you...even though we never had to actually say that to each-other, we both just knew it to be a fact. Rob, David & I will keep an eye on Mom (and Blue). Love, Margaret
Bob Smale
Margaret Smale-Wells
December 24, 2010
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