Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1956
DIED
2012
Bob November Obituary
Robert Seth November died May 21 of cancer. He was 56. The store he founded, McKenzie River Music, became not only a meeting place for local musicians but also a destination stop for any visitors to Eugene who were interested in vintage guitars. His wife Susan and the store's employees will honor Bob's wish that McKenzie River Music will continue to serve the community.
Bob possessed a rare combination of business acumen and a discriminating sensibility when it came to the tonal character of instruments old and new. His knowledge was encyclopedic, and he shared it freely with his employees and with any and all musicians, from beginners and their parents to renowned professionals.
For more than three decades, making regular visits to McKenzie River Music was a tradition for Eugene musicians, whether they were shopping for new gear, needed advice, wanted to talk shop, or just felt like basking in the stunning beauty of a world-class display of acoustic and electric guitars. Bob was an astute and meticulous collector, and his shop provided not only a diverse selection for guitarists of every level and style, but also a virtual museum for anyone interested in the rich history of the instrument.
Bob was an accomplished and competitive golfer, a talented, award-winning musician in his own right, and an enthusiastic fan of the Oregon Ducks. Friends fondly recall his rich sense of humor and easy grace. He loved this community and being a part of it.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Truax; brother Lee November and his wife Diana; nieces: Jennifer Shernicoff and Katherine November; nephew Andrew November; aunt Norma Bruhl; cousins:Douglas, Marcos, and Claudio Weinstein. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, June 4, at the John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, 868 High Street, Eugene, 7:00 ? 10:00 PM. Friends are warmly invited to share stories and music.
Although he was a highly regarded pioneer in the vintage music instrument business, for Bob November, making the sale was never the most important thing. A good listener, he would endeavor to match an instrument to the needs, tastes, and budget of each individual. The guitars he placed into the hands of musicians for so many years are essential tools and sometimes beautiful objects of historical significance. But even more important is the music that will be created on those instruments, and the joy it will bring to players and audiences alike for many, many years to come. For those who knew him well, Bob will be forever remembered as a loving and devoted husband, a trusted friend, a businessman of integrity and candor, and a generous mentor. For countless others, the inspiration to play, the appreciation of a good guitar, and the passion and joy of shared music will be Bob November's legacy.
Memorial contributions can be made in Bob's memory to The Shedd Institute for the Arts at the website: www.theshedd.net to support guitar students' scholarships.
Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bob November
Sponsored by Mckenzie River Music.
Joshua Rosen
November 30, 2014
I bought all the guitars I own at McKenzie River. I remember Bob and Chuck and the other guys well. Blessings to you. I hope that the store will remain a staple of culture and community in Eugene for a long time to come.
Gay Guard-Chamberlin
September 13, 2013
My dear friend, I wasn't fortunate enough to have met Bob but the slideshow & obit give me some idea of what a sweet and fun-loving man he was. You look happy in the photos of the two of you and it's clear Bob touched a lot of people. I send you my deepest sympathy for your loss. I'm glad we're back in touch, dear Susan.
Love, Gay
Diana Gardner
June 26, 2012
Susan,
I never met you, but knew when you two decided to get married years ago. I am a travel agent and had arranged several flights when he was off buying guitars and such. He was such a graceful man. It was always a delight to see him walk into my office. I have been out of town, sorry to have missed his memorial. What a loss. My thoughts are with you and his family.
Terry Mangum
June 21, 2012
Just learned the news of Bob's passing. So sorry to hear. Condolences to all of Bob's family and friends. Many thanks for both the instruments I bought from Bob, and for the knowledge and information he so freely shared.
John Kososkie
June 20, 2012
June 20, 2012
Bob always had a smile when I showed up at his guitar shop. I would come to Eugene, to work at the Football games selling the Ducks alumni card. Whenever I would visit Eugene, Oregon I would stop in and say hello to Bob. He was always gracious and genuine with me. I stopped in many times over the years and it was always a wonderful visit. We would exchange an occasional email about the Ducks, and their chances to win. I send my condolences to Bob's family and the staff at McKenzie. I was very proud to call Bob a friend.
June 18, 2012
Dear Susan,
I just wanted to share my condolences on the loss of you husband.
I only met Bob three or four time in my life. The first occasion was about 6 years ago when I brought in my old Martin 00-42 guitar, vintage 1925, which I paid $15 for as a teenager in New Orleans, LA (I'm 79 now). It was pretty beat up — looked like it had been drug to Oregon behind a Mormon handcart.
Bob surprised me by saying "Bob, if you would spend about $2,000 getting this thing restored, it would be worth about $9,600." That was 5 years ago.
Finally, with the kids all grown and a little money in the bank, I took his advice and sent it back to Martin — after sending Carman Cortez (their head of restoration) about 2 dozen photos showing the problems.
Six months and $1,977 + shipping later, I got the restored Martin back and promptly took it by for Bob to look it over. He took it from me and played on it for about 45 seconds — revealing to me that he was an accomplished guitarist (which I had not known before), handed it lovingly back to me, and gave me a one-word evaluation: "Nice!" he said.
"How nice?" I asked, and he said "Let's see....." and walked me toward some books he had with current values of old Martins. After studying his books for about a minute he said "....about $12,000 nice!" he said — just like that!
Well, that made me feel pretty good about my $2,000 investment (well, $2,000 plus the initial $15 and some transportation). It is resting in a place of honor in my living room — out of the case and on a guitar stand, so that I am more likely to pick it up and play it than if it were locked away in a case.
Bob charged for a formal evaluation, as he should, but was always willing to give you a verbal evaluation at no charge, which I appreciated.
And he always treated everyone — at least me — with courtesy, whether I was buying anything at the time or not. And I appreciated that.
After reading the accounts of your husband in the Register-Guard and on the internet, I just wish I had been able to know him better. What a great man. Even with my limited exposure to Bob I felt a sense of personal loss when my wife,
Jean, read out loud to me from last Friday's Register-Guard about Bob's passing. I felt this loss even though my total exposure to Bob had been slight — that's the power of the aura that emanated from Bob. Selfishly, I felt I had lost a valuable resource, as well as a friendly acquaintance.
What I've just said (above) isn't much....doesn't come from close ties with Bob. But I wanted you to know that even a causal acquaintance with Bob made people like me want to take the time to write you and let you know that brief as our acquaintance was, I still wanted to take the trouble to express my appreciation for his obviously special spirit.
Bob Wilson (and Jean)
(541) 484-6727
[email protected]
David & Tracy Grisman
June 16, 2012
Dear Susan and family,
We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Bob's passing. It seems just a short time ago that we visited him in the shop. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and sympathy.
David and Tracy Grisman
Shasta Ray
June 15, 2012
Well I guess Bob and I will someday have to play the big & beautiful golf course in heaven!
We talked about getting out there all the time. My best wishes to Susan, friends and family. It was a pure pleasure to meet Bob, I remember many of our conversations in detail. It was great doing business together as it will be in the future...thanks for the memories. Shasta Ray,(Myrtle Creek, Or)
Larry's Music Staff
June 14, 2012
We relied on Bob often when it came to info on vintage guitars. He was always willing to help and educate. He poured his expertise into his staff, and for that we will always be grateful. His legacy to guitarists will live on through his wife and that wonderful staff he loved and trained so well.
Ryan Phelps
June 14, 2012
Bob's shop was on my list every visit to Eugene. I still have the 1960 Fender Jazzmaster and 1967 Epiphone Riviera he sold me nearly 30 years ago! Bob was a great guy and will be missed by many.
Daniel Wallis
June 10, 2012
Over the years, Bob showed me genuine acceptance and encouragement. He demonstrated interest in me, as a person, and how my purchase from his shop would meet my needs as a musician. Bob went "the extra mile," causing me to know I was not only a client---he was my friend.
Lee November
June 10, 2012
Bob was my younger brother. I admire his accomplishments and his uniqueness. In short, I am proud to have called him my brother.
I miss him sorely.
Lynda & William Lincoln
June 9, 2012
Bob was one of first people we met when, in 1985, we moved to Eugene from the coast of Maine. Seeking out guitar shops, we wandered into McKenzie River Music. What a special find! That was how we met Bob. He was standing behind the counter at the front of the store. He had a warm and easy grace about him, a ready smile, and made us feel welcome instantly. This was in the early years on 13th Avenue. We recall the wall on the right lined with wonderful guitars, the amp room, and Bob's office in the back of the shop where he kept some choice instruments. Through the years, Bob and McKenzie River Music became a part of our lives. It was Bob's genuine nature as well as his amazing collection of instruments that kept us coming back. We visited frequently, sharing talk of guitars and amps and music and other things! We bought acoustic and electric guitars and a couple vintage Fender tweed amps from Bob, and sold a few items to him along the way! Fair and knowledgeable, he always took time and good care of us. We have always thought of Bob as a friend. Greatly saddened by his passing, we will always remember him with warm fondness.
Cristman
June 9, 2012
Bob tried to get me to buy a Les Paul in 1988 instead of the Kramer with the Floyd....Totally missed the boat on that one. He was always reliable with his professional opinions and I am sorry to hear this news. Rest in Peace
Tony Marcus
June 8, 2012
Bob was always fun to talk with when I passed through Eugene. We'd sometimes do some instrument swapping, but even when we didn't I always came away with the good feeling that comes with hanging out with an intelligent, knowledgeable opinionated person who also happened to be a really nice guy. After being involved with stringed instruments for over 40 years, there aren't a lot of people who can fill in the gaps in my knowledge...now there's one less. Mostly, though, I'll miss Bob as a human being.
Victoria Williams
June 5, 2012
Going to miss you "a bunch", Big Bob. I'm finding out that it's true that we never really understand what we are so lucky to have until it's gone. You are TRULY one-of-a-kind (perhaps even a new species?!?) Thanks for honouring our friendship by ALWAYS being there when a friend was needed (even at an inconvenient hour of day). It really is an honour to have known you (no matter HOW MUCH that statement would have made you give that little sideways smirk) Also: GO DUCKS!!! We had fun at the Rose Bowl in 2010, and in Glendale for "the Natty" in 2011, and ESPECIALLY in the race to WIN the Roses in 2012. I'll carry you close to my heart for ever: what a ride we all had!!! Keep playin' honey. Say hello to Lennon for me, will ya?? I expect you've got a guitar that he REALLY needs. XOX always. Toonces
Linda Leavitt
June 5, 2012
Bob fixed my guitar when I moved to Eugene from Florida in 1987. He was my mandolin teacher,jamming friend, too. When I saw him last - 2009? - Bob talked non-stop about his beautiful wife. I send my condolenscs to Bob's family. He was a wonderful, generous person and a fine musician.I wi
Mark West
June 4, 2012
Bob and his store had an impact on me as a musician and resident of Eugene. I went in there a couple times a year to kick tires and buy a few little things here and there. I decided to build a bass guitar and had to buy the electronics, tuning pegs, bridge, etc. Bob had everything I needed and much of it used. I saved a lot of money, and everything worked out fine. He helped me all the way through the effort, getting me all the parts I needed and always seemed very friendly and helpful. The Heavenly band and orchestra will be getting a talented contributor in Bob November!
May 1981 PR photo for Smoky Valley band
George Filgate
June 3, 2012
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Bob November's name
Memorial Events
for Bob November
How to support Bob's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bob November's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
