Robert D. Mann

I remember Bob from his fitness gym in San Jose on Santa Clara St. My dad was a friend of his and Bob gave him a key to the gym so he could work out after hours. I remember the steam room had an awesome mural. I would always stop by and say "Hi" on my way home from school. He was always very nice to me. I was only about 10 and he would take the time to ask me about school while all the guys were flexing their biceps! God Bless You, Linda

Bob was my Mother's good friend. His sister, Grace was also a very good friend, part of our extended family in the bay area, where I grew up taking ballet at her studio in Oakland.
Bob was such a wonderful friend and supporter to my Mom who had health problems. Even though he also had his own health problems he was always upbeat and positive which really helped my Mother.
I am sad to have lost a wonderful, beautiful spiritual soul, on our journey here, but I have no doubt there was...

Adding my treasured photo painted by Bob Vala in 1961. I was in ballet "Giselle" and this was his tribute. (Pls. refer to my Dec. 9, 2011, post on this site for more info.)

Bob was a great positive influence in my life and in many others. We have lost a wonderful friend indeed. The art world has lost one of its best. David J. Janich

I am SO sorry to learn of Bob Mann/Vala's passing. I was a student of his sister's in Oakland, CA, for about ten years (~1955). Bob, Grace and I were good friends, and I visited their Santa Fe home in ~ 1990. ValMann was their joint ballet company. Bob had a fitness studio in Aptos, but he frequently came to the Oakland studio to visit. He was a wonderful person, and I treasure a painting he did for me in 1961 (Giselle). I had no idea he was ill so I am indeed shocked re his passing. He...

To My Best Buddy Rest In Peace My Dear Friend. From Robert Jimenez