Robert Claire Smale

Bob was a great piano player who added some jazz arrangements to the orchestrations. I only wish he had been interviewed for the repeats

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...

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.

Bob was wonderful entertainer and will be missed. I still listen to The Lawrence Welk Show. Bob was the ultimate showman.

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.

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