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James Robbins "Bob" Gardiner

James Gardiner Obituary

GARDINER, James Robbins "Bob" - Passed away April 21, 2005, in Grass Valley, California, where he resided from 1991 to 2005. A fifth-generation Californian, born March 19, 1951, in Torrance, California, he spent his youth in Southern California and Reno, Nevada, and attended California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California. Bob was a multi-talented artist, writer and musician. He won an Oscar and other national and international awards in 1974, for the ground-breaking clay animated short film "Closed Mondays," which he wrote, sculpted, directed and co-produced. Bob's career included art and music shows at venues around the northwest, numerous clay animated commercials and public service announcements, and other art projects in his adopted state of Oregon, where he lived for about 10 years. He worked as a comedy writer with his friend Mason Williams on two Smothers Brothers television specials and also on other writing and clay animation television projects. He created holograms and was a talented painter, cartoonist, songwriter, historian and storyteller. Bob is survived by his daughters, Sarah Ann "Sierra" of New York City and Nicolle Gaia "Nikki" of Portland, OR; and their mother, Kara Evenson, also of Portland; and five siblings: Katharine Hale and Arthur Gardiner of Reno, NV, John Gardiner of Laguna Beach, CA, Ann Gardiner of Berkeley, CA, and Janet Gardiner Leland of SF, CA. His parents, Evelyn and James F. Gardiner died in 2002 and 2004, respectively. Bob was much loved and is already sadly missed. There will be a memorial on April 30, at 12 noon, at the Chapel of the Angels, 250 Race Street, Grass Valley, CA. There will also be a celebration of Bob's art and life in Portland, Oregon, at a date yet to be announced.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Apr. 26, 2005.
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I knew Bob in the 70s in Portland and used to visit him alot when he resided in a large apartment in a 'classic' old wooden building in Northwest Portland which housed local actors, including Terry Knox before moving to SoCal and becoming a movie star. First saw tiny clay figures in Bob's fridge there. Bob let all his friends hold Oscar at party thrown for him at beer tavern down by the tracks in old warehouse district. Just learned of Bob's passing.

Curtis Henderson

November 20, 2017

I'm sorry to go on and on like this, but it's 5:30 am and I've been reading these messages to Bob from everyone, and i just keep thinking of more i want to say.
It's funny, but I can't help thinking that those of us who lived there at The Lawn Apartments alongside Bob from, say, 1973-78, got a vintage Bob Gardiner experience.
That's nonsense, of course. He gave the full but gentle blast of his personality everyone all the time.
But still, somehow, life there at The Lawn, where the bathrooms and showers were in the hallways, brought everybody closer together than they might otherwise have been. You'll either agree with me or you won't.
But please know this: There are few memories in my life as precious as those shared with Bob and Damian and Rebecca and Agnes and 20 or so others in that splendid 100 year old building there on NW 18th Ave.
O Bob O Bob, I remember you well and I will remember you as long as I live.
I'm sorry I didn't call you back that last time you left a message for me in LA on my machine. You sounded like you wanted to talk, but I was working, and you, if anyone, might understand that.
You were the hardest worker I ever met--even though things came easier for you than for the rest of us.
Dear friend.

Terene Knox

October 31, 2017

But more than anything else, Bob was the brightest creative light I'd ever known. And a fine friend to have early in the morning when I was vacuuming the halls and could hear him singing in 208.
Damian was right upstairs.
That was a special time in all our lives, and Bob was the center of it.

And his brother John will smile when I remind him that the day after Bob won the Oscar, his rent check bounced.
Terry

Terence Knox

October 31, 2017

But more than anything else, Bob was the brightest creative light I'd ever known. And a fine friend to have early in the morning when I was vacuuming the halls and could hear him singing in 208.
Damian was right upstairs.
That was a special time in all our lives, and Bob was the center of it.

Terence Knox

October 31, 2017

i knew bob since he was just a boy. he was of course funny, talented, and creative.what i most recall was that he was sensitive and caring toward others and so very kind. we think of him often and of course miss that smile and slapstick laugh.love you bob.

laura armour posey

February 15, 2017

Bill Keenom

June 30, 2016

I was Bobs roommate from late 1969 to May of 1970 when he was going to The Collage of Arts and Crafts a.k.a. Farts and Laughs in Oakland,Calif.I was a candle maker at the time and he used one of my candles in the first film that he made, I believe with a friend of his named Fritz Groskuger he was a long time friend of Bobs.Bob and I shared a great distain of Richard Nixon at the time.He then moved to Portland,Ore.and I moved to Monterey,Ca.and lost touch with him until I moved to Portland in 1977.I ran into him just before he moved to So.Cal.I only found out that he passed away in 2009 when I by chance searched his name on the internet,I was deeply saddened.I would really like to talk with anyone who knew him and would really like to know how to get ahold of Fritz.

Alan Nelson

December 26, 2011

i was a close friend of bob's before he died. i have started a fanpage on facebook if anybody is interested, i would love to have people share stories about this beautiful, creative person.
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1200011615163#!/group.php?gid=104085432958159&ref=nf

mike grant

April 11, 2010

I met you just a few times. You came to our house for the Grattan-Gardiner cousins reunion and I remember your quiet creative energy, standing on the porch. When I look at your photo I am so struck. I see my grandma Katy (your aunt) and so much of a certain kind of spirit. I'm afraid it's going away, but am fiercely glad I saw it. I now live in Portland, and it is nice to think you lived here for years.

Elizabeth Grattan Teater

March 2, 2009

I recently was using the internet to locate old friends and found Bob had passed away, so young.

I knew Bob when he lived at the Lawn Apartments back when he won the Oscar in 1975 and kept it on top of his refrigerator.

I have an old photo of Bob holding up his Oscar.

My apartment was right above his on the third floor.

It was a magical place full of artists, writers, poets. I guess the archetecture attracted them all to the Lawn Apartments in NW Portland.

Love to hear from old friends who may have known me back then.

Does anyone know what happened to Terry Davis who was the manager and left for LA to become an actor.

Or Marty Owen, the Irish Poet.

.

Damian Bridges

August 16, 2008

Hey Bobby,
I knew you in the 70's in Portland and still think of you in 2007 in England. You always did make a lasting impression. I mention your name to anyone I ever meet who is interested in clay or animation here in Manchester. Bless your cotton socks Bob.
Rochelle Dodson
Manchester England

Rochelle Dodson

October 15, 2007

Oh Bobby,
Knew you so long ago and never forgot...

Goldy VonHuff

March 28, 2007

March 15, 2007

My heart is broken to hear this news. I met Bob in the 70s at the Museum Art School in Portland. I have many fond memories of him. He was an energetic, fun, creative, and thoroughly loveable guy. My sincere condolences to his family.

Coleen Patterson

February 16, 2007

Dear Bob,



Your clay animation "Closed Mondays" holds a very dear place in my heart. It takes me back to when I was a little girl and seeing it for the first time on TV. I was mesmerized. You will be missed.

Deserie Alcala

September 21, 2006

Bob, I became familiar with your work long before I knew any animators' names beyond Walt and Chuck. I saw 'Closed Mondays' in 1975, It was one of the first artistic animated shorts I ever saw, and it led me to absorb about fifteen years of anumation festivals and the like. I had seen Closed Mondays maybe eight times before I learned my friend John was your brother, and by then you were already gone.

From what I read here, you had the love of the community around you, as well as Johns' energy, his intelligence, his quick wit and his love.

I would have liked to have known you. It's my loss too.

I'll change this - hereafter I'll pay attention to the artists' name. Yours will be remembered, that's for sure.

Jim Rue

August 28, 2006

Dear Bob,



Do I write this to you, whom I never knew, only knew of? Do I send it out into the universe hoping it connects somehow, or put it here in paltry words, so long after you have gone, so that those who loved you know that still, you live in thoughts of one who never touched you, talked to you? I'll do all of these, of course. Through your brother, my good friend and kindred spirit, John, I know all I need to know of you. That you were creative, kind, funny, blazing with talent, with life. I know you were loved, are missed. I know I felt sad when John told me of your passing--though I prefer to call it your release--and that I feel sad never to have known you. And I know, without doubt, that you've changed lives, made differences that you never knew of, and that your loss, somehow, affects all of us.



Love,

Ricki Mandeville

Ricki Mandeville

August 23, 2006

Hello Bobbin,



Thought I would say hello. We are thinking about you and miss you much.

Robbins Chadil

May 22, 2006

I never met Bob but he had an enormous influence on my life. "Closed Mondays" was one of the first times I ever saw claymation and it inspired me to follow a life and career in visual effects and animation. I was born in Australia but have lived in the States for the past 16 and now work at ILM. I only just found out today that Bob had passed away and it saddens me deeply that I never got a chance to thank him in person for creating that spark in me so many years ago. My deepest condolences to all of you in Bob's family. He was truly one of the GREATS!

Adam Howard

February 25, 2006

"Blabbermouth computer!" says the character that Bob animated in Closed Mondays. Bob was a special friend and an inspiration to know. I have 30 seconds of Super Eight film showing Bob and friends jumping in the air in the 1975 animation class that he taught with Will- and a pair of shoes that Bob animated that appear to magically walk by themselves. Let me know if you'd like a DVD of this Super Eight film. I was hoping to be able to meet and talk with Bob again sometime. May God Bless.

Sincerely, Tom Samanen

tom samanen

October 22, 2005

Back to the Sea





In late August, we hike to a shady bank

on the south fork of the Yuba

and attend to our task,

releasing the remains of father

and brother into the water,

James Francis and James Robbins,

ash and carbon rippling on the surface

souls drifting free...



a marvelous liquid cloud, white as bone

slowly stretches out,

green phosphorescence shining through

lit by algae from the creek bed -

minnows, dragonflies, and a garter snake

bear witness, we share a peach

and drop the pit into the stream,

seed into seed

father and brother winding together

down Sierra tributaries

slowly to the sea.



-JG

John Gardiner

October 12, 2005

Bob was one of the most prolific and creative artists of his generation. He was exceptional at painting, drawing, sculpting, film making, singing, song writing, and prose writing. He was also a gifted musician, stand-up comedian, monologist, inventor, improvisational talker, and very loving human being. To be that talented sometimes carries a burden, and in Bob's case it was the mundane necessities of daily life. Winning the Oscar was relatively easy for him, paying the rent was not. It makes no difference now. His work will live after him because it is superior art, and he will never be forgotten by his loving family and friends.

John Gardiner

October 8, 2005

I met Bob only once and spent no more than a couple of hours with him way back in 1975 and had a crush on him ever since. I loved all of his art, especially the holograms. I am very saddened to learn of his death. He was special.

Susan Trowbridge

September 19, 2005

I first met Bob in the 70s through my dear and now departed friend, Kent Holloway. I remember how the 2 of them spent hours inventing wonderful things - like the painting machine, that tracked the sun to create just the images they wanted between 2 pieces of glass - I still don't get it! I got to see the clay annimation in process, too. And, of course, he was fabulously good looking - what a smile. I didn't see that smile again until last year at a celebration of life for Kent. The smile was still there, but a bit dimmed and weary. He came to life, though, when he talked about his girls. He was very, very proud of them. I'm heartbroken that he couldn't find a way to stay with them and us. Chrisse

Chrisse Roccaro

September 15, 2005

Dear Bob;

I drove over Donner Summit today with Robin and our pooch and great music on the radio, and we thought of you. One funny country song with a good hook and I cried that you took your inspiration with you yet I'm so glad that you left all that you did leave behind. And I drove the CA I-80 with your two daughters not too long ago and they were the best company I've ever had on that drive.

And we had traffic.

They know how to sing and they know how to invent on the spot.

You were the funniest most spontaneous verse or rhyme song-writer I ever met who could do it on a streak behind the wheel of a car or anywhere and I hope you knew how great your daughters are. The fact that you won't know the promise that they show as it grows into grater beauty is sad but it won't cloud the pleasure those who love them will feel, as I know you would'nt want it to.

I miss you a lot. I sang for you today & will sing with you always.

Janet Leland

September 6, 2005

Dearest Bobbo;

Strange to write to you only in spirit but that's the only way now. We who loved you have your amazing artwork and music to console us but it isn't enough—not even close. I still can't comprehend your absence and don't understand how your path came to such an end. You were a man of such brilliant creativity, humor and personality that most people paled by comparison. You could also be more difficult to get along with than most people. But I loved you so much and I miss you being in this world, hard though this world was for you to deal with.

At least we have your two lovely daughters, who are so wonderful and such a comfort.

I look forward to the time when it isn't heartbreaking to even think about you, but expect that will be a long time coming, if ever. Your lesson to me is to speak the love I feel for others now, without hesitation, and to embrace life as fully as possible while time allows.

Bob, I wish I could hug you right now and tell you how important you were and are to me, and somehow make you turn back time and return to us.

Love from McMoshkowitz

Janet Leland

July 29, 2005

I was lucky to know Bob during high school in Reno in the 60s. I remember once at a party he pulled out some sketches he had done for one of those "You Too Can Be An Artist!" correspondence courses. His drawings and cartoons were way wackier and better than the ones he was supposed to be copying.

In 1970 or 71 I caught up with him in Berkeley, where he had just won top prize at the Berkeley Film Festival with his 1st try (wonderfully obscene) at clay animation. A few years later Pat Herz called to tell me to turn on the Oscars quick, because Bob was on TV getting one. None of us were too surprised.

I last talked with him about 3 years ago, when he called to offer sympathy after my mother's death. He was the same old Bob, firing on every cylinder every second. It's a duller world without him.

David Horgan

June 9, 2005

Dear Nephew Bob - In my mind's eye

you are a young boy. You were always so vibrant, with a huge grin,

merry eyes and a delightful sense

of humor. I have not known you very well as a grown up but that little boy has stayed with you for

sure and for all time. Just be

happy Bob! with love, aunt Katherine

Katherine Todd

May 28, 2005

Bobbie, Bobbie, Bobbie.

You have given so much to everyone you have ever met, so willingly and with such passion that no one is the same after encountering you. The first time I met you five of us wrestled you into your apartment in Oakland, and then introduced ourselves very properly, having worked up a sweat. You are the most serious and the most playful person wrapped up into one constant energy bomb that I have ever encountered. Working with you back above fifth avenue next to the PCVA was always amazing as you would methodically move ten figures into their next motion and shoot the shot, move the camera, and then move ten figures again - directing me to do some small thing in the backround, carrying on all the while about what we we doing so I would understand how it all would come together. And it did. You invented what you needed and your ability to visualize and then fabricate what you had imagined from whatever you could find at Winks Hardware would put a film studio to shame. You were a splendid athlete and I would describe you as handsome and with great Cromagnatism. You expected the loyalty and love you felt, and few of us could live up to that. But you need to know we have all loved you for who you were not what you did. You were a lot lot love and maybe we couldn't manage that on a daily basis. You are huge in the pantheon of great spirits. In the end you needed more than anyone was able to give you. I hope you are able to get that love now. I send it out to you every day and count on you receiving it with a big beautiful grin, the grin I first saw in that first meeting after wrestling in the entry that was so instantly and totally playful, athletic and theatrical. Peace upon your soul, brother.



Ran

Randall Koch

May 27, 2005

There will be a memorial and celebration of Bob's life in Portland on June 12. Here's the poster with the details

Chris Wain

May 27, 2005

It’s hard to pinpoint my earliest memory of Bob-probably preschool or kindergarten in Pacific Palisades. Even among six and seven year olds, he stood out. He could take over a class and keep us all laughing hysterically when one of our teachers had been unwise enough to step out of the room. Even then, his artistic talent and creativity were obvious. He was in an after-school art class that was normally was open only to kids close to twice his age. And his crayon drawings of things like buffaloes were mesmerizing. Much later, when the news reached us about his Oscar, I was delighted for him and not completely surprised; there was no doubt about his talent and creativity; it was more of a question of what course his talents would take.



We knew each other better as kids than in adulthood, but even our occasional times together in California were memorable. On what turned out to be our last visit, he gave a quick but incredibly rich tour of the mining museum in Grass Valley.



Bob, I hope you’re in a happier place now. We’re all better for having known you and worse for losing you way too soon.

Chris Wain

May 26, 2005

John Gardiner is a friend and a beloved poet to all of us here in Orange County and beyond. Of course, I only knew his brother, Bob, from afar, but from what I learned of him from John, he was a man blessed with soul and creativity. Further, I lost just such a daughter (Misty Mallory) in 1999, so I deeply understand the sadness occasioned by Bob's passing.



Bless all of you and Bob,

Lee and Natalee Mallory

Lee Mallory

May 12, 2005

Hello Bob,

I remember the fun we had at the Hardman's in Pacific Palisades and at St. Matthews School. You and little Stanley Hardman were like baby brothers and always annoyed us in the pool, but we loved you anyway. I'm sure there will be a great reunion up there amongst all of us - see you then. Love always from Alix Hardman's old best friend.

Roxie Taft

May 11, 2005

I like to imagine that upon death a person's light bursts into hundreds of pieces, each of which goes to live in the heart of someone who loves him. So a little peice of Bob lives in each of us now.

Mary Tighe

May 11, 2005

My first meeting with Bob was in San Francisco's North Beach through Kent Holloway in the early 1980's. He was an exuberant young man glowing with words and love. We walked through the crowds to Spec's Bar and listened to Bob's explosions of verbal inspirations. He attended my Kent's celebration of life last year and I am sorry that I did not get to hear that same love of life that I remembered from before. We were not close but I always wished that we had been. Now it is too late.

Peggy Powell Holloway

May 10, 2005

Dearest Bob,



I miss you so much already that it's still difficult to even write ... I'm sending you a cosmic hug and a promise to never forget you and all the wonderful creations that you blessed us with ... I'll write you again later.



Love,



Your brother, Jack

John Gardiner

May 10, 2005

To the Family and Friends of Bob Gardiner:



My most sincere, heart-felt sympathies for your great loss.



I did not know Bob personally, but heard of his great talent through his brother and my good friend, John. Maybe the next time we look-up into the sky and see a particularly majestic cloud, seemingly molded by an incredible sculptor...perhaps it will be part of Bob's magic...still shining down on us mere mortals. That's what I will think of from now on.

Douglas Stewart

May 10, 2005

We all speak to Bob's brilliance and humor, and to the power of his inspiration. Late one night he took me to a little room and showed me clay figures on a work table, with a tripod-mounted camera. He adjusted one of the tiny figures just a little bit, and then snapped a photo. "Just like that, Wacky, over and over again until I'm nuts. Easy."

Bill Wickland

May 10, 2005

So many memories of Bob are larger than most lives. He was funnier, more talented, more interesting, more generous, more big-hearted and sometimes more difficult than other people. He was certainly the most inspired artist I've known well. He had that spark of genius—not always, but he had it—that lifts creativity way above the ordinary: where art takes on a life of its own beyond the artist. That's a wonderful experience to share with people you love, and those of us who loved Bob know what I mean. I hope his restless spirit is at peace.

Janet Leland

May 8, 2005

Bob,

In whose mind ten thousand universes were born and died each hour; each more interesting, beautiful and with intricate lovingly crafted detail; just like you. You inspire me to live fearlessly, create passionately, and to love now.

Love,

Bill Lee

April 29, 2005

Bob and i would act out little mini-

musicals in the alley at 18th and Kearney. He called me Brian Wilson and somehow as Brian I was on an imaginary horse in this particular musical. Back in the seventies he would bring his keyboard and play with our band at the Crystal Ballroom. Bob could make me laugh without even trying. Love to all his friends and family. I know how much he loved his girls.

bill keenom

April 28, 2005

I was fortunate to have met Bob through my association with Mason Williams as his Northwest Drummer from 1988 - 2002 for his various music performance project....



Bob was an intensly creative and dedicated individual to his ideas and artistic integrity...he will be sorely missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to all his family, close friends, fans, working peers and those lucky enough to have known him...

Dennis Caffey

April 28, 2005

I think Bob was one of the major forces in animation in the 20th Century. Plus he was a funny and very smart guy. Sadly I only had the chance to work with him but one time. He will be missed. Here's a picture I took of Bob in April, 1975. He was doing a commercial for Rainier Beer.

Richard Blakeslee

April 28, 2005

Well, Bob - There are so many great memories growing up with you and your family! Kentfield, The beach, The Yuba River, Nevada,Aetna Springs, Southern California.....always the funny guy.....telling your wild and fascinating stories! The one great thing that you taught me ( so very patiently; for an entire summer afternoon) is how to whistle extremely loud using my index finger and thumb! I will always remember that day! And many other days spent together, the Gardiner's and the Allen's...we knew how to have some kind of fun!.....



I truly hope you have found peace, Bob.........(and Peter, too)



Love, Sootz (Susie Allen)

Susie Allen De Baker

April 26, 2005

Bob was a fascinating, creative, generous man. He made several very innovative, remarkable films that have influenced a generation of animators.

Joanna Priestley

April 26, 2005

We love you, Bob



Bob, Teo, Tess, Rob

Robbins Chadil

April 26, 2005

Yes, Janet, too young...

Leslie Swallow

April 26, 2005

I am a friend and poetry supporter of John Gardiner. Please know that I am meditating for the entire family in your loss and have white candle burning for James and all of the family.



Mifanwy Kaiser

Tebot Bach, Inc.

Mifanwy Kaiser

April 26, 2005

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