Robert James Barr

Robert James Barr, 51, Bismarck, died and was cremated in Colton, Calif., on March 17, 2002. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at House of Prayer Lutheran Church, Bismarck.

Robert "Robb" was born Sept. 7, 1950, in Warren, Minn., to Joyce and Robert H. Barr. In 1965, the family moved to Bismarck. Robb graduated from Bismarck High School in 1969, and then moved to Denver to attend broadcasting school. He began learning leathercarving while living in Colorado and later returned to Bismarck to pursue this art as a career.

Eventually, Robb developed his own pattern books and a unique three-dimensional carving technique. Over the years he won many awards, the most prestigious being the Al Stohlman award, which is the highest achievements awarded in leathercrafting. In addition, he taught his skills to students in the United States, Australia, Europe and Asia. He was on a teaching tour at the time of his death. Much of Robb's artwork will be permanently on display at the King Museum in Sheridan, Wyo., as part of its Al Stohlman display.

Robb is survived by his stepmother, Jean Barr; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Sandi and Jim Murray, and Cheryl and David Peterson; many nieces and nephews; and two very dear friends, Eleanor White and Sister Barbara Weber.

His parents preceded him in death.

Per Robb's request, there will be a farewell party at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Tumbleweed in Lincoln. All dear friends are welcome to attend. (Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck)