Robert Wathen

Robert Gordon Wathen Sr.
After a long and difficult battle with COPD, Robert Gordon Wathen Sr. passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, surrounded by the love and presence of his children.
Born on January 22, 1949, in Buffalo, New York, Bob was the son of Richard Albert Wathen Jr. and Barbara Roberts Wathen, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up alongside his brothers Richard (Nadine) (both deceased), Ted (Bridget), Michael (Ellen), David (Zhuyuan), and his sister Mary-siblings he deeply loved, admired, respected, and cherished throughout his life.
Bob lived a remarkable and varied life-defined not by a single career, but by a spirit of curiosity, reinvention, and adventure. He had an exceptional ability to master whatever he set his mind to, and he carried that into every chapter of his work and passions. Over the years he built a career that crossed industries and continents: trained American Saddlebred horses, was a stockbroker, managed country music talent, built privately run prisons, developed a girl's school in England, and owned several bars and restaurants. His life was one of bold turns, big ideas, and an eagerness to see what was around the next bend.
People were naturally drawn to Bob. He was charismatic, fun, and endlessly interesting. Someone who loved to tell stories, discuss history, debate politics, and bring energy into every room he entered. He loved adventure, traveling, exploring new places, and sharing stories of the people he met along the way. He loved the outdoors, especially camping, canoeing, and fishing. He was a great cook, and a man who could build anything with his hands. His life was colorful, spirited, and never lived halfway.
Bob loved music of all genres, but he especially loved Pink Floyd-David Gilmour and Roger Waters among his favorites. He listened to their music endlessly and it accompanied him through countless chapters of life and continued to comfort him until the end.
Robert is survived by his children-Robert Wathen Jr. (Deborah), Mindy Tindle, and Brian Wathen. He was a proud grandfather to Blake Wathen, Lyla Wathen, Ashley Wathen, Taylor Wathen, Dylan Tindle (Faith), Tyler Tindle (Kayla), and Anthony Zikesh. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Lilly Tindle, and soon to be born Easton Tindle.
In his final months, Bob lived with his daughter Mindy, who cared for him with love, compassion, and unwavering devotion during his declining health.
In accordance with his wishes, Bob will be cremated, and he asked that no public service be held. A celebration of his life will take place in the spring, with the date and time to be determined.
Those who loved him will feel his absence deeply, but will carry forward his stories, his laughter, and his spirit of adventure.
As Pink Floyd wrote: "Shine on you crazy diamond."
May he shine on forever.