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John Bobbish Obituary
BOBBISH--John. Artist, children's book writer & illustrator & teacher. John's art reflected the passion & creativity of a genius. As many have said, "The world has lost a great artist", and I have lost the most wonderful brother. You will always live on in my heart & through your brilliant work & achievements. Love, Sandra Le Flem
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Memories and Condolences
for John Bobbish
Sponsored by Sandra Le Flem.
Sandra Le Flem
July 17, 2025
Dear John, I miss you more than words can say. Wishing you were here.
Love,
Sandy
Sandra
June 5, 2025
Happy birthday,John. You are so missed!
Love, Sandy
blake maxam
May 31, 2025
I met John through seeing his work at a gallery room that was also being used for a lecture on a magician who performed in San Francisco.
I fell in love with "Midnight Carousel" among others and just ferreted around until I was able to write and tell him so.
We corresponded for some years and he became a friend I treasured. I loved his wit, his intelligence and his kindness... and the fact that he loved magic didn't hurt any!
In fact, just about the last thing he wrote to me was to ask my opinion on "The Return of Chung Ling Soo", a BIG (about 6'x8', I think) piece he was working on.
My advice was "Stop now!! It's ALIVE and AMAZING and I'm afraid anything more would make it less vibrant." I only hope it went to a good home and someone who appreciates it but with a piece that size, I worried.
I have a couple of his small pieces and one larger painting, and I treasure them, but not as much as I treasure his memory.
I stayed in touch with Marge for some time after, but haven't heard in the last few years.
Now, looking at some of the other tributes, I'll remember him, especially, on his birthday!
Sandra Le Flem
June 4, 2024
Happy Birthday, John! Wishing that you were still here.
Love,
Sandy
Andrew
June 20, 2023
Andrew
June 20, 2023
Hello, my name is Andrew
My family owns an original watercolor painting by John Bobbish that my mom and dad has had since April 20th 2001 that we treasure dearly. I would love to view more of his artwork and him as a person. If anyone has any information please direct me where i can see more of his collection. I am so sorry for your loss and you all have my condolences
Sandra Le Flem
June 4, 2023
Happy Birthday to my wonderful brother! You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you more than words can say.
Love,
Sandy
Sandra Le Flem
June 4, 2022
Happy Birthday, John! I wish that you were still here.
Love,
Sandy
Sandra Le Flem
July 17, 2021
John, I miss you more than words can say.
Love,
Sandy
William Alger
July 11, 2020
Happy Birthday John...fellow Cancerian! You would not be happy in today's world. RIP....Bill
Sandra Le Flem
July 17, 2019
John, I want to let you know how much you are missed and what a difference you made in my life. You will be my best friend forever.
Love,
Sandy
Sandra Le Flem
June 4, 2018
Happy Birthday, John! Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Missing you more than words can say.
Love,
Sandy
Bill Alger
June 5, 2017
Definitely in a better place...
Happy Birthday John
Sandra Le Flem
June 4, 2017
Happy Birthday, John. I miss you more than words can say.
Love, Sandy
March 2, 2017
so sorry to discover that john has left us. we owe john so much. without his habit of rescuing animals, my wife and i would never have found our two cats that we dearly love. john rescued them from the alley (tin pan alley, to be precise) and we adopted them from him. i'm sure he'd be delighted to know that they are like children to us and they've found ample affection in a loving home - and after 14 years, they are healthy as can be. we call john their godparent. condolences and best wishes to margie. - steve k. and sabine b.
The Olegang...this image is how I want to remember John. Part of a wonderful group of creatives.
June 5, 2015
Happy B'day John B....Hard to believe it is 6 years ago! I'm sure you are painting subjects with wings!
Sandra Le Flem
June 4, 2015
Happy Birthday, John! I still miss you so much!
Love,
Sandy
Sandra Le Flem
December 25, 2014
Each passing Christmas reminds me of how much I miss you.
Love,
Sandy
Sandra Le Flem
July 17, 2014
On July 17th.,it will be six years since you are gone. I think of you everyday and miss you so much. You will forever live on in my heart.
Love, Sandy
michael santoro
July 13, 2014
I had the pleasure of training with John in different martial arts for over 30 years he saw the world as a canvas and his laugh was unforgettable. Ill never meet another like him for the remainder of my life and was blessed to call him friend. " see you in that dojo in the sky brother
June 4, 2014
Happy Birthday, John! Wishing you were still here. I still miss you so much!
Love,
Sandy
Sandra Le Flem
June 4, 2013
Happy Birthday, John! I am still missing you so much!
Love, Sandy
Sandra Le Flem
January 13, 2013
I received the following from one of John's fans, Rhea Strnad:
I had the privilege once of meeting John Bobbish along with his wife many years ago at Union Square. He seemed a kind soul and his work was magnificent and by the far the BEST in my opinion. To me, they were the things dreams are made of. I was entranced and unfortunately, broke. I could only afford one print (the one with Medusa getting ready for a night out on the town) and he was gracious enough to give me a handbook with a black and white print (clowns painting clouds) to which he added orange pencil markings and a signature, making it authentic. A gesture that has always stayed with me. They are framed and hanging in my house.
William Alger
June 5, 2012
Funny but on Sunday I was telling a fellow artist at Union Square about some of the artists that have come and gone in this park and of course I spoke of John and his beautiful artwork. And whenever I tell people about this place and my experience here, John is always foremost in the tale. My mind fills with the feelings and memories of that time , both good and bad, and John is always part of it. I think on Sunday he must have been nudging me a bit to remember his birthday. I only wish I could say it to him in person....HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN BOBBISH
Sandra Le Flem
June 4, 2012
June 4, 2012
Happy Birthday, John! I miss you so much!
Love,
Sandy
John & Dudley
Sandra Le Flem
December 29, 2011
SANDRA LE FLEM
December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas John. I am still missing you so much!
Love,
Sandy
Joseph Taylor
May 23, 2011
John was an extraordinary artist who illustrated my first published piece, "Flying Balloons: The Story of the Montgolfier Brothers" (Cricket magazine, April 2008). Fortunately, I was able to tell him how much I thought of his exquisite watercolors. They were impressionistic and energy-filled, and suited the material perfectly. Not only that, but after all the time I spent researching and writing the story, I didn't see the connection of the piece to my own childhood until I opened the magazine to his first illustration, showing one boy jumping and the other encouraging him on. My mother's reaction was the same: "Oh my, that's you kids!" It was a great moment for me, teaching me the value of good illustration. I will always have the utmost respect for illustrators, thanks to John.
The piece won the top award from the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. I'm sure John would have loved that--almost as much as he loved sneaking in at least one animal to each illustration. Though our paths crossed only briefly, I know he was full of life and great talent. Thank you for all you did, John. Your work left a real mark.
Sandra Le Flem
December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas John.
Love,
Sandy
John Bobbish
Sandra Le Flem
November 10, 2010
Tribute to John Bobbish
Artist, children’s book writer and illustrator,
teacher, animal advocate and humanitarian.
The McBurney YMCA
Gardner Room
125 West 14th Street, New York, NY
Saturday December 18th, 2010
1PM - 3:30PM
RSVP by December 8th, 2010
Sandra Le Flem
718 699 3306
[email protected]
Giorgio Tuscani
November 1, 2010
The beauty of being an artist is that every single painting has the artists Soul in it...that is how they live on. You will be missed but remembered and felt in every painting of yours. To your journey of Love and light my fellow artist.
Kelly Kill
October 8, 2010
John,
Though I didn't know you personally, I am enjoying your artwork and love seeing if I can find the dog in each picture. Great talent!
Kelly Kill
Robert Zawadzkas
August 18, 2010
John Bobbish was my art teacher at the New School in the late 1990s. He had the most rare ability to extract the individual artist inside every student. We learned from each other, we learned about ourselves, and we learned about John – if we paid attention. The life of a painter – working at getting shows thousands of miles away, teaching, enjoying a drink – balancing an unbalanced society with a love of painting. I had the privilege to be invited by him to see his studio and I recall the large work he seemed eager to show me – the astronaut with a long tether. It differed from most of his other works, and I did like it. I am not sure if he saw the astronaut in me, the astronaut in himself – or both, but I understood this lesson and appreciated his guidance and kindness.
His lectures about the subtleties of form, line, shape, and color were enforced with samples of his heroes - masters like Edvard Munch, sometimes grabbing our brush filled hands to feel the form as he did. If something was not right… “go back in” he would say. “Go back in” to the outline – don’t give up – that’s part of the process – “re-do” this or that part – that’s part of painting. What a great thing about painting! If life were so easy to fix … But we do “go back” and try again – aim for perfection, and distill what we can call our own “style”. I have a poster he had given me of his work - a puppy snoozing on a big pumpkin that I keep in my studio to remind me to go back, relax, and paint yourself a masterpiece.
Thank you John
Sandra Le Flem
July 17, 2010
Dear John,
Missing you....
Love,
Sandy
christopher bianco
July 14, 2010
I am very sorry to about the passing of John, I met him briefly in 2001 and bought 2 prints from him. I love his work and again am truly sorry.
Sandra Le Flem
June 11, 2010
John,
You are truly missed. My life will never be the same without you!! You were the most wonderful brother. God bless you always. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sandy
Frances A
May 2, 2010
I never met John but in late 2004 i was in a serious accident and he painted me a little dog doing pipi on a xmas tree .It was to cheer me up and he sure did
January 4, 2010
Thinking of you on this New Year 2010, Mr. Bobbish!
Your fellow artist and street vendor buddy, Bill Alger
terri Carlton
January 3, 2010
Hi John,
Sure do wish that I had met you in person. Sandy, your sister, introduced me to your paintings ... I was astonished and awed by what I saw. You left your mark on the world John, your love of a fanatasy world that is full of hope, dreams, color and beauty. Those you left behind to grieve your loss can hopefully take comfort in your paintings - for you remind us through your art to always remember what it was like to be a kid.
Your friend, Terri
Gail Piazza
October 19, 2009
October 16, 2009
I worked with John for several years at The Food Group. I am a food stylist and he was an amazingly talented art director.
I wanted to hire John to design business cards and stationary for me. He drew me two of the most ingenious business cards and also did matching stationary. Everyone to whom I have given my card over the years remarks about just how perfect the cards were for me. One card was for my the food styling portion of my business and the other was for the recipe testing and development that I do. The food styling card is my favorite. He drew me at a long table filled with food and at the end of the table was a cat pulling the tablecloth off the table. John was behind the camera looking at the table. The card was and is perfect. He knew I love cats and the table filled with food and he and in the picture said it all.
John was so kind he refused to take money for his work so I bought him a small gift to thank him which was so much less than he deserved.
We lost touch after I stopped working for the Food Group and I only talked to him once many years later.
I was redoing my resume today and having it scanned onto the stationary that John designed. I started thinking of him so I googled him in hopes of finding a current phone number. What I found is that his number was the same. I was happy and planned to call him. Then I saw that John had passed away. I am so sorry that I didn't call him one of the many times that I thought of him over the past couple of years. Sometimes you wait too long to get back in touch with a friend. This is one of those times.
Damon Savas
October 15, 2009
John was a friend and client for many years and though I hadn't seen him much since I moved out of New York, we always exchanged Christmas cards (often featuring Nellie, Dudley or another of his and Marge's dogs) and tried to keep in touch. John had an incredible sense of humor that kept me in spasms but what really set him apart was his passionate, kind and giving nature and that's a rare and winning combination. He certainly will be missed.
Bill Alger
October 3, 2009
I sell my photography at Union Square. John and Marge were the first artists I met back when the square was still wide open and not a flea market as it is today. It was John who helped me get started selling my art on the street. He unselfishly gave me the info I needed to start. As it turned out, we had a friend in common in the commercial photography arena, as John designed sets for a well established food photographer. I think that is what gave me credence in Johns eyes. I still sell my work on the street and Johns presence is always in my mind. He was a true original and I loved his work. We spent many a Saturday set up next to each other talking old films and rehashing old Laured and Hardy skits, who he refered to as "the boys". Many times we had tears in our eyes reliving those classic sketches. I miss Johns art and honesty and he represents a time when Union Square was a fun place to sell ones artwork. I know he would be so disappointed in the way the park has become. RIP Mr. Bobbish
John as a young artist
September 26, 2009
September 24, 2009
24 September 2009
When John was recommended to me as an illustrator for my "Jolly Bedtime Tales for Big & Little People," I had never met him and knew next to nothing about him or his work. I soon discovered, however, that he and I were ideally suited to each other, as he quickly began sending me preliminary sketches and then the wonderfully funny and frequently satiric watercolors that so entertainingly, and indeed beautifully, complement the book. Anyone possessing a copy of those "Tales" (or if you don't but wish to have one, be sure to save a bundle by ordering direct from authorhouse.com) need only look at the illustration of a drunken Santa in his workshop on Christmas Eve--with the puzzled reindeer and elves looking in at the window, and the wrapped presents behind the tipsy Santa with the names "John" and "Art" on them--to appreciate John's inventive, often sly humor. Indeed, everything he did for this work was absolutely superb, and I don't believe I could have found a better artist to do it.
We were discussing a sequel to "Jolly Bedtime Tales" when John so unexpectedly died. The loss to his family and friends was tremendous, of course, and I can't help thinking to the art world as well, for his was a rare talent that was as brilliant as it was original. I miss our long telephone conversations about the movies he loved to watch, his collection of pets, and of course his work, which included several interesting projects that, let us hope, may yet be realized. I miss John, period.
--Grandpa Hartley (AHS)
Deborah J. Lightfoot
September 17, 2009
Tracking John down through the Mill Atelier Gallery at Santa Fe was one of the smartest things I ever did. John illustrated my children's book, TRAIL FEVER, that William Morrow published. His painting for the book jacket was absolutely gorgeous, and the drawings inside took my breath away. How did I get so lucky, to get such a talented artist for my first New York-published book? Publishers have a strange habit of discouraging contact between writers and artists who collaborate on books. But I was determined to thank John for his beautiful work, so I phoned the Santa Fe gallery, got his number, and gave him a call. That was the first of many telephone conversations between us. I regret that I never got to meet John in person, but we spoke often on the phone and became good friends. I miss talking to him about life and work. I wish we could have collaborated on another book. His untimely death leaves us all bereft of his talent and his big, kind heart.
Lori Stemich
September 13, 2009
John was a wonderful and talented artist. I am so sorry that our paths never crossed. I learned what a caring man John was thru my mother and his sister Sandy. John will live on thru his work and his loving, devoted sister Sandy.
Love,
Cousin Lori
Virginia Ray
September 8, 2009
John was a wonderful teacher. He gave himself whole heartedly to his students. He was not teaching for the money. It was his pleasure to help his students develop their art work.
Walter Faust
September 4, 2009
I probably was one of John's biggest patrons and supporters. I first saw John's works about '91 at his Vorpal Gallary exhibit. I am lucky to have a very nice collection of his paintings, including a wonderful large painting which is the centerpiece of my conference room. I always tried to introduce friends and family to John's works and thankfully many of my friends and family were able to acquire works to everyone's mutual advantage.
John was such a kind hearted person. To know John would be to learn from John. John also introduced me to one of my favorite fiction books, The Master and the Margarita, a book which I frequently give to friends. He will be deeply missed. Walter & Teresa
Yann Le Flem
August 23, 2009
John Bobbish was my brother in law. I deplored his passing for many reasons, personal and cultural. With him gone would also disappear his new creations that I was always looking forward to, his new scenes that were a wonder to the eye. What is left of him is a large body of paintings reflecting his love of life, of animals, of his city of New York, of everything that was worth living through sanely and exuberantly. His paintings were an explosion of color, energy, life, and happiness. They depicted all the facets of human life, because John was life. He also wrote and illustrated delightful children's books. He left us too soon. He had more to give us. Let's remember John as a precious and timeless artist.
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