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Robert Mann Obituary
April 19, 1929-Sep. 23, 2011
Resident of Santa Fe, NM
Robert, age 82, passed away September 23, 2011. The art world has lost one of its greatest talents. Robert was a long time resident of Santa Fe and moved to New Mexico from California in the early 90's. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Grace Mann, who passed away in 1997. Grace was a Prima Ballerina for numerous ballet companies, and it was Grace who inspired Robert's love for the ballet and theater. Robert devoted his life to art, and worked as a set designer for the New York Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera and Ballet, the Pasadena Ballet, and the Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo as well as others. His personal work of oil paintings have been exhibited throughout the world including Paris, Stockholm, Mexico City, New York and San Francisco. Robert was honored with the prestigious "Prize de Paris" award in 1963 and is listed in the "Who's Who in Art in the West". Eventually, Robert would pass on his vast art experience to his students who feel very blessed to have had him in their lives and have remained loyal friends to the end of his days. Robert will truly be missed by those who knew and loved him for his warmth, kindness and generosity. Those who would like to pay their respects to Robert may attend the Memorial Service, Friday, October 21, 2011 at 3:00 pm in the chapel at Berardinelli Family Funeral Service, 1399 Luisa Street, Santa Fe, NM.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Mann
6 Entries
Linda Nickell
June 19, 2012
I remember Bob from his fitness gym in San Jose on Santa Clara St. My dad was a friend of his and Bob gave him a key to the gym so he could work out after hours. I remember the steam room had an awesome mural. I would always stop by and say "Hi" on my way home from school. He was always very nice to me. I was only about 10 and he would take the time to ask me about school while all the guys were flexing their biceps! God Bless You, Linda
March 4, 2012
Bob was my Mother's good friend. His sister, Grace was also a very good friend, part of our extended family in the bay area, where I grew up taking ballet at her studio in Oakland.
Bob was such a wonderful friend and supporter to my Mom who had health problems. Even though he also had his own health problems he was always upbeat and positive which really helped my Mother.
I am sad to have lost a wonderful, beautiful spiritual soul, on our journey here, but I have no doubt there was such joy and love at being reunited with his beloved sister, family, and friends like my Mom, Janice.
God bless you, Bob! Love you dearly, and always! See you when we get there.
Love,
Suzanne
Bob's painting of "Gisele" 1961
Nadine Caflisch-Squier
December 10, 2011
Adding my treasured photo painted by Bob Vala in 1961. I was in ballet "Giselle" and this was his tribute. (Pls. refer to my Dec. 9, 2011, post on this site for more info.)
Dav id Janich
December 9, 2011
Bob was a great positive influence in my life and in many others. We have lost a wonderful friend indeed. The art world has lost one of its best. David J. Janich
Nadine Caflisch-Squier
December 9, 2011
I am SO sorry to learn of Bob Mann/Vala's passing. I was a student of his sister's in Oakland, CA, for about ten years (~1955). Bob, Grace and I were good friends, and I visited their Santa Fe home in ~ 1990. ValMann was their joint ballet company. Bob had a fitness studio in Aptos, but he frequently came to the Oakland studio to visit. He was a wonderful person, and I treasure a painting he did for me in 1961 (Giselle). I had no idea he was ill so I am indeed shocked re his passing. He will be remembered by me forever. I would be indeed grateful if any friend of Bob's reading this would contact me. I'd like to have "closure" of this dear friendship via knowing what happened as Bob's last note to me said he was well but "still recovering from the accident." I never new what he meant by "the accident." I'd be so grateful. Thank you.
October 14, 2011
To My Best Buddy Rest In Peace My Dear Friend. From Robert Jimenez
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