Robert Frank 'Bob' Rowe (12 Jan 1947 - 25 Jan 2021)

Here are more replies from people who attended Line and Light Courses in response to the Tribute I circulated with the sad news of Bob's death:
"Bob taught me so much about basic photography principles then about Photoshop. He was such a genuinely nice guy; very patient and no question was a stupid one to him. He'll be missed by everyone who knew him. Give your grief all the time and space it needs." Sarah Weaver
"Such very, very sad news. Bob was such a pleasant, friendly and personable gentleman. We thoroughly enjoyed being in his company. He was keen to pass on his knowledge and expertise and had a natural gift as a teacher. He will be remembered as one very special guy." Jean and Angie Goodburn.
"I only attended two Line & Light days, but was struck by Bob's generosity, humility and sense of humour. The warm relationship and connection between the two of you (Bob and Martine) was obvious so I know you must be so very sad." Mark Perry
This is very upsetting news. Bob was a great photographer and teacher as everyone has said, but he will always feel 'special' to me as one of those people who sort of 'changed my life'. He came to judge a competition at the Leicester & Leics Photographic Society at my second ever meeting there on 20th March 2009. He recommended Line & Light courses so I took his details and soon I was at my first ever photography training course. Many more followed. He was always kind and gracious and funny. I am sorry he has passed away so soon." Jean Burbridge
"I am very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a great teacher and so knowledgeable. I enjoyed his classes very much." Val Hancock
"I started my photographic journey seriously after attending a few back-to-back courses with Line & Light (some with Bob, some with you and some with you and Bob together). I was so totally inspired after the first one that I went on to book the rest - eventually ending up in my present role of President of Peterborough Photographic Society. Bob was a true gent and his style of presentation suited me down to the ground. I have nothing but fond memories of him." Geoff Harman, President PPS.
"Your piece was a very fitting tribute to Bob and his photographic and training side, also enlightening and just as relevant in his music and video work. His 70th Birthday Party does not seem long ago and was a lovely evening and will remain as a happy memory of him, along with many times recording in studios and latterly, video recording him playing guitars in his home studio for his YouTube links. He really was a multi-talented person, with great teaching skills and a determined ability to achieve perfection with patience." Dave Goatham - Area Engineer East Midlands BBC (retired).
"He was such a nice man man. I don't know which of us was more surprised that I mastered panning on the first attempt! And a great teacher, too, obviously. You will all miss him." Kate Senior
"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of such a shining light. You must all be devastated to have lost such a valued and loved member of your photography family." Sharon Price

The following are emails from people who knew Bob from Line and Light Training:

"I met with Bob on a number of Royal Photographic Society functions and Line and Light days. he was always such good company and will definitely be a tremendous loss to the photographic community: Bob MacGregor
"Sad, sad news. Will be greatly missed." Sue Toseland
"I am so sad about Bob. I knew him through my Chairman's position at Rolls Royce PS, having thanked him many times for his frequent visits there. When I was judging or presenting at Nottingham & Notts Photographic Society, he would always greet me with a big grin and a firm handshake." Bill Hall
"So sorry to hear about Bob. His enthusiasm and patience came through to me very strongly - and of course, his friendly personality," Stuart Adlington
I was shocked and saddened to hear this news. I very much enjoyed meeting Bob and learning from him on our days together. I well recall him asking me whether I had a graduated filter when I bumped into him n the car park at Kirby Hall - the look of gentle disappointment on his face when I told him I hadn't got one followed later by a short lesson on how to use one." Nick Brown
"So sorry to hear about Bob. He was a gent and thoroughly great bloke. I now have to get rid of my blonde curly wig and blue and white striped shirt which I bought ready for my next meeting with Bob again!" Aitch
"Bob was a fantastic chap and trainer. Mel is a wonderful lady too and her warmth and friendliness were always appreciated. Neil Barker
'Although I only met Bob a few times, he made an impression. He was a kind man who knew his stuff and was happy to share his knowledge with those of us that needed his help." Colleen Arnold
"Bob came to judge and lecture many times at Newark and District Photographic Society and many of our long-standing members knew him well. Every time he came to N&DPS, Bob greeted me with a bear hug and a kiss, a memory that will stay with me forever." Rose King President Newark & District Photographic Society.
So saddened to hear about Bob. He was a formidable force in the field of photography and hugely knowledgeable. I was privileged to spend spend time with Bob on one of your courses at Papplewick. I learned so much in that brief time about what does, and does not make a noteworthy image. A thoroughly lovely man, hugely knowledgeable and he will be sadly missed." Sara Thearle
"Bob's contribution to photography has been great and his enthusiasm infectious. He will be much missed. Undoubtedly Bob's death will leave a huge hole in Mel's life ad in all the photographers Bob unfailingly inspired." Margaret Tamplin
"I will never forget my first meeting with Bob on my first experience of Line & Light. It was the perfect learning experience. It was in the Council Chamber that a simple question and follow up statement from Bob opened my eyes as a photographer and demonstrated to me (a retired headteacher and one time Ofsted Inspector) an example of teaching at its best. Bob looked at the picture I had just taken and asked what I thought of it. I said I thought it was quite good. He shook his head and said it was burnt out>. "Burnt out!" I responded with in surprise. He asked the question : What colour is the ceiling?. I replied "Yellow". Bob then asked what colour was the ceiling in my picture. I looked closely and replied "White". "I rest my case" said Bob as he walked away. I learnt so much from that simple question and answer. I now look at my photographs in a totally different way. With gratitude for having known and learnt from Bob." Christine Peet.

I have watched Bob's Service - most of the time in awe of his achievements but mainly in the wonderful words spoken by everyone to whom he had been a friend. I can honestly say I have never heard so many tributes saying exactly the same....what a true, honest, gentle, kind man Bob was.I do recall the "Curry" incident and of course Dennis was there too. Kerry did say that you had asked if he would like to say some words and even though he would have, he just couldn't -" but as you well know, the friendship remained for all those years, but then that's what happens when you meet a soul mate like Robert.Thankyou again for allowing me to view what for me was the most memorable Service, ever.
Lynn

Did not no bob.but spoke to him on Carlton rec few times about radio nottingham football cricket.and Dennis is mate from radio nottingham.saw is wife today on park.so sorry to hear this bad news.R I P.bob.Brian Carlton hill rec

On behalf of Bolsover Camera Club can I convey our sympathy regarding the loss of Bob Rowe who was a friend of our Club and judged or lectured on many occasions. He was a nice man, and well-liked and respected by our members.
Bolsover Camera Club

In memory

For Bob

So sorry about your loss

A kind and gentle neighbour who brought so much pleasure and entertainment to so many people through his music.
Condolences to his wife Melanie at this most difficult time.

Keith

A kind and gentle neighbour - one of the good guys who made the world a better place.

So very sorry to hear the sad news about Bob 💔 We were at school together at Hucknall National in 50's. So pleased we had a school reunion a few years back, at the Griffins Head at Papplewick & it was great catching up on old times again. He was very talented in many ways & he must have inherited his musical talent from his Dad, who regularly played in a dance band at Hucknall Church Hall. Fond memories of our old school pal & our sincere condolences go to Bobs family.......Love from Jean & Alan Spray xx

Dear Melanie,

My family and I were so sorry to learn of the passing of our friend Robert Rowe. Our condolences go to Melanie and his family. I met with Robert nearly twenty years ago at the famous junction of NNPS Photographic Society, and from there remained friends ever since.

All my memories of Robert bring a smile to me as I write and reflect on the many fun occasions when meeting either socially or professionally.

Robert had a manner which endeared him to his many friends around the United Kingdom. He was blessed with musical, video and photographic talents to name just a few known to me, Robert, always the professional and ever the perfectionist. He left a positive impression on all who have met him and an immeasurable legacy to the photographic world at all levels.

He will be missed,

Your friend Tim.

We were so sad to hear of Bobs passing. So many memories personal and professional. What a talented musician he was and his photography prowess was well known. We remember him for being an amazing addition to the band and travelling to many gigs around the country and also when we went to Luxembourg to feature in an Elvis film. Also on a more personal note we remember how kind you and Bob were to Emma and Jamie taking them on several outings when they were younger. Always remembered.