2016 Obit: Fiddler Bob Glenn died Jan 21

Subject: Obit: Fiddler Bob Glenn died 1/21
From: CupOfTea
Date: 22 Jan 16 - 03:16 PM

The Cleveland contra dance community is reeling in shock over the sudden, unexpected death of Bob Glenn yesterday afternoon. Bob was well known for his foot percussion while fiddling, most often while playing for dances. He was a long time member of two of the longest-running contra dance band in northern Ohio, Mud in Yer Eye & Rhubarb Pie.

Bob could be counted on to show up for various old-time or Irish music sessions, sharing his delight in some new tune he'd learned or musician he'd met. His joy in the music was contagious, and his enthusiasm for trying variations in orchestration challenged his band mates to play their best. I can't begin to describe the sorrow I feel for this great loss, as it hasn't really sunk in; I was just sitting next to him on Sunday at a post-rehearsal potluck.

Tonight the MIYE band is going to play a benefit dance Bob's wife Margaret had booked us in, and I hope we can let the music lift our heavy hearts. His other band plays tomorrow night, with one less fine fiddler.

Joanne in Cleveland

Subject: RE: 2016 Obit: Fiddler Bob Glenn died Jan 21
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 26 Jan 16 - 03:33 PM

I was sorry to hear this news. He sounds like a great performer. My condolences to all who know and love him. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread.

Peter

Subject: RE: 2016 Obit: Fiddler Bob Glenn died Jan 21
From: CupOfTea
Date: 31 Jan 16 - 01:49 PM

On Thursday the northern Ohio traditional music & dance community came out in great numbers to pay their respects to Bob and comfort Margaret. Folks streamed into the visiting hours, dancers, callers, old time & Irish session companions, along with the family and friends from a full lifetime. His fiddle and the fedora he routinely wore were set out next to his body.

The funeral home had a piano, and musicians came prepared. Their priest asked if he could join in on harmonica. Music started slowly, with a pair of waltzes (one written for his wife), some O'Carolan when one of the Irish fiddlers from Akron joined in. She played Da Slocket Light as a tribute, and others joined in as they picked up the tune. Word came down from Margaret: "some jigs and reels! Play what Bob loved!" David, a band mate, had composed a reel, so he started us off with "Homage à Robert Glenn." Tunes went on all evening with a shifting lineup of musicians, with plenty of Québécois tunes.

The funeral in the wee country church was packed, with "Lord of the Dance" as the most apropos recessional hymn. 40 some cars worth of folks made the trip to the military cemetery, where Bob, a Vietnam era Navy vet, was accorded full honors.

In his eulogy, Bob's pastor talked of how a person's character is shown complete at the time of their death. For those of us who knew him mostly for music, the pictures and family reminiscences giving a full picture of the man reinforced what a wonderful, joyful person he was. We have an opportunity to make that infectious joy go on with each tune we play that reminds us of Bob.

I know here aren't so many folks from this area, or state (particularly since the passing of 'Spaw) who post here, but I wanted Mudctters to know we value what - and who- we have here in northern Ohio. I hope also, that those who google Bob Glenn's name may find it here, and explore what a great online community Mudcat can be, and enjoy the connections that come BEFORE time for the next obituary.

Joanne in Cleveland

Subject: RE: 2016 Obit: Fiddler Bob Glenn died Jan 21
From: maeve
Date: 01 Feb 16 - 08:35 AM

Thank you, Joanne. He sounds a lovely person, and your description reinforces that.

Maeve