Bob Sies Passed away

Don Crowl · Post by **Don Crowl** » 10 Nov 2020 9:28 am

Robert, known as Bob, Passed away November 8. Bob was an excellent steel guitarist and longtime friend. He was very accomplished on his Mullen double 10 through his Nashville 400 amp. Bob was a very positive brother in the Lord. Rest in peace brother.[/list]

W. C. Edgar · Post by **W. C. Edgar** » 10 Nov 2020 11:16 am

Sorry to hear of Bob's passing.
I spoke with him last month and he was having more health problems.
I've known Bob for going on 35 years from when I lived in Kansas to Connecticut, Nashville, Austin, and now here in AZ.
He used to be a school teacher in Hutchinson Kansas and if my memory serves me right he taught science. Truth be told if he taught school like he played steel I'm glad I wasn't in his class! LOL
When it came to playing things like the record he was a true perfectionist for sure.
I never knew exactly when I'd see him again because he ALWAYS showed up unannounced at our front door driving an old Chevy Van he'd been traveling and sleeping in.
First words were always, "how ya doin, got your steel set up"? Then we'd go to where I had my Emmons or Zum or Sho-Bud or whatever set up and he'd school me on the way Emmons played a particular part on 'Raisen The Dickens' or 'Kicks to Boot' and making me a better player in the long run.
He had a passion for Indian artifacts and traveled the Midwest, Southwest & West Coast selling and trading Indian stuff he'd found here or there and then return to his home at the time in Payson AZ or Bend OR.
Bob was what I call an 'interesting unit'. He lived the life he chose and I'm sure that up until the time his health started failing he enjoyed every minute of it!

Rest easy big guy, I'm glad to have known you!
Your pal
WC

Here's a short clip from Scottys International Steel Guitar Convention that Bob made it into at 3:41 in the Cowboy Hat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu6CMEe0GLQ

Bob Watson · Post by **Bob Watson** » 11 Nov 2020 1:34 am

I'm sorry to hear this sad news about Bob passing away. My condolences go out to all of his family and friends.

Don Crowl · Post by **Don Crowl** » 11 Nov 2020 9:37 am

Thnx for your response WC. You pretty much "nailed" Bob's personality and life. Some years ago Bob showed me a copy of him responding to input at Scotty's convention [that you posted].
Bob lost his wife Beth a couple of years ago so he was living alone. I live about 40 miles from his/their home so we didn't visit as often as we liked, however a friend who lived near Bob was shocked and said that just last week Bob seemed to be doing better. Maybe his passing was the result of several ongoing health issues.

W. C. Edgar · Post by **W. C. Edgar** » 11 Nov 2020 6:06 pm

Thanks Don
Yep, Bob usually left a lasting impression on most folks he met.
Sometime when I tour through Oregon when Covid is slowed I'll tell you some good stories about Bob back in the day in Kansas.
Safe travels pal
WC

Danny Sneed · Post by **Danny Sneed** » 11 Nov 2020 9:06 pm

Bob has been our friend since 1974. He really loved steel guitar and sports. Everytime I called he'd be watching a game! A great friend to Ruthie and me and will be really missed.
His knowledge of old Western Swing was amazing. This is a sad day but we hope he's with Beth.
Bob spent a lot of time at our house. He was just like family.
RIP Bob.

Don Crowl · Post by **Don Crowl** » 12 Nov 2020 3:07 pm

Bob spoke fondly with admiration of you, Danny. As you said, Bob loved western swing and also a lot of those big band numbers. He had a little book of about 200 songs that he played really well.
I hope to cross paths with you & WC sometime.

Dave Grothusen · Post by **Dave Grothusen** » 13 Nov 2020 4:46 am

When I meet Bob in the late 60's he could play Chalkers "Big Hits on Big Steel" almost note for note. I was impressed. Never did get to know him well.

Don Crowl · Post by **Don Crowl** » 13 Nov 2020 7:56 pm

To me, Bob was genius at capturing & playing exactly like recordings of Steelers.