Oct 24, 1948 - Mar  7, 2018

Robert (Bob) Blanshard, a lifelong musician and Berkeley, CA resident, died* on March 7, 2018 at the age of 69.

Born in London, England and raised in Claremont, CA, Bob and music were synonymous. He played piano, cello, and guitar during his childhood years. He then switched to double bass and went on to earn his master's degree at the University of Iowa School of Music where he was Principal Bassist of the UI Symphony Orchestra. Bob's love of bluegrass music blossomed in his early adulthood and he was known throughout the bluegrass community as a stellar mandolin player and jammer.

A passionate teacher and mentor, Bob influenced and encouraged many young and older aspiring musicians. He also taught third and fourth grade in the Oakland, CA school district for several years.

Bob is survived by his partner, Martha Lee; his sister, Cathy Asher, her husband, Rick, and two children, Tom and Alice Asher.

Donations in Bob's memory are welcome to the following: The Diablo Symphony Orchestra, in Walnut Creek, CA, The Kensington Symphony Orchestra in Kensington, CA, and The Freight & Salvage, in Berkeley, CA.

Marin Independent Journal - Mar 24, 2018
 

Below is a YouTube link to a studio recording session with Mountain Fire Brand:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-zf2on0Vy0

2004