Robert A. Kauer

1941 - 2018

Robert A. Kauer obituary, 1941-2018, Durango, CO

BORN

1941

DIED

2018

Robert Kauer Obituary

Robert A. (Bob) Kauer was born November 19, 1941, to chemist Kenneth C. and music teacher Maurine E. (Neustrom) Kauer in Kearney, Nebraska. He lived most of his life in Michigan and Colorado, until his accidental death on May 25, 2018, while visiting Albuquerque.

Bob graduated from Midland High School in 1959, and proceeded to Michigan State University where he obtained a BA in Business and later an MBA. He joined the National Guard and responded to the 1967 Detroit riots.

Bob's career started as a banker in California and then an economic analyst in Detroit, Michigan. He realized corporate America did not appeal to him and a Dale Carnegie course propelled him into real estate sales. He started with the Thompson Brown Co. in Detroit, which provided him with a shared office, desk, and telephone and indicated they would be happy to accept one-half of any commission he earned. After eight months without a single sale, he began to prosper. He then partnered with Ben Crabill to form Crabill-Kauer Co. They joined forces with contractor Gordon B. Hall & Sons to build and lease industrial buildings. The men borrowed every cent but, by successfully managing their shared interests over their lifetimes, Bob was able to mostly retire at the age of 40.

Bob married Barbara Frances Schultz in 1967. Their union produced two lovely children, Regan K. and Matthew R. Kauer. He spoke fondly of Barbara throughout his life, even though their marriage later dissolved.

Bob spent many happy days at his in-laws' country house in Manton, Michigan, hunting partridge and woodcock with his first of four English Springer Spaniels (Cleo) and fishing the local trout streams. With his wife and kids, he often drove to Lake Michigan, rented cottages, and skied with friends in winter. He enjoyed duck hunting in Canada across the river from Detroit, as well as canoeing, sailing, and traveling. He once chased down a thief through the streets of Rome to get his wife's purse back.

In 1982 Bob decided he had lived in the Detroit area long enough. He moved his family to Durango, Colorado, a region he discovered as a child on family vacations. In Durango he quickly acquired two horses and ten acres in the north Animas Valley where he built a passive solar home and small farm. His dream Colorado adventure worked out better for him than the rest of the family. After five years, he moved his family back to the Detroit suburbs to resume his real estate career, except for his daughter who remained in Durango to attend Fort Lewis College. But Bob no longer enjoyed the pace of urban life and missed Colorado. He and Barbara divorced. Bob began a two year odyssey of self-discovery, exploring every challenge he was drawn to or afraid of. He spent time at yoga ashrams in the Bahamas and Berkshires, attended the Option Institute and other personal development workshops, read volumes of "self-help" books and lived in Boulder, Colorado, before coming home again to Durango. It was a wonderful and life changing experience. He became quite a different person.

Bob purchased an historic home on Durango's Third Avenue and enjoyed restoring it. He was an avid reader and frequent visitor to the Durango Public Library.

One of Bob's most gratifying accomplishments began in 2001 when he purchased a 36-acre farm in the Florida River Valley east of Durango to launch Shared Harvest Community Garden, the first community garden in the Four Corners region. People warned him it was not a good idea to allow strangers on his land, but Bob believed the farm was too beautiful not to share with others. His trust in others was deeply rewarded. The garden was a remarkable success for over 15 years with more than 80 households planting, tending and harvesting crops together. In 2005 he met Jama Crawford at Electra Lake. She became his loving wife, horse packing companion, and garden manager.

Bob was a colorful connoisseur of life who brought joy, laughter, friendly irreverence, and goodwill to everyone around him. His steadfast faith in humanity was an inspiration to all.

He is survived by his wife Jama Elizabeth Crawford of the home, children Regan K. Bloom and Matthew R. Kauer, and two beautiful granddaughters Ivy and Poppy Bloom, all of Michigan, as well as sisters Kay Fishburn, Wisconsin, and Pam Larocca, California, who will miss him greatly and cherish his memory always.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 14, 2018, 4 pm, at the Kauer Farm, 3232 County Road 234, Durango, Co. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Durango Public Library, 1900 East Third Avenue, Durango, CO 81301.

Published by The Durango Herald on Jun. 6, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Kauer

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Bob's gentle & generous ways remain an inspiration to us. We haven't forgotten him and we never will.

Cori A.

May 31, 2022

I planted my first backyard garden this year, inspired by all the time my family spent at Shared Harvest. I kept wishing I remembered more about how we planted things there - when is the right time? how far apart were the seeds? but in the end I remembered the skills we all learned there were only part of the magic of the place that Bob envisioned. The joy of all being together, working on a shared purpose, and feeling the satisfaction and empowerment of eating home grown food were just as much a part of the overall beauty there. Thank you Bob, your legacy lives on in my backyard.

Becky Clausen

Friend

June 2, 2020

I still miss chatting with Bob during garden visits and potluck days. He was so welcoming and genuine. I am lucky to have crossed paths with him.

Cori A.

Friend

June 1, 2020

Its hard to believe that 2 years have passed. I still miss our friendly chats in the early mornings at the garden and probably always will.

Janet Reburn

Friend

May 31, 2020

Its February 2020 and I now, by chance, have just discovered that Bob has passed away. I am sorry to get this news. Bob and I were good friends.

I got to know Bob in the early 1990's during his years of spiritual rejuvanation. We met at the Option Instutute, a personal growth center, in Western, Massachusetts, then got to know each other well after I moved to Colorado in 1992. We spent a lot of time together while he lived in Boulder, Colorado. I helped him move out to Durango where he bought a house in town and decorated it with his Navajo rugs and Western furniture. Bob had good taste.

Bob and I sampled quite a number of personal growth retreats and approaches together. He was up to exploring almost anything in those days that had to do with personal growth. He got hooked on growing as a person and just wanted more and more of that. He was open and adventurouse, and contiually worked to improve himself. I remember him especially liking the journalling process. He was very disciplined with his journaling, saying that it gave him a tremendouse amount of growth and self understanding.

Bob was a gem of a person! One of the finest I have known. He was wise, fair and caring. I remember his involvement with the Durango food coop, and then with his community garden, which impressed me immensely. I will enjoy thinking about Bob in the coming weeks and months. Bob, if there is an afterlife, I hope you can continue your adventures wherever you are. Love to you, your wife, your family and friends. Peace to you my friend!

Joe Burros

February 11, 2020

Bob was a great business partner who taught me a lot about real-estate after my dad passed.
Dan Hall

July 12, 2018

Daniel Hall

July 12, 2018

Bob was a beautiful human being whom I was privileged to know for 25 years, but really began to appreciate when I joined the Shared Harvest. With an open heart he, with the lovely Jama, welcomed so many us onto the farm and into their home. On a special shelf of mine is a jar of beautiful cherries he and Jama helped me pick one exquisite evening accompanied by that wonderful glass of wine. Thanks again Bob for the memories. Deepest condolences to family, friends and, especially, Jama. My love, AnnieOlga xxx

AnnieOlga Johnson

June 29, 2018

When Bob Kauer sought members for a Community garden in the spring of 2002 I responded and my life was enormously enriched.For the next 16 years so many Shared Harvest gardeners were the recipients of Bob's generosity, hospitality, humor and organizational skill. Together we all accomplished more than we could have imagined on our own. And when he brought us Jama we were all blessed.I believe every member of Shared Harvest Garden over the years would agree that we shared more than a garden- we shared a sense of community, of extended family even. We had successes and failures. we laughed and cried together. We watched young families grow,too.
What a legacy! We love you, Bob and will always hold you dear. Marye Jackson

Marye Jackson

June 27, 2018

I always knew that I was missing something special by not attending the Shared Harvest potlucks. It will be bitter sweet to attend this last potluck for Bob, who brought our garden community together and made it all happen, seemingly effortlessly. His gentle spirit pervaded our work and our bounty. We will sorely miss him. I look forward to sharing a meal with all of you.

Nancy Mead

June 26, 2018

Bob was a roommate of mine at Michigan State University.We worked together on may projects and socialized together frequently. Bob was one of the most honest and trusting individuals I have ever met. He had a great sense of humor.
This year we are having our 55 Year reunion for the fraternity. We will all miss him and will have a special moment of silence for Bob and all of his family.

Bob Hill

June 22, 2018

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

June 22, 2018

We are saddened by the untimely and tragic death of our friend and gardening mentor, Bob Kauer. When we retired years ago, we joined the Shared Garden to learn more about growing our own food. What we have experienced is the chance to be a part of a shared experience, where co-operation and friendships were inspired by Bob's willingness to put up with our lack of knowledge and skill. It is a gift to bring different people together into a community that benefits the whole.
We will miss the atmosphere of working together and watching families and friends participate in meaningful, healthy work---for the benefit of everyone.
Many thanks to Bob and Jama, for sharing their home and experience with our family. The garden will always represent a safe and happy place where the companionship and respect for nature and each other, always seemed to be present.
Our condolences to the extended family.
Sincerely, Janice Taylor

June 22, 2018

I met Bob when I joined Shared Harvest 7 years ago. Lots of people are smart; Bob was also a community builder. He was able to attract people from diverse political, religious and social backgrounds, to share his vision where we would all work together to grow wonderful food. Every time I turned into the driveway of the farm, a sense of peace came over me. He never forgot a name and cared about each one of us. But beyond the work and the vegetables,he knew that we needed to enjoy each other; with the monthly potlucks, he opened his home to all of us. I will always remember Bob, sitting in the old Adirondack chair on his porch, engaged in lively conversation with his garden family. We miss him so very much.

Lynn Mitzlaff

June 22, 2018

My wife and I were members of Shared Harvest for 4 years, and were deeply saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was such a generous and kind soul, and made us feel welcome on the farm from the first day we met. His vision for community agriculture that became A Shared Harvest is truly inspirational, and it became a part of our lives that will never be forgotten.

Dan

June 20, 2018

So sad. We were shocked to hear of Bob's passing. We were only members of shared harvest for 1 season. Bob was such a kind

June 20, 2018

Bob was the honorable "Grand Pa Pa" of the beautiful community garden. I saw him almost every day I visited. He knew me by name and always offered help with a smile. All of the Harvest Community will miss him! My condolences to his beautiful wife, Jama, and his children.

Kathy Deaderick

June 19, 2018

I was blessed to have been part of Bob's life at the garden. That was a priceless gift he gave to many. Peace

Theresa Campbell

June 19, 2018

At a total loss for words. Nothing can express the kindness, the vision, the trust and the leadership Bob possessed. His vision of bringing people together for a common goal of a "Shared Harvest" also grew into a very large family. I loved the 10 years I spent working in this garden. Bob will be greatly missed. Sending all my love to Jama and the rest of Bob's family!

RaNae Bakel

June 18, 2018

During this time of sorrow, may the words of Psalms 94:19 comfort you and soothe your pain. My deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one.

June 18, 2018

So many of these comments are just beautiful. I will just add that I came for the vegetables (a friend told me about it in 2007) and stayed for the beautiful community that Bob and Jama created. He had a vision and saw it through. I am so sorry for his family's loss. Reagan and Matt, you know he was special. Thank you for sharing him with us!

Cathy

June 17, 2018

Shared Harvest, and Bob (and Jamas) gentle, kind spirits has been a cornerstone of our family's life here in Durango. My boys literally grew up on the farm. Bob touched our lives deeply and we will miss him greatly. Sending much love and healing to Jama and his children, grandchildren and family. Rest In Peace Bob. Love, Kristen, Aidan, Riley and Miles Roessler

Kristen Roessler

June 17, 2018

A treasure to all who knew him for his generous contributions of enthusiasm, land and water that brought the love of gardening to hundreds of people of all ages. His remarkable hospitality and ready smile will long be remembered. We have lost an important member of our community and have heavy hearts. Our love and condolences to his wife Jama and all of Bob's extended family.

Lauren

June 17, 2018

What a lucky day when Bob was out and about when working in the garden! He always shared a friendly hello. He gave out such warmth. He made you feel like you belonged (even when you had never even gardened before). And, my goodness, anyone whose big, beautiful, impossible dream resulted in Shared Harvest is truly a superhero in my book!

I feel such gratitude for this beautiful community. I can say that I believed in this organization more than any other organization I have ever been part of. I valued all the strong, hard-working, capable, and kind members who were role models for my kids (and myself). We enjoyed working as a team; we enjoyed the bountiful harvests. We looked forward to the potlucks.

Thinking about Bob makes me want to be a better person. Thank you, Bob.

Ambika

June 16, 2018

I count myself as truly blessed to have known Bob for the last 11 years through the Shared Harvest Community Garden. I don't know many people who would open their home and land to strangers from any and all backgrounds for as long as he did. Pushing my infant son in the apple tree's swing at the garden while running back and forth to harvest vegetables is one of my fondest memories. He impacted my family's life tremendously and his generosity continually renewed my faith in humanity. My condolences to his children, family and Jama.

Cori A.

June 16, 2018

My children were so lucky to grow up running around Bob's Shared Harvest Garden and picking peas, tomatoes and strawberries. Bob and Jama taught us about gardening, composting, goats, and the proper use of garlic bulbs. Bob will always be remembered for creating both an amazingly productive garden and a very special community. I will miss Bob's kindness, compassion, laughter and hugs.

Suzanne Carlson

June 16, 2018

Karen Esser

June 16, 2018

Karen Esser

June 16, 2018

Karen Esser

June 16, 2018

Karen Esser

June 16, 2018

Bob will long be remembered by the community of gardeners he brought together. Celebrating the friendship and bounty of working together was a special gift he gave us. Rest in peace. You were an amazing individual and will be greatly missed.

Diane Hahn

June 16, 2018

I count myself as truly blessed to have known Bob for the last 11 years through the Shared Harvest Community Garden. I don't know many people who would open their home and land to strangers from any and all backgrounds for as long as he did. Pushing my infant son in the apple tree's swing at the garden while running back and forth to harvest vegetables is one of my fondest memories. He impacted our family tremendously and his generosity continually renewed my faith in humanity. My condolences to his children, family and Jama.

Cori Andreatta

June 16, 2018

I was fortunate enough to know Bob on two fronts: Initially as a neighbor on East Third Avenue and more recently as Shared Harvest's generous farmer and gardener. He and Jama opened their home to anyone who wanted to learn what rewards come with nurturing anything from the ground up. I watched him love his goats, his horses and his dogs. The few years I was a member of Shared Harvest, I'd sip my morning coffee while weeding and I'd learn something every day from Bob, even if it was a lessen as simple as straightening a water irrigation line. It was such a treat to be in his presence. In times when words "inclusive" and "tolerant" have been cheapened by over-use and insincerity, Bob maintained a steadfast commitment to believing that people were inherently good, especially if you gave them a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. His children, his sister and Jama have my deepest condolences. Know that he leaves a legacy that will never be forgotten by his community of gardeners and friends. With love and respect--- Karen Brucoli Anesi

June 16, 2018

Our family was so very blessed to know Bob and share in the literal bounty of his life and work. Although, we were just first year "newbies" in the garden family, Bob always made us feel so welcomed and part of the shared harvest community. He was so kind & warmhearted, getting to know anyone new and remembering all the kids. We feel his loss deeply, despite only knowing him the last year of his life. I personally have such fond memories of Bob's greetings in the garden & sitting with him on his porch laughing and enjoying a beer. He was such an inspiration to so many. Showing us all the joy of a life lived in love for people and the land. He will be dearly missed and always remembered.

Jennifer Bayer

June 16, 2018

I was lucky enough to become part of Bobs amazing Shared Harvest garden for a few years. It's truly incredible how Bob brought his vision to life with the beautiful community of gardeners and friends. His always cheerful face and greeting will be missed. Bob's passing is a tragic loss for his wife and children as well as to the Shared Harvest "family " RIP Bob

Annie Pare

June 15, 2018

We will never forget Bob's kindness, compassion, and his deep love of
animals. Thank you for opening your heart, your home, and garden to
us over the years. Your friendship was warm and special. Your knowledge and willingness to share it with us was a gift we will long cherish. May your memory be a blessing to us all and a constant reminder to love God's earth, people, and creatures great and small!

Susan and Logan VanDenBerg

June 15, 2018

Thanks, Bob, for opening your heart, home, and garden to our
Shared Harvest communiy. Your friendship and compassion has been
an amazing gift to us all. We will always hold a special place in our hearts for you and always remember your kindness and love for
us and the beautiful animals that always surrounded you. You will be dearly missed, but always remembered.

Susan and Logan VanDenBerg

Susan Vandenberg

June 15, 2018

We will truly miss the kind spirit of Bob Kauer. We only knew Bob for the past few years after we joined the Shared Harvest garden in 2016. It was a special time visiting with Bob early in the morning at the garden. He was always warm and friendly and made you feel welcome and valuable. Our hearts are sad and go out to Jama, Bob's children, Regan and Matt and his sisters, Kay and Pam.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you,

Janet and Rene

June 15, 2018

While I did not know Bob well, I was a part of the garden for several years. It has been so important to me. I talk about it all the time and have taken many people there to show them. The fact that someone was willing to share there land (and for awhile their bathroom!) with people they don't know is amazing to me. That Bob made the effort to explore various strategies of creating a community garden and putting such a great plan in place for the benefit of others shows so much about who he was and what a giving soul he had. He truly gave a gift that kept on giving. Thanks Bob and Jama

Deb Ruddell

June 15, 2018

Thank you, Bob, for trusting strangers and believing in the shared human spirit that connects us all. You allowed my family to join in your beautiful experiment in the power of social relationships and ecological connection. I've never experienced anything like it, and might not ever again. But your vision lives on and will forever shape our ways of seeing the world. With love and gratitude.

Becky Clausen

June 9, 2018

Bob, You were the kind of person that everyone liked in an instant. Your warmth and generosity are a rare commodity in this world. Your gift of the Shared Harvest garden helps 80-plus families know what it is like to till the earth and experience the bounty it can bring. The love we all put into that garden often produced surplus to share beyond the garden, so others could enjoy the taste of organically grown food. Bob, you were one of the rare souls that nourishes and enriches the lives of everyone you touch. You will be sorely missed. Much love and condolences to Jama and the rest of your family.

Mary Blanchard

June 9, 2018

Bob was a warm, intelligent and kind man. His love of horses, dogs and all creatures will be missed and remembered. Bob was an innovator and an all around "good guy" who will be missed greatly! The Shared Harvest Community garden was amazing and a place I will always remember and cherish. Bob was always kind and patient and understanding and he liked to be surrounded by like minded people. So many were fed and nurtured in this environment and the children who were lucky enough to be part of this experiment will perpetuate Bob's legacy in the years to come. He will live on in our hearts.

Cindy Brush

June 8, 2018

Bob was kind,this is a simple thing to say but is something we should all strive to be,and Bob was generous another great quality we will try to emulate,and he had an open and loving heart.We will miss him.Helen and Otis

Kunz

Friend

June 7, 2018

Bob was a great guy always willing to help anyone in need.

Jim Harmon

June 6, 2018

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Celebration of Life

4:00 p.m.

Kauer Farm

3232 County Road 234, Durango, CO

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