Robert B. Hannah

5/18/1925 — 12/3/2010

Last Friday, Robert was liberated from a long struggle. A shy man, he chose to leave quietly; perhaps he even wanted to spare us the pain of that last good-bye. Yet we can’t escape the pain — the void and the wound from that void stings big time. However, there is joy in knowing the hurt he experienced from his illness is gone. His beloved kitty, Inca preceded him in death by one day. Last instructions given to Inca were to wait for Robert at some familiar location. –By now, perhaps the two of them are strolling a new path together and savoring the joy of that eternal bond. – The image is clear – a kitty with tail upright – leading the way for the man in sweats and sneakers bringing up the rear at a healthy pace.

His brothers Tom and Donn and their respective wives, Robin and Sally, in addition to nieces and nephews from two generations, survive Robert. He was born in Freeport, Illinois and served in the U.S. Navy during W.W.II. He came to live in Santa Barbara in 1945, with his father Robert and his stepmother Marie. Though he lived elsewhere for short times, Santa Barbara was his real home. He is also survived by his partner of almost fifty years, Don Skipworth. When their additional partner Carlos Garcia joined the household family 12 years ago, a triumvirate of Musqueteers was formed and they lived happily ever after.

Special thanks for all the compassionate and competent healing hands who held him close to their hearts and minds — a host of caring people supported him along the way – and helped him pass behind the curtain with both dignity and respect.

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU, DEAR ROBERT, OUR SWEET MUNCHKIN.

In accordance with his wishes, no formal services will be held. Instead, please do something for someone you love. A Celebration of His Life will be held in May.