We met Bob when we toured his gardens years ago. We joined the Day Lily club in Columbus because of Bob. Today two of his seedling I have had for over 10 years are in full bloom. One of the nicest people I ever met.

~ Kathy and Alaine Voytko - June 27, 2021

Bob and Jeff worked together for 28 years. We have so many memories. Please leave his Facebook page up forever so we can always see him and hear his voice. Love and deepest sy.pathy. we will miss him so much. Jeff and Jerri Taylor.

~ Jerri Taylor - February 24, 2021

Such a kind man who we met through the Miami Valley Water Garden Society. We were able to enjoy his hospitality at his beautiful property. Because of his pond, we were introduced to Jared Black who helped design our pond. Bob will be greatly missed. Our prayers to his family and friends.

Charlie and Kathy Mowell

~ Kathleen Mowell - January 25, 2021

Dear Bob,
In seeing all of the comments from people all around, this world is missing you a ton. I will always be proud of your accomplishments, and of all the people you touched.
You used to make me annoyed sometimes, but I guess that is what brothers do.
I will have a rough time this spring, when all the plants emerge from the ground, but Spring reminds us of new life, and that we will be together again sometime. I will remember all the crazy things we did growing up, and all the fun we had. Playing badminton in the yard, and eating cold watermelon out of the well. Teasing Joy, and the time Rubin grabbed her leg outside the kitchen door. (Rubin was our cat). The time the cigarette exploded in the car. I could write 10 pages of stuff, but I will keep the memories in my head, and never forget. Sleep well, rest up, we'll see you again. Love Your sister Barb

~ Barb Kedler - January 11, 2021

I showed rollers with Bob for many years. He was a special person, great guy, will be missed.

~ Ernie and joyce Jones - January 9, 2021

So sorry to hear of your passing. Our daylily club missed you wonderful talk. We had scheduled Bob for last year, and when Covid hit we had to rescheduled for 2021. Now it is not to be.
Mary Lou Lundblade for the Wichita Daylily Club, (KS)

~ MARY LOU LUNDBLADE - January 5, 2021

What a loss to all who were touched by Bob's kindness and generosity. There were two things Bob was hardly ever without - a ready smile - and his baseball cap! Bob was a goodwill ambassador for all things daylily, and left his "mark" on daylily hybridizing with his beautiful patterned daylilies. Bob could abide almost anything - except pettiness and bickering. The world will be a little less civilized without him.

~ Debby and Jerry Colvin - January 5, 2021

My condolences to the family
I knew Bob from Salem Church being in the Salem Singles. He had a great sense of humor, funny and spiritual man. He will be missed by many. Heaven gained another angel. RIP Bob!

~ Terry Bauer - January 4, 2021

I have many wonderful memories of Bob. I will cherish them forever as I cherished Bob as my dear friend. His passing has left a lot of people mourning their loss. It is a great loss to many people. I was blessed to call him my friend and I will cherish those memories forever.

~ Patricia Wessling-Briggs - January 1, 2021

Bob was a dear friend, he will be missed. We will be remained of him each summer when our daylilies bloom.

~ Cleveland White - December 31, 2020

Bob was camping with us this summer. He was with Raymond and Allen. He was so fun to be around played games with us. He was a really good man. RIP Bob.

~ Beth Rayburg - December 30, 2020

Learned a lot of things from Bob over the years one was just how to enjoy life

~ James Fryman - December 30, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear about Bob passing. Bob was one of my youth counselors at Salem Church of God when I was a teenager (1980's). There is not a day that goes by I don't remember the kindness and love for life Bob always had. He truly was a very genuine person. If he said it, he meant it. His honesty, infectious laugh, and love for God is what I will remember the most. He seemed to always make people feel better about themselves even if it was just something small to think about. He will be missed by so many; Such a loving heart leaves a huge legacy. The world will be a lesser place without Bob. Please accept my deepest condolences to you the family and my thanks for sharing him with so many. Bob might have planted shrubs, and daylilies, but he also planted little seeds of love in each person he knew as well.

~ Marianne Current - December 30, 2020

RIP Bob, gone but not forgotten. My deepest sympathies at this difficult time. Prayers to the family and friends. I will miss our chats about Pigeons, Flowers, Day Lilies and other stuff. Was a pleasure to know him!

~ Jim Johnson - December 30, 2020

Nothing I can say could properly express my feelings of loss at hearing the news of Bob's death. I know he is with the Lord, but we will so miss his humor, his faith, and his common sense at Daylily meetings. He made us all believe we weren't nuts for loving flowers like we do. When I see a garden, I will remember him. Blessings to his family. We will all miss him very much. Bonnie Fakes, Lebanon, TN

~ Bonnie Fakes - December 30, 2020

Talking to Bob at daylily meetings was always an upbeat experience. He was a dear, sweet, generous person. Heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.

~ Trish Callis - December 30, 2020

I first met Bob early in my hybridizing efforts, and I consider him my most important mentor due to the advice he gave me. The second time I went to visit his garden, I took my teenage son with me to see it as well. Bob was delighted to learn that my son's last name was Pidgeon, and took special pleasure in showing him all of his pigeons and educating him about them. We will both remember him as charming, hospitable, and a sheer delight to be around, with a bigger heart than most. Rest in peace, friend.

~ Ann Mosconi - December 29, 2020

I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Bob's passing.
We have been friends for a long time.... we met in 1964 as students at Vandalia-Butler and soon became fast friends.
I soon became close to both his parents and to Barbara and Marcia. He became a part of my family, even accompanying
us on out-of-the country vacations and working with my mother at Sears. We were true friends.

I have countless fond memories of our times together and will miss him forever.
Hopefully we will see each other again.

I love you Bob
Jay Tirey


Marcia... please call me sometime soon ( 937-698-3861 }

~ jay tirey - December 29, 2020

I was so shocked to learn of the loss of, Bob. He was a classmate, but more important he was a good friend. Our lunches when they can start up again; that we all so enjoyed will have such a large void for all of us. He was always so nice and lots of fun. I am so sorry for your loss of such a great guy.

~ Joyce Orange - December 29, 2020

Bob and I were classmates from 1st grade through graduation in 1964. Bob was a special person and he will be sadly missed at our monthly class lunches. He always had a smile and a joke for everyone. We will miss his friendship and generosity. Rest in peace my friend.

~ Brenda Windel - December 29, 2020

Bobby and I were childhood friends; our houses on Little York Road were separated only by the Zehrings/Danes. In reading the many tributes and memories to Bobby, I am not at all surprised by how many of the comments mentioned his humor, his kindness, and his love for creatures of the Earth, whether feathered or flowered. That is the person I remember from way back then and he clearly remained that way all his life. I can't tell you how many hours Bobby, friends in the neighborhood (Dave, Joe, Greg) and I spent on the Faulkner baseball field behind his house, playing Easy Money and penny-ante poker, visiting Frigidaire Park on a warm Sunday evening, watching scary (by those days' standards) movies at Bobby's house on late night television, and having Bobby drive us in his '56 Ford to the North Star or Dixie drive-in. He was a good friend and I am glad that I was able to have my family meet him when we were in Ohio a couple of years ago. He touched many lives, past and present, and I am truly sorry for his family's and friends' loss. Michael and Vicky Roush

~ Michael Roush - December 29, 2020

After a few years of hearing about Bob’s daylily gardens, I saw them firsthand a couple of years ago. Bob was the perfect host and guided my daylily purchases by selling me large clumps that could be divided. So this spring, when I see my daylilies pop up, I will be reminded of this generous and brilliant man and be forever grateful I was able to become another daylily addict. Peace and comfort to his sister and my friend, Barb, and to the rest of his family.

~ Rebecca Rubin - December 29, 2020

I will miss your friendship, love of nature and your ever present wit. Thank you for sharing your love of you plants.
Dave
Whispering Echoes Llc

~ David Berkshire - December 29, 2020

I worked with Bob all the years he was at Hobart. He was one of the kindest, interesting and funniest people I had the privilege to work with. I saw him not to many years ago when he came in for a coworkers retirement party and he had not changed at all-still funny, kind and interesting! I am saddened his life was cut short by this horrible virus-my condolences to all his family and friends. His legacy will live on with his day lilies.

~ Deirdre Bennett - December 29, 2020

You were the best neighbor ever Bob. Thanks for the laughs and things you taught me over the first 30 years of my life growing up right across the street from you. Rest in peace friend. :)

~ Jason K - December 29, 2020

Bob was a wonderful man whose warmth and generosity made a difference in the lives of so many people and communities. His work as a daylily hybridizer was groundbreaking and he was an outstanding ambassador for the field, speaking at clubs and conferences around the country. Always down to earth, Bob made you feel welcome and at home -- when I first began to hybridize daylilies, Bob was one of the first people to welcome me into the fold. He was loved and admired, a friend to everyone. It's hard to imagine the world without him, and I hate that he was taken from us so soon. Sending condolences to his family and closest friends --
Ann Townsend and Martijn Steger

~ Ann Townsend and Martijn Steger - December 28, 2020

I met Bob years ago through the pigeon hobby. He was a great guy and had giving heart and great sense of humor. He could laugh at himself with the best of us. Always a respected man and did a lot for our hobby. We still stayed in touch and I am very sad we lost such a wonderful man too soon. It always warmed my heart to read him giving a good word about the Lord. In the end that is the greatest thing you can say. He served the Lord!.

~ Butch Guell - December 28, 2020

Bob will be missed by countless daylily enthusiasts who have visited his garden, enjoyed his excitement about plants of all kinds, and admired his daylily creations. His gardens were horticultural wonderlands!
His daylilies are growing in hundreds, perhaps thousands of daylily collectors’ gardens. He advanced the development of “patterned” daylily faces in many colors. And yet he also created unique color variations without patterns.
He was a warm-hearted and funny guy who was liked by everyone I know who also knew him. We will remember him warmly every time we see one of his daylilies in our garden.

~ Patricia Henley - December 28, 2020

I met Bob in 1988 at Hobart. Many fond memories. Bob was kind,caring loving, generous and a man with many talents. He made killer chili. Baseball bus trips, dinners and drinks after work get togethers. Bob designed t-shirts for Hobart picnic. Bob was always a joy to be around. One winter he picked me up and drove me to work for a week when my car wouldn't start. The Friday he took me home from work , he said I can't leave you all weekend without a car. He worked on my car till he got it started and wouldn't take gas money or anything for getting my car running. Hugs, love and prayers for all who knew him.

~ Wilma Edwards - December 28, 2020

Brother Bob was a very special man who loved everyone. He had great pride in his beautiful flowers. I know Bob is in Heaven looking at Gods beautiful flowers and enjoying every minute talking to God about all the different types of flowers that he see's. Brother Bob will truly be missed.

~ Pastor Randy Meadows - December 28, 2020

Met Bob several years ago at Valdosta Daylily club. He was a very kind and gentle soul , always with a positive outlook on life. We have kept up with each other through Facebook over the past few years. The daily world will miss you so much, but we will see you again in the future in a much better place. Rest well my friend!

~ June Singletary - December 28, 2020

We toured Bob’s garden several times, knowing Bob through our mutual love for daylilies. He was the most congenial host. He was always happy to share his knowledge and love of gardening. We will miss him. Dick and Pat

~ Dick and Pat Henley - December 28, 2020

Bob will live on forever in the beautiful daylilies he hybridized. He loved flowers. God rest his beautiful soul.

~ Sharon Globig - December 28, 2020

I first met Bob early in my hybridizing efforts, and I consider him my most important mentor due to the advice he gave me. The second time I went to visit his garden, I took my teenage son with me to see it as well. Bob was delighted to learn that my son's last name was Pidgeon, and took special pleasure in showing him all of his pigeons and educating him about them. We will both remember him as charming, hospitable, and a sheer delight to be around, with a bigger heart than most. Rest in peace, friend.

~ Ann Mosconi - December 28, 2020

IF YOU COULD SEE ME NOW

Our Prayers have all been answered
I finally arrived
The healing that had been delayed
Has now been realized
No one's in a hurry
There's no schedule to keep
We're all enjoying Jesus
Just sitting at His feet
Chorus:
If you could see me now
I'm walking streets of gold
If you could see me now
I'm standing tall and whole
If you could see me now
You'd know I've seen His face
If you could see me now
You'd know the pain's erased

You wouldn't want me to ever
leave this place
If you could only see me now

My light and temporary trials
Have worked out for my good
To know it brought Him glory
When I misunderstood
Though we've had our sorrows
They can never compare
What Jesus has in store for us
No language can share

You wouldn't want me to ever
leave this perfect place
If you could only see me now

If you could see me now
If only you could see me now.

Bob has been such an inspiration in both of our lives.
His love for Jesus Radiated throughout his life.
We will miss his kind and gentle spirit, but we wouldn't wish him back
As he has finished the race here on earth and God greeted him saying
Well done my good and faithful servant.
With all our Love
Barb & Bob Buikema Grandville Michigan

~ Barb Buikema - December 28, 2020

Condolences to all of Bob's family members. He will truly be missed by all of those who met him through our association with the American Hemerocallis (Daylily) Society. He was in inspiration to many of us in the ways of hybridizing. We will miss his humor and graciousness.
In his memory,
Bill and Chris Schardein
Region 10

~ Chris Schardein - December 28, 2020

Our thoughts and prayer to all of Bob's family and many friends. He was such a kind and gentle spirit with a great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by everyone he touched. A great loss to the daylily world.
R.I.P our friend.
Sandy & Loris

~ Loris Garrett - December 28, 2020

Bob was a dear friend. He was accepting of everyone. His humor is famous! He touched our lives and will never be forgotten.
Bob was a brilliant hybridizer. I don’t believe there’s many people in the daylily world that didn’t know who Bob was. He gave great talks on daylilies. He spoke to a big group just as he would setting and talking to you in private. He had a way of making anyone he spoke to feel special.
Bob left the world a better place than he found it. His deeply compassionate heart shown through all he did.

~ Daryl and Penny Wilkendorf - December 28, 2020

Bob was so down to earth and real. I met him in his garden at the Northern Mecca for daylilies in 2011. He welcomed us and as I oooed and ahhed over his seedlings, he asked my husband "is she just saying that?"
We were facebook friends for several years after that and I had hoped to visit his garden again. He influenced my hybridizing by encouraging us to make the "crazy crosses", and I always loved reading whatever he wrote about daylilies.
Bob was a special guy and he will be missed.

~ ELAINE SEIFERT - December 28, 2020

Bob has been a wonderful member of the Greater Cincinnati Daylily Hosta Society for many, many years. We have all learned so much from him whether from his presentations and talks to his helpful advice. His support to the club has been great. We will all miss him.

~ Greater Cincinnati Daylily Hosta Society S Rose President - December 28, 2020

I am probably one of the many faces that Bob met over the course of his affair with my favorite flower, the daylily. He inspired a love of life and embraced life to its fullest. I am so glad I have a few of his flowers to remember him by as I tend my garden. I will miss his sense of humor and his smiling face. My condolences to his family and close friends. Will continue holding you up in my prayers.

~ Katy Coppock - December 28, 2020

I never had the opportunity to meet Bob, but know him through the beautiful daylilies he created. He was so very talented. His legacy will continue to live in the gardens of so many around the world. I pray for peace and comfort for all his family and friends.

~ Teresa Teague - December 28, 2020

Bob was always a fun person and devoted his life to church and daylilies.
God Bless his family and friends

~ ron azzanni - December 28, 2020

I met Bob many years ago while attending the Midwest Hybridizers meeting, the Northern Daylily Mecca celebrations and attending Daylily meetings with the Cincinnati Daylily club. He was funny and kind and love to talk about gardening. He will be greatly missed by me and his Daylily family. My prayers to the family.

~ Wanda Evans - December 28, 2020

You will be sorely missed my friend. There are no words to describe how much I am missing you. The most important thing is that you Rest In Peace in the hands of our Heavenly Father whom you know so well. Rarely does someone leave this earth so loved throughout the nation as you. I am blessed to have known you! Rest In Peace my friend.

~ Patricia Wessling-Briggs - December 28, 2020

Daylily friend SE ohio, we loved this Kind Loving and caring individual. We can not express our love for this man. His flowers and other work will live on for years to come. A true Christian with great love we send our memories.

~ Larry and Marla Work - December 28, 2020

My Memories began with Bob years ago when we were both members of Salem Church of God.
He was always hosting bibles studies and events for us to get together at his home from our Salem church of God family.
He was best man at my sister cindy wetzel and tim woxman's wedding.
He continued to be a great friend over the years. and will be missed my all of us.

My deepest condolences to his siblings, friends, and all his loved ones.

~ Marilyn Caporini - December 28, 2020

I met Bob when he came to speak at the Tampa Bay Daylily Club quite a few years ago.He was very friendly to every one there and we enjoyed his presentation of his hybridizing program. I met him a again at the 2014 National in Ashville NC. I will miss his friendly greetings to the email to in we belong to for Daylilies.

~ Juli Mason - December 28, 2020