Robert Gottfried Arbogast

Bob was one of my first partners in Pittsburgh. Our teachers Edward Caton, and Kenneth Johnson. I will never forget his kind, gentle, spirit. Such a great loss. My love to Maureen and your two beautiful sons.

I was not a close friend of Robert’s but I remember his presence on stage. A consummate artist. And on top of that, he went out of his way to make me feel welcomed at Ballet West. I will miss him.

A handsome prince with little bit of sass...an athelete/dancer to the core. A lover of life, his boys and family and a big heart. Oh how we will miss seeing you when we visit but our memories are full of smiles, laughter and wonderful moments together that we will cherish forever. You are in our hearts and live on vividly in our memories. Thank you for gracing our lives....and may you jump, turn and dance with angels .

Much admiration for you Bob. Loved dancing with you and your true friendship through some of my tough times. I remember it well. You will be missed. You have so, so many that love you. So much love and respect for you always.

Dearest Lil and Cara I am so deeply sorry to hear about Bob. I’ve heard so many terrific stories of your beautiful relationship. I know how difficult a time this is right now but I hope your pain eases in time. I have all of you in my thoughts. Bonnie and Schahan

I am so deeply saddened by this loss. Time went so fast and then he was gone. I know his heart feels freedom and joy as that was who he was and that love and light surely carried him effortlessly to the other side. Regardless it is the living that feel the pain of such a wonderful man leaving this world. I am grateful to be in town to go to his funeral on Thursday. May his life remind us of how short time can be and help us feel grateful in every moment for this life. Ode to Robert Arbogast May you fly free and dance in the stars till we all get there to dance once again with you. To my dear friend, who I danced with in Ballet West. ~Suzanne Wagner~ In Memory of a dear Friend For you Bob Dancing in the light I felt the freedom of flight with you. Laughing with you for eternity and remembering your wit and charm. Appreciating your openness and support in the times of struggle. Knowing that deep caring that you felt for so many things. Wishing you were still with us all Hoping for more time with you in another incarnation. Sending you love as you journey to the other side. ~Suzanne Wagner~

Lily, cara and Jeff....my heart breaks for you. We were all together last june! Bobby was smart and funny and so proud of his sons! He was a good guy and I had a secret crush on him!!! I am truly speechless!!! May God grant you the strength to endure your sorrow! Lily, I love you...I always have and I always will.

Dearest Lil, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your brother. I lost my brother to a car accident when I was 15. My heart �� is with you at this difficult time. I’m always here if you need anything. Love Leslie

Dear Lili, As I said on FB I was in tears at the news. I always liked Bob in college, and I love hanging out with him at Marlene's party and the Playhouse closing last year. There are no words at a time like this ... just love and a feeling of loss when such bright light goes out.

So many memories... meeting you on our first day back in June 1979 as new corp members of the company! Your coke and glazed doughnut every morning before company class. The Milk Mobile. You were one of the nicest people I ever worked with, and also, at times, roomed with too. Rest is peace.

Bob ..40 years ago we debuted together our first Nutcracker in BW. I will never forget your care and kindness as a pas partner and the great performances we shared . Soar with the Angel's dear Bob as you did as an amazing earthling dancer . Love and prayers to your dearly beloved ones at this very sad time . RIP .

I am so saddened to hear of the passing of bob. So many fond memories of you and your sister growing up. You and Lil were always together, sharing your passion for dance. I know your mom and dad were so proud of your accomplishments. Rest In Peace bob with your mom and dad, I will never forget all the wonderful memories I had with you and your sister. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. God bless all of you.

I didn't know Bob all that well but always enjoyed his performances while I was on faculty with the school of Ballet West. His passion for life and his art were obvious to me and everyone around him. I recall a party that we all attended at the home of a mutual friend and colleague. Bob said something that caused his then wife, Maureen Laird, to say "I heard that, Maynard". His sense of humor was right up there. My condolences to his family.

A Lovely Man! My Sympathy to his Sons, Sister and Family! Rest Peacefully Bob

Bob had a smile that melted your heart, a natural charm you couldn't help but love and he simply adored dance. I met Bob at Point Park College, Pittsburgh Pa and lost touch with him after 1979. Recently, we reunited through FB and had some serious conversations about dance and life in gereral. He was so proud of his sons and loved them dearly as well as Lilly. My heart breaks for you and all your family....Bob Is dancing once again.

My sincere condolences to all of Bob's family and friends... He graced the many "stages" of our lives with his powerful stage presence, warm smile and friendly hello or funny remark at every passing. His boys are closest in my thoughts. Rest in peace...

No words can adequately express the great sadness we all feel. A kind and gentle man was taken from us far too soon. While Bob and Maureen were dating Bob faced many challenges in winning our family over. Needless to say he "passed" with flying colors. His smile, humor and personality won us all over and that's not an easy task entering into such a large family. His smile and love of laughter were infectious. Bob was also very sentimental-there was never a conversation that did not take a trip down memory lane. Above all, Bob was very loving. He loved his family dearly. He was so proud of Dane and Alec and what they had become. He loved watching them grow, learn and then turn into such good men. They were his pride and joy. A five minute conversation would turn into an hour long call when Bob began talking about Dane and Alec. We will all miss Bob. We envision you on Heaven's dance floor giving his mother the dance that she has longed for since her passing. We know too that your father is watching you and applauding you both as you "cut the rug'. Thanks Bob for being you and for your love. Keep watch over us here on earth and offer us guidance along our way. Please Lord let the sadness today be softened by our great memories of Bob. May he rest in peace with you until we see him again.

Dear family and friends of Bob, Just this May, we had a small reunion in SLC, an Exuberence of Larks, and Bob was there to share Hugs and laughs and brunch. Upon learning the news of his passing, I went into my backyard prayer garden, and my sadness cleared with the brilliant feeling of Bob flying joyfully free from pain. In the next moment, there was a frenzy of bird activity in the yard, (maybe defending a nest?) with several different species flying all over the place, including 2 humming birds in tandem. It was an Exuberant natural prayer and I think of it as a reminder that the sun is still there behind the clouds.

My deepest sympathies to the Arbogast family. Bob was my first roommate ,tour mate, and best friend during my time with Ballet West. Ever a gentle presence except during a Pittsburgh Steelers game he was always inspirational and kind. The angels have a new partner to lift them even higher. It saddens me that so many years have passed since we last saw each other. I've always kept those memories of my time out west and the people I met in Ballet West in my heart, of which Bob held a special place. Barry Meyer

Lil and family....I don't know how I missed this sad news. What a beautiful man with so much talent.n Words can never express the sorrow of loss and although sometimes seems hollow, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories of Bob and a life well lived help you through this time. Dance on Bob..... Colette

Dear family, We are so sorry for the loss of Bob. Everything that was said of him was so true. Such a gentle man, who smiled often. We did not see you often but you all are in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. I, Linda, always wanted to see Bobby dance. Maybe some day in heaven I will see that :). We love you all, Linda and Brian (Cousins from Ohio)

Lillian, so sorry to hear this sad news. Bob Bauman

Really beautiful tribute to your brother, Lil! What an amazing guy! So talented and such a loving father, brother, uncle...he was all about family. While I didn't know Bob well, I had the pleasure of spending some time with you all when he was visiting. I always found him to be outgoing and filled with enthusiasm. I am so, so sorry for your loss. I know how close you were and how difficult this is for you. But you are blessed with wonderful memories which will help you to move forward. Thinking of you with lots of love. Sue

Lil, my heart sank and the sky seemed to dim for a moment when, today, I learned of Bob’s passing. When I think of Bob, I recall his kindness and enthusiasm, loving devotion and loyalty to you, and the great pride he had toward his sons. So inspiring. He brightened the lives of those who knew him, something we can all aspire to. I hope that your good memories and recognition that you were such a fond and loving sister will help you through this sad and difficult time.

dear lilly and family we are so sorry to hear of your beloved brothers death....we have not seen your family for a long time your grandmother, mom and dad, were all apart of our Troy Hill of pittsburgh family,that was many years ago...my grandfather,michel kellerman and your grandmother lillian arbogast were brother and sister...please let us know when you are having a celebration of life for bob in pittsburgh.sincerely nancy stephens cummings and family

I was deeply saddened when I read about this loss today. Robert contacted me in his role as financial advisor soon after I arrived in Salt Lake City back in the 1990's, and I jumped at the chance to work with thoughtful and delightful fellow Pittsburgher. We had many great conversations about our families, our home town, and, yes, even investing over the years. Talking with him was always a journey to a time and place where people come first; in this way he was a true Pittsburgh person. My deepest condolences to his family and everyone he touched.

To the Arbogast Family, I am so sorry to hear about Robert’s passing.My deepest sympathies. We lived up the street from your family on Rhine Street. Bobby took me to my high school prom in 1977. I feel for his sons, we lost our Dad this past December and it is hard not being able to talk to him. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Dear Lili, I am so very sorry for the sudden loss of your beloved brother Bob. I know this must be a difficult time for you and your family. You all are in my and Nancy’s prayers. Although I didn’t know him, Nancy filled me in on his very impressive ballet career as well as how much she admired his talent and wonderful personality. She said you and he were always so kind and caring with everyone. I just finished watching the tribute video and was so moved. The ballet pictures as well as the family pictures were just great. I wish I would have known him and been able to see him dance. Prayers and healing vibes coming your way. God bless you and your family. Love, Bruce

Just watched the video, Spring Hill can be so proud of Bobby’s accomplishments and life! My sincere condolences to his sons and Lili. You’re family was always well respected in our community.please take care!

Bob was kind, generous and simply infectious with his smile and quick wit. He was one of the first dancers to welcome us, the newbies of 1989, and I knew we'd become friends. It wasn't long before he let me know about his other passion besides ballet - Basketball! And not just any team; his beloved Utah Jazz (Karl, John, Mark...) And so our good-natured barre banter began as his Jazz and my Blazers started their legendary rivalry playing their way through the NBA conference playoffs of '91 & '92. He was equally charming and ruthless in his glee every time his team beat mine and we'd end up belly laughing the following morning as we tried to focus on Bruce's plié combination. To his family, my heart grieves with yours for he was taken far too soon. To my friend Bob, may the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun...and find your shoulder to light on...today, tomorrow and beyond. Much love, Leslie Larson, Modesto, CA