Robert Barry “Bob” Crist

Robert “Bob” Crist, age 72, of Ithaca passed away March 16, 2020 at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

Bob was born September 26, 1947 to Robert Lewis and Virginia Elaine (VanWagoner) Crist in Jackson, Michigan. He was a graduate of Western High School in Parma, Michigan. Following high school, Bob enrolled at Central Michigan University, graduating with a degree in music education. He enlisted in the Army after completing his degree and served two years as an Army musician. He toured the Southwest United States performing for troops and entertaining in officer’s clubs. 

In the early 1970’s, Bob began teaching at Ithaca Public Schools in both the high school and jr. high school music departments where he shared his love of music with countless students. He was known for producing excellent marching and concert bands despite the school’s relatively small size, and for his work with students performing in the musical productions at the school. He was also well known in the area for the Ithaca High School Dixieland Band, which he directed and played the piano. Many Friday nights after IHS home basketball games, the community would gather at the bowling alley to listen to Bob and the Dixieland Band play.

Bob loved people and people loved Bob. His combined love of music and people led Bob to share his talents with many community groups. He played at nursing homes and the Senior Activity Building. He performed in the parks and the farmer’s market in the summer. He enjoyed providing music for the Gratiot County Players, leading the musicians and performing in many of their musical performances. He was also the Music Director for the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca. Everywhere Bob went, he made people happy, whether with his music, his jovial personality, or more likely both. Bob so loved sharing his musical talents that he wanted nothing more than to play piano at local nursing homes and the church again. 

Bob’s love of people led him to serve in various community groups. He was a member of the Ithaca Lions Club, a 32nd Degree Mason in the Ithaca Masonic Lodge #123, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Bob is survived by his brother John (Jan) Crist; his nephew Jason (Melissa) Crist; niece Melissa (Charlie Jr.) Westcott; his grand nieces and nephews Elijah and Samara Crist; and Madison, McKenna, and Keegan Wensley, all  of Jackson, Michigan. He is also survived by very dear friends Randy and Tina Miniard, Garrett Miniard, and Bailey Miniard, all of Alma, Michigan; Jordy Miniard-Brewer and  Andrea Miniard-Brewer of Harlan, Kentucky, and Carson Miniard-Teed of Ithaca, Michigan, as well as so many well loved friends he knew over the years

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Virginia Crist, sister-in-law Cheryl Crist, and dear friend Candie Hoch.

There will be a memorial celebration for Bob in the near future. Given recent worldwide events, this information will be forthcoming and announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Bob to either the Ithaca Band Boosters to be used for band camp scholarships, or the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences, memories, and/or stories may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

To donate to Ithaca Band Boosters in Memory of Bob, click the "Donate" button below:

Comments

[Joy Turner]

To the Crist family thank you for sharing this loving caring and fun human being with our community. He was a great role model of service to others. My deepest sympathy to you all

[Shari Eby]

Everything has been said on how I feel about Bob! He was a great guy an a smile for everyone. My children are reminiscing their times with Bob, he brought out the best in them....

[Edith Humm]

I have had the pleasure of enjoying his playing at Gratiot County Players as well as the beauty his music brought to our Eastern Star events. He had a God given talent and generously shared it freely.

[Scott Messing]

Bob was an inspiring mentor to our Alma College music education majors. One of my fondest musical memories is playing alongside Bob in "I Love a Piano" - a fitting title for his rich life.

[Nathon Anderson]

It was me. Crist that instilled in me a love for music in the 6th grade. He was so passionate about it that you could not help it.it was he that helped me to pick my instrument and follow music for as long as I did. I loved his what my jokes that he would give from time to time they were the highlights of my days in high school. I will forever miss them as I will miss him and cherish them my memories of him. He will be greatly missed by us all for everything that he did for every life he helped.

[Valorie Melow]

Bob came into my life in my freshman year of high school (1974). He has been part of my life since then. Whether he was directing me in a musical, making me play scales, mentoring my son to be a successful student and a leader in all-things BAND, playing at my wedding, playing at my daughter’s wedding, or being our choir director at church, he was always there. Life will have a new normal, one of which I’ll accept with sadness. There will forever be a void that no one else can fill. You were loved, Bob. Rest In Peace my friend. 💓

[Beth Ozolins]

Bob, my heart aches at your passing and the tears readily flow-more than I expected, I must confess. The more memories, the more tears. You touched me more than you or I knew. Love to you!

[JO Rand]

Dear Jan and John
Loved your brother and his wonderful sense of humor. Talented and witty. Jo Rand

[Timothy lafreniere]

I am saddened to hear of the passing Mr Crist my condolences to his family I remember him in very well in the 70s so full of life and music

[Jon P. Nichols]

I am saddened to learn of Bob's passing. He and I were not only friends, but also competitors in marching band festivals in West Central Michigan. His is a life that has ended too soon, but was filled with service and the joy of bringing music to legions of people.

[Larry Raymond]

A great friend in elementary and high school
Played lots of sports with Bobby, very sad day

[Harriet and Steve Videto]

Bob was such a refreshing vibrant and all around neat guy!!! Sorry for your loss John

[Steve DeRees]

My sincere condolences to Bob’s family and friends. I first met him while I was a music major at CMU and stayed in touch with him as I got going in my band jobs. Bob was always so friendly and encouraging!

[Kregg Raducha]

It's hard to overstate the positive impact Bob had on the community, but he was without a doubt one of the most inspirational role models I had during my high school years and I suspect the same for many others. My lasting memories will be overwhelmingly happy, but I'm sorry to hear about his passing and sad especially for those who remained closer to him.

[Mary Jo Streeter]

May you rest in peace Bob. All our lives were blessed to have known you and we know your music on high now will continue forever. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.

[joelle betts]

I did not have you Mr Crist for band but we saw you daily popping your head into the choir room.. then was so glad when you bought a house 2 door down from us.. How cool was that Us kids on the block was proud to say Mr Crist lives on our block.... you touch so many of us kids at ithaca jr and sr high we are honer to say you was the best that was... see you when I get to heaven know you up in the front directing the big band in the sky ...

[Elizabeth Loyselle]

What a loss we are all experiencing! I did not have the privilege of having Mr. Crist as a teacher in school, but rather met him later in life. In fact, our paths crossed in many different music areas, but mostly at GCP. He made laugh, he was full of jokes and was one of the most generous people I know. Although I did not know him for decades like some, he always made me feel important and confident. I enjoyed working and laughing together with him on musicals. I am heartbroken and my thoughts and prayers are with Bob's family and friends. Miss you, Bob!

[John Dietz]

So sad to learn of Bob’s death. So many fond memories of our time together at CMU. Quality guy!! The best!!

[Mike Gillan]

I knew Bob in college we were in the bands at CMU together. He was a good man and a great educator. My condolences to his family and the community.

[Pastor Christina]

I wouldn't trade the past 30 months of being the other half of the Ithaca First Pres Dynamic Duo for anything - except perhaps 30 months more. Thanks, Bob - for all of the ways you helped me grow as a pastor. I miss you and love you, and promise to remember what you told me.

[Candy Hunter]

He was a great music teacher and friend. Going to miss him and his smile.

[Candy Hunter]

He was a great music teacher and friend. Going to miss him and his smile.

[Deborah (Van Wagoner) Sumner]

Condolences to all the Crist family members at this time. Bobby was my cousin and there were so many wonderful and important family memories. Aunt Virginia and Uncle Bob got him piano lessons when his kindergarten teacher said, “Bobby cannot keep his hands off the piano, You need to get him lessons!” The rest is history... family gatherings were always full of music and dancing. Bobby’s band played at my wedding celebration and made the party awesome. As a teacher, I always knew he was a talented teacher, full of energy, and just loved working with his students. It was a calling for him to be a teacher and musician. Bobby will be missed by all his family, friends, and community. Peace & Love, Debbie Sumner Fort Myers, FL.

[Laura Fidler]

So deeply saddened to hear about Bob's passing. Heartfelt condolences to his family. He will be missed...
He brought joy to many with his music.

[Melissa Evans]

I first meet Mr. Crist in 6th band. He was always there encouraging us students to do the best we could do and letting us know he believed in us. Because of him my love of music grew. From 6th grade to my senior year he was and will always be my favorite teacher. I learned so much from him and had wonderful experiences in band. He will be greatly missed.