Robert Chester
April 4, 1954 – February 11, 2025
Robert Chester
Robert Chester, a man whose life was filled with finely tuned music, starlight, and beautiful art, passed away peacefully at his home in Seattle. Born in Grand Junction, Colorado and raised in Bloomington, Minnesota, Bob graced this world with his presence for 71 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Conchita and his older brother, John.
After graduating with honors from Berklee College of Music Boston in the mid-70s, he politely declined their offer of a teaching position, choosing instead to pursue his true calling: the often-unpredictable life of a musician. He could coax a tune from virtually any instrument – a tuba, a ukulele, even, it’s rumored, a kazoo. He wrote lyrics that could make you smile, ponder, and feel all the feelings. Bob arranged and recorded his own music, proving his mastery of all aspects of the craft. While he enjoyed collaborating with fellow musicians and playing in many bands, he was also a self-contained musical force.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Bob’s greatest accomplishment was his daughter, Angela, whom he cherished. He is survived by Angela, his grandson Lucas, his sister Fran, his niece Kali, and his nephew, Marco.
Bob was also a master framer. He owned a framing business in Red Wing, Minnesota, where he transformed everyday images into works of art.
Bob harbored a deep fascination with the universe. He constructed his own telescope that allowed him to capture breathtaking photographs of the moon and stars, demonstrating that he was as skilled at framing the cosmos as he was at framing art.
He made friends easily, charmed acquaintances with his wit, and was unfailingly loyal to those he held dear. Bob’s life was a rich composition, filled with harmonies, a few unexpected chords, and always played with genuine, feeling. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He’s now among the stars he so admired, perhaps finally finding the perfect celestial frame.
17 Responses to “Robert Chester”
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I played in a band with Bob and will miss him beyond words. He was a joy to be around. Such a happy positive soul with no end to his fascinating stories about his earlier days. I am blessed to have known him and will remember him for all time.
Bob was probably the best musician in any band he was a part of. Certainly, he was the best musician in the two bands we were in together, Unusual Suspects, and H3O. But he didn’t act like it: no arrogance, no ego. Just a quiet competence. He never made anyone feel like they didn’t measure up, even when we didn’t. I’ll miss him. I’m already hearing music and thinking “I wonder what Bob would think of this band?”. Goodbye my friend.
Truly sorry for your lose and my condolences to the family! God bless
Brilliant musician, fabulous bandmate, and all-around great person. Bob made everything better and he will be missed.
By the time we saw Hendrix together in the fall of ’68, we knew we had a life-long bond in the making. Our rock ‘n roll pursuits through middle school, kept us out of trouble… except for the Ear-brother adventures we shared, challenging the establishment. Bob was thoughtful and measured his words. Kindly and generous in spirit (never hurt a flee). Big laugh! Wry sense of humor & wit.
Variety of interests. Meticulous. A true Renaissance man. My dear friend.
Maholy Nagy Gringo.
What a wonderful man!! I am so glad I met you and you taught me the basics about how to play drums!! Sending prayers to your family!!!
As our families grow we collect additional members. What a blessing to have added Bob to our family. I know he loved his dsyghter and grandson with all his heart. Gid bless you Bob you will be missed
Bob has left such a warm spot in my heart. From the music we shared, meeting up to watch the Vikings games, and him laughing at my bad jokes, Bob put up with me.
He loved his family and his cats, another reason to admire him. I’ve spend the last few days thinking about Bob and how much he meant to all who knew him.
Thanks Bob for all you gave us
Bob’s obituary is likely the most beautiful one I have ever read. Kudos to the writer. It captures his uniqueness and gentle nature. And helps explain his intellect that I so appreciated and his humbleness that was always present.
I feel fortunate to have known Bob. I am happy John and I were able to speak to him a couple weeks ago. He was determined to fight his diagnosis but was also accepting of the possibility of losing the fight.
Sending much love to Angie who gave him such good care and allowed him to make his final journey in his home.
His artistry, his kindness, and especially his laugh will be in my heart forever! Maholy Nagy Gringo!
I met Bob through his older brother John and almost all the art in my home was framed by Bob. He had an artistic eye and took pride in his work while also being a super sweet guy. My deep condolences to the family and may he rest well.
Bob lived right up the street growing up in Bloomington. We were in band together and good friends. I remember when his Mom Conchita drove down the street she would crazy wave at me! The grass withers the flowers fade ,the word of the Lord lives on.
bob was my drummer. i hadnt had a drummer before. i didnt know how exceptional he was. i thought you just played and it sounded good. he made it look so simple and natural. he did life like that. deal with whats in front of you. do it the best you can. wake up and do it again tomorrow. easier said than done.
having bob gone feels like the light in the hall got shut off. life goes on but its not the same.
miss you bud. peace
So many memories of Bob, all of which include warmth, gentleness and laughter. In this long life I’ve gotten to know many people and many famous musicians. When all is considered, I’ve never met anyone who equalled Bob overall, just in part. What a remarkable soul! I remember one high school day in the hall messing with a cheap little bamboo flute, trying to coax Bouree from it. Gentle, uber talented Bob asked if he could try. Took him maybe 2 minutes. He somehow did that without humiliating me. He just flowed. Arvedorch Gringo
I met Bob several years ago at Gator’s. We were both there to watch the Vikings game. After a few(?) games we started sitting at the same table.
I really enjoyed Bob’s company. His optimism and my pessimism regarding the Vikings performance seemed to mesh well. He was soft-spoken with a great sense of humor and very rarely cussed (unlike myself).
A couple years ago I coughed up $$ to watch the Vikings at home. Bob came to my house a couple times to watch. I last saw him in September for the first game of the season.
We texted each other during other games. Jan 6 was the last.
I will miss him, especially during Viking games. He was really looking forward to seeing our new QB in action. Now he will have the best seat. SKOL Bob!
I met Bob maybe I’m the 70s in honduras where his mom and brother John were born I remember er seen him and uncle John leap 100 feet in a cascade in st Matias honduras I will never forget image their adventurous nature then had great moments in Minnesota in the 80s 90d Angie will play with my daughter will never forget you Bob
I met Bob at the mono cascade honduras this place just few miles were his mom and older brother John were born I will never forget how the 2 brother jump from a 100 feet cascade such adventures pair Bob was so friendly this was late 70s then we met in Minnesota when I moved here I will never forget Bob may your journey be amazing in the beyond