Robert Wayne Lofting

""Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."" Matthew 7:14
Robert Wayne Lofting, born Oct. 5, 1950, to Robert and Burcille Lofting, passed away Oct. 30, 2013 at his home in Van Buren, Mo., with his wife, Vicky, and his daughter, Brandy, by his side.
Robert acquired many monikers along the way: ""Bob"", ""Bobby Wayne"", ""Open Boat Bob"", and ""Harmonica Bob"" to name a few. Bob graduated from Hazelwood High School in 1968 at the age of 17. It didn't take long for him to discover his passion for canoeing, camping, and all things outdoors. He spent time teaching children to swim and canoe in summer camps and through the American Red Cross. He graduated from University of Missouri and went on to earn a graduate degree from University of North Carolina. His first job out of college took him to Kennett, Mo, where he met his wife, Vicky. He knew she was the ""one"" after she survived their first date when they went camping.
Bob was one of the few people that knew what made him happy and that was being on a river, in a canoe. What time he didn't spend on the river was spent reading or talking about paddling. What made him even happier was to see someone else enjoying his passion. He spent many days, even after he was ill, teaching and leading someone down a river. The river was his sanctuary, harborage, church, and home. The river is where he felt most comfortable. It was here where he bonded with family, friends, and strangers. It is where he talked to God. God blessed Bob abundantly with loving family and extended family of many supportive, loving friends. Bob also had a talent and passion for music. Wherever Bob was, usually sounds of his singing and harmonica followed. For anyone who knew him, it would be hard to hear the sound of a harmonica without thinking of him.
His parents, Robert and Burcille, and a sister, Pam Lofting, preceded Bob in death.
His partner and wife of 37 years, Vicky survives him, along with a daughter, Brandy Lucas (Aaron Lucas); two grandchildren, Madison and Aidan Lucas; a brother, David F. Lofting of San Francisco, CA; his dear Aunt Jean Jetton; and numerous cousins.
Bob really shined in his role as ""Pawpaw"". He shared with them his love of nature, paddling, and music that they will carry for a lifetime. Bob believed in God, family, hard work, education, good friends, good food, eating dessert first, and doing what makes you happy. May we honor Bob's legacy by living our true passion and take a moment to delight in the beauty that nature shows us every day.
""The song of the river ends not at her banks but in the hearts of those who have loved her."" ? (Buffalo Joe)
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Legacy Hospice in Poplar Bluff, MO or Missouri Conservation.
A Celebration of Life service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9th at Big Springs State Park Lodge in Van Buren. Come dressed in your favorite Cardinals or Mizzou shirt.
Cotrell Funeral Service in Poplar Bluff, Mo. is in charge of arrangements.