Memories of Robert Lester Barnhill III | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Robert Lester Barnhill III

Collins, IA, USA

August 3, 1964 - June 17, 2020

Aug 3, 1964 - Jun 17, 2020

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Robin Spratt

Shared a heart

Michael Denton

Can't believe its been 5 years.... This man touched so many...He was known for his songs and humor...He was a unifier of so many groups bringing people together... He was a leader in action more than words... Love you buddy... I know you are flying high my friend...thank you for your friendship and guidance and may we meet on the other side... In the ways of the spirit it'll be in the blink of an eye... Toksa Ake

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Robin Spratt

Julie Spotted Eagle Horse Martineau

Mite kanji, toksa ake, Wakan Tanka nice un. Lila pilamiyayelo, mite kanji. Waste lake.

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Mrala Edoc

Have seen Bob frequently at Ceremony, but only met in passing last summer in Ohio. Even with minimal exposure one could see his dedication to family, Ceremony, & the Tiospayee. Sad for the physical loss. Prayers for the family with the resultant abyss left with his physical departure. Many Blessings as Bob is no longer encumbered by physical limitations & restraints, but is now as expansive as the universes & looking out for many more, even, than he did during his life.

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Mrala Edoc

Becca Miller

2016, Santee, NE, USA

Bob, Barb, Dustin and other relatives supporting and singing at our healing Ceremony.

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Michelle Shelley

Becca Miller

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Michelle Shelley

Becca Miller

Ames, IA, USA

Three of us had asked for healing ceremony from our Medicine Man in Santee. Bob was there to sing the needed songs in Lakota of course! When I first met Bob he had come to a local Inipi in Iowa. He called me Woman who builds lodges until he could remember my name. We became very close. When I did my first Vision Quest before I Sundanced, it was Bob who put me up on the hill. My half-side thought he was clever as he had brought home a spool to wrap my 404 prayer ties on. When Bob went to put me up, they were all backwards! I thought I would cry, but my Brother just laughed and told me no worries. Bob has touched thousands of lives on his Native Path. He was always there to be of service to the people, no matter how far Ceremony took him. He will be missed in the physical, but we all know his Spirit and Legacy lives on. I’m honored and proud to have called him Brother. All my love, and prayers of comfort sent to Barb and his beautiful sons, and precious grand baby. He will be held tightly in many hearts, as well as his amazing family. Fly high my Brother! ❤️🦅❤️🦅❤️🦅

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Michelle Shelley

Comments:

Michelle Shelley

Thanks for sharing this great story. I’m sure he’s smiling down and all around you. Thanks for sharing this great story. I’m sure he’s smiling down and all around you. Thanks for sharing this great story. I’m sure he’s ... Read more

Neil Hyde

Bob and I worked together, competed, collaborated and referred each other business over the past 20 plus years. My condolences to all his family - he cut a wide swath in his time on earth and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

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Michelle Shelley

Devin Long

I guess we are not going to be swapping stories when we're 85.....

Bob and I shared a spiritual experience through Makowaien (sp?) early in life. We became brothers through it, really. A Spirit. Like Johnny Cash. I didn't know it's value until later in life. When we all graduated in 1982, that whole thing evaporated, as far as I knew.

Fast forward 36 years (2018). I was at a loss as a soldier after doing several tours in the box (and some failed marriages.) I reached out to Bob via email after all those years in an attempt to recapture my spirituality. I looked him up. He was easy to find. He emailed me back with open arms. Obviously, he was a bit apprehensive after all the years, but assured me that I was invited for anything if I could make the trip. It never registered with me that there was a time limit...

Bob died doing what he loved. The rest of us can only pray that we will check out of this world will such universal grace. I am so sorry for your loss, David. You should not have to be burying your baby brother.

Three Falls

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Michelle Shelley

Comments:

Michelle Shelley

Thanks for sharing Devin. The family appreciates your financial contribution. It will help the boys get things... Read more Thanks for sharing Devin. The family appreciates your financial contribution. It will help the boys get things settled, for sure!... Read more Thanks for sharing Devin. The family appreciates your... Read more

Devin Long

Its the least, you know? Please be well Its the least, you know? Please be well Its the least, you know? Please be well

Jessica Anderson

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Peter Baker

2015, Redfield, IA, USA

All Nations Drum at our Wedding. I remember asking him to bring the Drum to our Wedding , and without any hesitation he said "Sure!" Bob was like that, where he without question would agree to give what was needed to help the people, always!! He will be deeply missed by so many!

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Michelle Shelley

Devin Long

Michelle Shelley

Bob messing around with Rowan during his visit in November 2019.

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Devin Long

Robin Spratt

Michelle Shelley

Bob and his boys

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Devin Long

Robin Spratt

Michelle Shelley

2020

Bob and Rowan goofing

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Devin Long

Ashley Williamson

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Frank van der Palen

2019, Seaman, OH, USA

We met Bob and Barb last year at the Salt Creek Sundance for the first time. We immediately connected. Bob was old school, a true kola and big hearted man. His voice and laughter is still in my heart. He gave his voice, songs, compassion, heart and medicine. We’re gonna miss him. Love you Bob. Travel well.
Frank and Theresa van der Palen

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Michelle Shelley

Frank van der Palen

Devin Long

Frank van der Palen

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Dustin barnhill

Shared a heart

Greg Black

I met Bob when he came to me with the idea of starting a gun shop in my building. The building space was dirty and had been neglected for years. Bob worked diligently and fixed up the place. He put in in hours and hours to fulfill his dream and I was amazed at what he turned the space into. Over the years, I felt like Bob was more of a friend than a business partner. He was always in good spirits and had a smile and was willing to talk to anybody. If you needed a favor, Bob was always the first to volunteer and help out when needed. I was completely shocked and saddened when I heard of his passing. Bob was a true example of a great person. My condolences to the family as they deal with such a great loss.

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Michelle Shelley

Devin Long

Dale Fisher

Bob was such a treasure to our family. 3 of my boys were up at his shop often. They adored him. He will be very missed. We are sorry for your loss.

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Michelle Shelley

Devin Long

Katie Baldwin

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Michelle Shelley

Katie Baldwin

We were so sad and shocked to hear of Bob’s sudden passing... He was such a kind, caring, funny, humble person with a beautiful soul. Jake and I enjoyed getting to know him over the past year or two through his gunsmith shop in Collins. We could stop in any time just to chat and he was always so welcoming. The kids in town knew they could stop in when they were out and about and he would have a bag of chips for them☺️ and a place to sit down and cool off. Of course he and Jake had lots in common talking about guns and politics among other things. He was an excellent gunsmith and worked on several of Jake’s guns, and always had a gun or two that Jake wanted to buy! He was on the Collins Days Committee with me and would do anything to help our community. I’m the city clerk and he would stop by City Hall to say hi on his walk back to his shop from the general store if he went to get a sandwich or visit with whoever was working that day. He always had a smile on his face and something witty to say. He lit up when he talked about his granddaughter and I could tell from his Facebook posts that she was the light of his life. It was also very evident in talking with him how much he loved Barb. We are sorry that we'll be out of town and not able to attend his memorial service. We are thinking of and praying for all of Bob’s family and friends. We will miss you Barney! Fly high!
Jake and Katie Baldwin

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Michelle Shelley

Devin Long

Comments:

Devin Long

"Barney." That works. That is the same nickname we all called his Dad back in the day. Imagine 15-20 young... Read more "Barney." That works. That is the same nickname we all called his Dad back in the day. Imagine 15-20 young high-schoolers let... Read more "Barney." That works. That is the same nickname we... Read more

Deborah Brubaker

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Michelle Shelley

Dave Struthers

I was just getting acquainted with Bob. We had similar political views as well as interests. He will be missed in the Collins community.

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Michelle Shelley

Devin Long

MaryAnn Mathis

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Michelle Shelley

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