My deepest sympathy for the family. I had no idea. This man was a third grade teacher for me and he picked up the sad days when it was rough. My house burned down that year and he would "invite" me to lunch with him at his table. I got better at my work because of him and learned to love reading because of him. I hold so much condolences for the family. 

My sincere condolences to Bob's family and loved ones. He was one of a kind and was such a kind soul. He was a sincere, caring, and fun man! My son was in his last class, Dustin. He came to his 11th birthday party that year at Bluff Point. The kids were so happy to see him there! It was nice that he took the time to come. I went to LCS, but did not have him as a teacher. My best friend, Jean, had in for third grade in the 80s. I will forever be jealous that she got to participate in a turtle race and I did not -lol. RIP Bob, but you seem like the kind of man who always was at peace. Thank you for the love you shared with our community. 

Bob Kammer, one of the good guys! We are blessed to have shared his smile, his talent and his good vibes. A great loss for us all but we all have fond memories and will forever cherish the laughs we shared. Like the time Terry took us to the “topless’ beach in FL and we all waited while Bob strutted down to the waters edge. We knew..he didn’t notice the boobs and butts, he was on a mission to see the shore..we all yelled, “Bob, turn around” well when he did his eyes got large and the smile got even larger! 🤭Great memories of a great guy! RIP BK!

I was part of Bob's last 5th grade class at LCS before he retired. We lost touch but reconnected last year. I'm very thankful that we were able to reconnect from afar but regretful that we did not get the chance to connect in person. Though, I am glad we got to share stories of music and teaching in the last year and a half. I'm glad I got to show him my wedding and honeymoon, both Beatles inspired, which was a big bonding point for us. I have fond memories of Bob fueling my interest in The Beatles after my mom got me hooked on Yellow Submarine. After a month of playing clarinet, Bob entertained my request to play Nowhere Man in the talent show with him backing me on guitar. This was a critical moment in the development of my musical confidence. We did a darn good job. My mom told me the other day Bob was the only teacher I had in elementary school that so actively embraced my quirks without a "however," attached to it. I remember being called a little weasel as my friends and I eagerly annoyed him. Bob accepted his students for who they were and where they were at. He took genuine interest in our lives. His classroom was a community. He restored my sense of belonging in school. When he had the special days where he brought his guitar to school, all problems and conflicts ceased to exist for twenty minutes on the rug as we gathered for mindful and peaceful singing and stories. I work as an elementary counselor now. I strive to deliver a FRACTION of the joy, warmness, comfort, sarcasm, and creativity this man delivered to generations of children. I play bass guitar and famously hate playing guitar, specifically bar chords. However, I found that the best way to cope with this surprising yet not surprising heavy hitting emotion of this loss is to learn guitar. Yesterday morning I stole my husband's Epiphone Casino and switched to the lead guitar voice. I learned that George Harrison solo on Nowhere Man, the same one I remember Bob capturing the character of as he played through the chord progressions of that interlude on the Ledyard Center School stage.  I remember looking to the side of me and locking eyes as I waited for my entrance. In my heartbreak and mourning, I am thankful for the reminder on what building these meaningful moments with my students looks like. I hope to bring more music to my teaching. Instruments are a beautiful and mindful artistic expression that should be shared to our kiddos. Thank you, Bob, for everything. The music, the fun, and for teaching some tall awkward stinky nine year old with a Beatles obsession that she was a rockstar.  Laurie and Family - your father is the golden standard for good teachers. 

Mr Bob playing his tunes

Bob visiting Venice with John and Laryn Ligos, Joe and Martha Wread — with Bob and John Ligos

My heart goes out to Laurie, Jon and all of Bob's family and friends. What a kind, talented, loving man he was. The last time I saw  Bob was at our yoga teacher's memorial where we reminised and took turns banging the giant gong. Those magical sounds reverberated to the heavens. I believe he may hear them now.

Bob was one of the kindest, most giving, thoughtful, and funny people I have ever known.

Robert was truly a special person, and he will be deeply missed.

I am so grateful that my family and I had the chance to meet him, travel with him, and share wonderful moments together.

I light this candle in loving memory of Bob

Bob will be sorely missed. He was such a joyful and fun loving man. Whether it was in a classroom, playing music or paddling down a river, Bob was a joy to be with.

Deepest condolences to the entire Kammer family. The majority of my early childhood memories involved “Aunt Ann,” “Uncle Harry,” Bobby, Debbie, and Greg. Great times the Jones and Kammers had! 

Cherish your memories. 

Gayle Jones

Our condolences to Jon and Lori and family on the death of your father. He was always the “fun guy” at gatherings. Your memories of Dad will be with you forever!