I am shocked and saddened to read that Robert has passed on. He was my friend, my teacher, and inspiration in all things musical and Acadien. We played so many songs together and cherished his advice. On hearing a new song I'd written, he turned his head to one side and commented: "Nice chord, you're learning."

He was walking on Water Street last summer and passed driving. He smiled a big smile and waved. I waved with excitement and turned around at the next street and returned to where we saw him. He was not there.

My condolences to his family and friends. Robert's passing is a reminder we should always keep our friends close.