In Memoriam

The Durham Chorale noted with great sadness, and a huge sense of loss, the passing of its founder and longtime director, Robert "Bob" Estes, on October 12, 2006. Mr. Estes founded the Chorale in 1987, and was its dynamic, engaging director until 2002. His musical genius is remembered with great respect by many "veteran" members of the group. He built up our library of music, augmenting it further with several arrangements that he himself composed. Mr. Estes had been asked to guest-conduct part of our 20th anniversary concert, "Thanks for the Memories", in April 2007, and had graciously accepted. Many newer Chorale members had looked forward to meeting there the man whose dedication made this group endure and thus provided us the venue in which we sing.

Following is the obituary. As of Jan. 13, 2008, the obituary, and the guestbook, are still online at the Covenant Funeral Service site (http://obit.covenantfuneralservice.com; use the "Search Memorials" box to find them).

Robert Earle "Bob" Estes, "The Music Man" 79, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2006 after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born August 6, 1927 in Worcester, Massachusetts. He spent much of his childhood in Massachusetts playing baseball and jitterbugging with his sister, Eve, at the USO on Cape Cod. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the US Navy on the USS Lake Champlain as a radar technician. Bob attended the New England Conservatory of Music, graduating magna cum laude, president of his class, and a member of the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity. He received his masters of science degree from Bridgeport University and taught music in the Connecticut public schools for 35 years. He was a member of the Music Educators National Conference and conducted numerous semi-professional musicals in New Canaan, Connecticut for many years. After retiring, he founded and conducted the Durham Chorale in Durham, NC for 15 years, as well as directing music at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Durham. He was a successful published composer.

In 2002, Bob and wife Pauline ("Polly") relocated to Falls Run in Stafford County, Virginia where they were very active in the community. He was a member of Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church and choir. He was the founder and conductor of the Spotsylvanians, and the Falls Run Singers.

"The Music Man" loved life and lived it to the fullest. Beyond having shared his musical talents for many years, he was an avid golfer and swimmer, and loved camping with his family. Bob and Polly traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad, sharing their love and laughter for life along the way.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Pauline Estes of Falls Run; daughter, Deborah Tripp and her husband, Kurt; son, David Estes and his wife, Jackie, daughter, Dawn Medve and her husband, Chris; ten grandchildren, Erika, Evan, Justin, Michael, Sarah, Matthew, Jeffrey, Nathan, Katie and Jack, all of whom loved and adored their grandfather.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 16 at The Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg with Rev. Allen H. Fisher, Jr. officiating. A reception will follow in the Church House, 304 George St., Fredericksburg. Burial will be private in Quantico National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Sunday, October 15 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society c/o Trudy Shelton, 113 Tallpines Ave., Locust Grove, VA 22508 or to Mary Washington Hospice, 5012 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22407.

Online guest book at covenantfuneralservice.com.

"The Music Man" said it best,

"If I were to die today, I have lived the most wonderful life and had the most loving family anyone could ask for. Have a big party!"

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Page last updated: 13-Jan-2008