Hello Everyone!

In harmony with all of the heartfelt gratitude that is being expressed out loud and privately for Bobby, I would like to continue shining a spotlight on how deeply loved he was by so many family and friends, both near and far. I know all of you will agree that the far-reaching impact he made was by no accident or coincidence. Bobby was gifted with a natural ability to create waves of happiness, love, optimism, and hope by honoring vulnerability as a strength and sharing sincere kindness, love, joy, and happiness wherever he went. He made people want to do better and be better. His big, beautiful, and bright personality offered a gentle and safe space for anyone and everyone to “land” and feel comfortable simply being themselves in his presence.

Bobby earned his angel wings on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, while recovering from a recent illness. The love of his life, LaVonne Carroll, shared, “when I visited him I saw that he was growing weaker; I could tell that something was different; I said ‘I love you’ and he mouthed I love you back to me. He was ready to rest”. The heartbreaking loss of Bobby is furthermore felt through the words of Bobby and LaVonne’s daughter, Brittany Carroll sharing, “I will miss you and I will always love you! Brandy will miss you and love you too! I’m glad we talked yesterday ! My heart hurts right now but it will be okay! Get your rest now. My mans Jungle Fats!! Always fake rapping ! I will miss that. I will miss keeping you on the phone for no reason lol. I will miss joaning on you. I will miss all the cards. I still have most of them! You was a great father and the WORLD’S BEST GRANDFATHER! I will be always be your “boo” !”. Bobby’s sister, DeLona Gaines, reminds us how much he meant to his entire family as she conveyed, “Today, I lost my only brother and sibling. My niece, Brittany Carroll, lost her dad, my great niece, Brandy, lost her grandfather, and Lavonne Carroll lost her partner. My aunts and uncles lost their beloved nephew. My cousins lost their cousin. We cherish all of the moments, time, and 52 years that God has given us. May his soul rest in peace. We love you and will miss you dearly. I will be sure to share final service information.” Every story, cherished memory, and message of condolence being shared among those who knew, loved, and were touched by Bobby’s presence, will continue to serve as a tremendous source of comfort for so many of his family and friends, especially from knowing that a part of him will continue to live on in so many.

Furthermore, there is no doubt that Bobby was an integral part of the positive, uplifting, inspirational legacy that was cultivated and built at Camp Thoreau in Vermont, as clearly evidenced by the numerous condolences, comments, and stories that have poured in (and continue to pour in) following the FB post made by Anna MacEwan, “Hey all - I’m heartbroken to share the news that our beloved Bobby Gaines Bobby Gaines departed this life today. He brought all the love and fun and wit and no kid ever felt left out when he was around. What a gifted, kind and hilarious person, life was bigger with him in it. Hey baby animals.” Through seeing all of the meaningful acknowledgments referencing Bobby and the beautiful ways in which he touched so many young and old lives at Camp TIV, LaVonne, Brittany, and DeLona are reminded that an overflowing source of support, comfort, joy, and peace exists for them within our community. Camp TIV is where I and so many other lucky campers, counselors, and extended staff had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Bobby on an intimate level. He will forever hold a special place in my family’s lives, as well as occupying a massive space in my heart as a best friend and my brother from another Mother. Memories of his warm hugs and smile, hearty laughter, the inside jokes he was a part of, and the countless ways in which he made it easy to feel heard, seen, and unconditionally loved in his presence, will now carry me and all of us forward. I will truly miss him beyond what words could ever fully express, as I know so many others will too.

This GoFundMe is being organized to recognize the profoundly rare and unique human Bobby was, express condolences, feel comforted and connected as we mourn this heartbreaking loss together, and also raise awareness of the reality that Bobby did not have any life insurance at the time of his passing, therefore presenting his family with the weighted responsibility of securing funds for Bobby's funeral. As I remain in touch with Bobby’s immediate family, I have provided them with the reassurance that an effort will be initiated by me and Mike V., and coordinated with the Camp TIV community to begin raising money towards helping Bobby’s family pay for his final farewell. It is true that no donation, big or small, will lessen the depth of grief that we are all experiencing at this time and will continue to feel as time goes on. However, it may help us feel most useful, proud, and united if we channel our love and effort toward helping Bobby’s family give him the send-off that we all know he has earned and deserves. All donations will go directly to Bobby’s daughter, Brittany, as she is finalizing funeral/service arrangements tomorrow Friday, March 31, 2023. The goal to reach at this time is $4000, and a deposit for the funeral arrangements will need to be made by some point next week (an exact date will be provided by the family by the upcoming weekend). Please know that any amount contributed is welcomed, appreciated, and helpful.

Sending warm love, peace, and hugs out into the Universe to reach all of you. Stay happy and well, and keep making the most of every day as Bobby always strived to do!

~ Edythe Walker