Carl Dean Bobbish

Thanks to his kind nurses at Research Hospital, he listened to music in his final moments. Carl was known by many for his extraordinary talent as a classical pianist. He inspired his students and the community with his knowledge, dedication and love of music. His friends and family also cherished his quick wit, fun-loving nature, kindness and generosity. Carl, a dedicated Christian, was a member of Colonial Presbyterian church. He loved the people in his Life Builders Sunday School class.

Carl was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 4, 1931 as the sole child of George and Hazel. His mother died when he was nine. His father later married Maxsine, who became a mother to him and even a close friend. He was already an accomplished pianist when he attended Western Military Academy in Alton, Illinois where he developed life-long friendships. After graduating from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music with a Masters degree in piano, Carl accepted a teaching position at Northern Illinois University. He and Ruth met there. They fell in love quickly and married seven months later.

In 1956, they moved to Ottawa, Kansas. Carl taught piano and music theory there for many years. He also pioneered an outstanding concert and lecture series that brought numerous renowned artists to the town, including Aaron Copeland and Samuel Barber. Carl performed as a solo concert pianist throughout the midwest and overseas, as well as with many distinguished artists.

After his retirement, Carl continued to share generously his musical talents, happy to perform at venues in the Kansas City area, whether on a Steinway grand or an old upright. Carl traveled twice to perform in Fez, Morocco, once with the Josh McDowell foundation and again for a jazz festival.

Carl loved playing golf, tennis, and bridge. In all of his pursuits he was extraordinarily competitive. He encouraged his children to tackle challenges from an early age, offering them cash rewards to jump from the high diving board. In addition, he enjoyed cooking and many considered him a gourmet chef. His boeuf bourguignon was a favorite among those lucky enough to eat his meals.

Carl is survived by Ruth, his wife of 64 years and daughters Diana Randall (Mark) of Sausalito, CA and Laury Bobbish (George Baranko) of Bethesda, MD. His son John died before him at age 11. He is also survived by his grandchildren Noelle Randall (Tim Zaspal) of San Diego, CA; John Randall, of Columbia, MO; Robin Randall (Zachary Copoulos) of San Francisco, CA; Anna Baranko and Steven Baranko, of Bethesda, MD; his great grandchildren, Oscar and June Zaspal and Maxine Copoulos; his niece Christy Carter, of St. Paul, Minneapolis and nephew Philip Abraham, of Indianapolis, IN.

Carl will be sorely missed, but we are so grateful for his music and the many joyful times and laughs we had with him. We hope a date and location for a celebration of Carl’s life can be announced in the future.

In lieu of flowers in Carl’s memory, he would wish all people would deepen their appreciation of the best classical music. Whether in a concert hall or a church, Carl considered great music a spiritual thing and a gift from God to the world.