Robert L Fritsch

Robert L. Fritsch, better known as Bob, Babe, Dad, Papa, Maestro, Professor and all around great guy, passed away last week. In usual Bob style he waited until Thanksgiving was over and peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by loved ones on November 27, 2015 at 12:32 a.m. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Nancy and their daughter Richelle, her husband Greg Shadoan, their children, Julian and Quinn; son Rick Motta, his wife Karen, their sons, Jack and Ryan; daughter Stacey Romero and her daughter Vivian; son Justin Fritsch, his wife Wendy and their daughter Zoe.

Bob was born on February 3, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to William and Dorothy Fritsch. As long as he could remember drawing was a passion of his. In grade school he made drawings of Little Abner from the cartoon strip and passed them out to his teachers and fellow students. He enjoyed the attention this brought and soon art took over his life. He soon discovered that art class was where he could shine. After high school he enlisted into the Marines and honorably served from 1961 to 1964. He was among the first wave to be sent to Viet Nam. Although he rarely spoke of that time he was extremely proud to have served his country as a United States Marine. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1964 while stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. He fell in love with the city and called it home for the rest of his life.

He started his academic career at San Diego City College then moved on to San Diego State College earning a BA in drawing and painting. He continued at San Diego State University receiving an MA in printmaking. Following that he studied at Tamarand Lithography Studio in Los Angeles becoming a Master Printer. Bob discovered that lithography was the right media for his love of drawing and painting. He deeply believed that the most important inspiration for artists is what the French call “le mal de vivre” or “the pain of living”, believing it can force you to go further into yourself, to examine yourself deeply, to discover the sense of life. He believed the truth in art could only be found in the message communicated to the viewer. He tended to work in series, setting up problems for himself to solve, putting himself outside of any particular style or trend in art.

Bob was a true Renaissance Man. Those who knew him well knew he could do anything he set his mind to and he would do it well. He wanted to share his love and passion for art and loved teaching all aspects of art beginning with the history followed by painting, drawing, life drawing and all forms of printmaking. He was a professor of art at Miramar College as well as a past president of the Academic Senate, and was Chair of the Arts and Humanities Department until his retirement in June of this year. He was proud to have been a part of the expansion of the Miramar College campus. Even after his recent retirement, he was looking forward to being involved, in whatever capacity possible, to the next phase of their expansion into the Performing Arts and fully planned on returning for the Spring semester to teach Art History. He loved teaching almost as much as he loved his family and he needed both to feel complete.

He cherished, and is deeply loved in return by, his family and friends. He was a patient, soft-spoken, gentle soul who quietly left a huge impact on all who crossed his path. His passion for art and creativity, his giving and generous nature and his absolute loyalty to those he called friend, inspired many people and the influence he had on so many lives is a testament to the wonderful man he was. He is loved and will be missed by many forever.