I'm writing a play using Robert Bruce Facer as an inspiration. I'd love to get in touch with anyone who can share a story - please send an email to bernbremen@gmail.com if you're willing to share.

Thanks!
Bern

Bruce was my best friend at Claremont Men's College (class of 1968).  We drove to Baja a few times with surfboards, ate lobster, and found big bays with rolling waves for long rides.  "Face" and I both drove old cars.  My 1955 $50 Ford station wagon somehow made it to Mazatlan, Mex. during the end of summer of 1966 to a surf encampment recommended by Bruce.  Neither Bruce nor I was made for Claremont, a prestigious economics/political science/pre-law college.  Today, Claremont has all types of assistance for students who need someone to lean on.  Back then, there was nothing.  "Face" and I shared our "marching to the beat of a different drum" together.  "Face" went back to Hawaii, and we lost touch with each other as the Vietnam War trudged on.  I made it through Claremont, on to Naval Aviation/Vietnam, then on to Veterans' benefits, higher education, and a career in public education.  At age 74, I just now thought of my friend, looked for "Robert Bruce Facer" on the internet.  When I found the video and the announcement of his death, I broke out in tears.  You lived a life of a strong, brave man, Robert Bruce Facer, and what a handsome lad you were back then.  Thanks for your friendship.   Love ya, Face.  See ya up there soon.  Lash

In the 80s I use to build forts and climb around Mt. Marathon with my buddy Pete Fretwell almost daily.  We discovered so much history some would think it was only folklure.  One of those pieces  of Seward history was Space Man Bruce.    We ran into Bruce all the time at his fort up at First Lake. I can still picture his shelter to this day.  He used his axe to  build really creative shelters.  As kids we didn't think much of it at the time, he was just part of Our Side of the Mountain.  

I remember Space Man Bruce in Seward back in the late 70's. He lived out on Nash Road and would see him and talk with him frequently. RIP my old friend

I forgot to tell about the number he gave me. he told me how much the road would weigh per mile based o;n the weight of the square foot of asphalt he had taken out.and one could do this but he blew me away on how fast and in his head.

I was paving foreman with Wilder const. co in Alaska in the 80s.We built the road that goes to the prison. Thats where i met Space Man Bruce.He would hardly talk to me at the time but in month he would talk a little. He had dug out some of the asphalt from the road after we had paved it and asked about how much it would weigh. Without a blink of an eye he gave me a number and i ran to my truck for pen and paper and he was right, when i came back he just smiled and walked away. Bare feet Matted hair dirty clothes at piece with himself truly a free soul. Take care my friend travel well.  Imjustavet@gmail.com

I remember seeing Robert walking around with no shoes in the winter in Seward Alaska! He was a living legend and people here still tell Bruce stories. The last time I saw him was in 1988 and I never knew what happened to him. Now I know...he lived an epic life!

I really got to know Robert in the Occupy movement in SC. He left behind indelible memories of the discussion we had together and the tepee he helped us build. I'm am sad...but very fortunate to meet such an incredible human being.

From Alaska friend, He wanders alone...to a place where the sunshines...California...nomadic as a gypsy...his lonely drum beats no more...from an Alaskan....and ...Lotus

you pulled in moss landing looked like a shipwreck on shore , i asked ,"you ok" you said, "just doing a few repairs". wondered where you've been.Now i know, why i've been wondering so much.your soft gentle voice still lives in my mind ands heart . peace and love .

I recall many interesting and worthwhile philosophical conversations with Bruce over the years at the Seward library and around town. May he rest in peace.

Robert feels alive in my heart. Very present with me every time I would see him. I used to every other day or so while he was in Santa Cruz, and last saw him at Occupy and he was not real satisfied with the concentration of semi controlled people in a heightened intensity, so he wanted more peace of mind and was going to move. Somehow his teepee was messed with and eventually taken away.
but Robert or Blind Bear, was always around for creating music on the street and at gatherings. He was a guest on my radio show. i have his interview if at all interested. He was so kind and explained to me a lot. He did a class on boat building I took and had written instructions- a booklet. He was very simple in concept of core values. Had long talks with him and he would not be able to make it all the way to Capitola so he could park his cart under the carport. Could not accept a car ride or even for a block but 
his belongings could be carried in them. Was at several rallies together, several meetings, several court room sessions, several music events. several casual encounters. And ALL were potent and valuable. So it is. What a life and living it he did. Thanks you for everything. See you in the next encounter, Coral

He makes me think of the saying about people coming into your life for a reason or a season.  To me Bruce came into my life for a reason.  Pretty much he cemented the notion in me that we are all the same.  We have the same problems, joys, emotions and even thoughts, just too different degrees.  No one is unique.  We are human.
So farewell my friend, I know you are up there with no shoes still on your never ending journey.

I did not know Robert personally, only through a mutual friend, but Robert changed me and my heart and taught me a compassion and love I have never known. I know he changed and touched many people's lives. Praying peace for his family during this difficult time.

your Life and Death changed mine, my friend! <3 an Angel unaware...

I met Robert during my travels in monterey. he was an awesome guy. he always looked out for me. and visa versa alot of people didnt really know how great person he was. i am deeply saddened by this news but i know he is ok now. thank you robert for the  talks and experiences. love you bro. R.I.P.

a true legacy of a very special  man had many talks with him on beach,i will truely miss him and only wish i could experiance his journey south,would make a wonderful movie.R.I.P bruce........

Rest in peace Robert. I'll always cherish and remember your gentleness and way of life. It gave us much to think about. Sandy (Seward, Alaska)

Bruce, friend and neighbor in Seward, you are on a new journey now with many new and old friends along the way.
 Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner. You lived this  life which we only dream of .

To the Family of Robert,

I was happy to meet Robert. He was baptized on Easter Sunday, which was a significant day to do it.
Arriving forever, we will go everywhere. And arriving everywhere we will go on forever. This saying here is appropo to him since he was a traveler.

One of the first people I met when I arrived in Seward. Marched to the beat of a different, gentler, drummer. A kind and gentle man who looked at the world differently.

I encountered Bruce at Kirby Park a few months back. Barefoot and so kind and gentle - it just radiated from him. I thought perhaps I was seeing John Muir in a way...

I walked my dog and then looked for Bruce hoping for a chat, but he vanished, maybe by kayak.

May his gentle soul rest at peace.

Robert was a regular at our Santa Cruz drum circle. He was our time keeper, and was one of the most gentle and positive people I have ever known. I became quite fond of him over the years. We all missed him when he went south. He used to let our 2 year old son play his drum at the circle and ALWAYS shared what little he had. I admired his simple lifestyle. To me, he IS Earth day, and I will always remember him as one with the Earth. I will truly miss him.!At times we used to play drums just the two of us before others would show up.My condolences to his family and friends.
 He enjoyed his life and his lifestyle. RIP brother Robert.. We miss you, but know you are in good hands....

Robert was one of my good customers. My heart goes out to his family. He was a nice and kind man. He will be missed.

Robert visited our library often over the past months.  He was a gentle soul, and always very kind.  I am sorry for your loss.

I saw Robert walking around with no shoes, guitar,pack, hat with a feather, and minding his own business. I walked by him on the Santa Cruz levee, he was feeding a blue heron, I knew he was a special person. Blue herons don't let just any one feed them. Just so you know that some of us knew Robert as that person....

I met Robert the day he paddled into Santa Cruz and had many occasions to talk with him after that. Despite having a nontraditional style, he touched people the minute he spoke with them. He had an almost holy like quality that seemed to effect people he encountered in such a positive way that he opened doors that would have been closed to many others.  I supplied him as did many other people, with my surplus boat parts for his project and he was always gracious and grateful. I found him to be a great teacher of the saying to never judge a book by its cover, and so many times saw formally dressed diners speak to him as he sat at the harbor and come away moved by the beauty of the soul inside.
We will miss Robert, I hope he passed to a landing on an even better shore.

I really enjoyed my encounters with Bruce during occupy Santa CRuz. He was always kind and gentle. Had a very sweet and centered way about him. We will miss seeing him around town. So sorry for your loss.
Ginny Mitchell
Santa CRuz, ca

RIP Bruce!! Glad to hear that u lived your life and enjoyed it in your own special way!!

OBITUARY

Robert Bruce Facer

November 27, 1946 – April 15, 2012

The Paul Mortuary

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