Robert Delano Gentry” Bobby” was a one in a million – a renaissance man who truly loved life and welcomed all its wonders. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and dear friend to many, he embraced life with open arms, cherishing every moment. He was a lover of the arts, an artist, a teacher, a dedicated cook and master gardener. If you were lucky enough to be invited into his garden, he would happily share the fruits of his labor with you. He was a perpetual student of life, nature, history, and the world, until the end. Above all, he loved his family and friends and always had a smile and heartfelt hugs for everyone. His passing on January 16, 2024, was an incredible loss.
Bobby leaves behind a legacy of all that he loved and we are thrilled to have found a way to celebrate him that will continue to honor him and inspire many to follow his lead in the years to come. Because he embodied all that was beautiful in life, we are determined to keep his spirit alive. In partnering with the UA School Garden Workshop which has encouraged and inspired countless TUSD students over the years to plant, nurture, and harvest the rewards of their labor, we will establish a large new garden at Mansfield Middle School which will be called Bobby’s Garden. Bobby’s Garden will inhabit the Sprouts House campus, which will include a commercial kitchen and commercial style greenhouse. For us, there could be no greater tribute than to continue Bobby’s legacy of sharing knowledge and the joy of gardening with others.
For so many of you who have expressed a desire to honor Bobby and to offer comfort to us in this sad time, we hope you will join us in supporting Bobby’s Garden, so it will grow, thrive, and provide a special place for us all to remember the many gifts he gave us for years to come. We would greatly appreciate your joining us in this effort.