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A TRIBUTE TO OUR BROTHER
ROBERT ELLIS HOLLISTER
March 19 1945 - September 29, 2016
From Your Devoted Family:
One doesn't have to look very far to see the forever lasting impression that Bobby has left in all of the places and people he has touched during his time with us. The outpouring of social media posts is overwhelming and speaks to the very heart and soul of his being. Bobby loved Atlanta, the arts, the culture, the people and of course his home. When we would come to visit him, he would not sit still until we took in the sights, whether it be the Atlanta Beltway, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, the Atlanta Lights at Christmas, Piedmont Park, Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, shopping and restaurants. You were on the go from the time you came to see him until you left. What a tremendous host he was to his family and friends.
Bobby lost the love of his life at a very young age and we all were not sure what this would do to his zest for life. But Bobby as we all witnessed, picked himself up, dusted himself off and repeated several times to all of us, "Well, it is what it is!" Even later in life, when a dear business partner from The Alison Agency passed away, Bobby picked himself up like a champion and moved on. Even with the diagnosis/prognosis that comes with cancer, Bobby pushed through like nobody else could. We have all learned so much from our brother, "to get over what stands in our way," "to be who we are and are meant to be," and "to love one another as the siblings we are."
WE LOVE YOU DEAR BROTHER!!!! YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AND WE'LL SEE YOU WHEN WE SEE YOU! GOD SPEED!
Susan, Cheryl, Donald "Chip", and Craig
A TRIBUTE TO
ROBERT ELLIS HOLLISTER
MARCH 19, 1945 – SEPTEMBER 29, 2016
When Robert Ellis Hollister walked into the room, those in his company felt positive energy, acceptance, a kindred spirit. This was just one example of who Bob was and how he impacted those around him. Bob always sought out the finest attributes in other people. It was as if Bob wanted to share all of their experiences, revel in their lives and celebrate their discoveries. Bob was tireless and had boundless optimism that would serve him well, always in pursuit of life's endless possibilities opportunities.
He was the son of Ellis and Marjorie Hollister, and later on stepson to Violet Hollister. Bob was raised in Southwick, MA with 7 siblings from a blended family. Bob graduated from Southwick High School. He was pre-deceased by his older brothers William and Patrick as well as his younger sister Lynn. He is survived by his younger sisters Susan and Cheryl as well as his younger brothers Donald and Craig. Bob was perceived as the patriarch of his family and was the common thread everyone gravitated to.
Bob did well in college where he studied Drama & English Literature at Western Carolina University. Bob was very adaptable and as a result, he thrived in the performing arts classes and grew a passion for theatre. With a talent for making acquaintances easily which in turn brought him an endless stream of friends, Bob was very sociable and could blend without effort into any social group. Approachable and outgoing, Bob was easy to know and demonstrated a deep concern for others. He always seemed aware of what was going on with people around him and throughout his life he made many, many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were the Jakobowski kids. Later in life, he became good friends with a wide diversity of people throughout the country and especially in his home of Atlanta for the past 40+ years.
Bob's primary occupation was an event planner in the Atlanta area for many years. Bob was the former Regional Representative for the Gulf and Mid-Atlantic States at the National Endowment for the Arts; was the former Performing Arts Director at the Southern Arts Federation, and the former Regional Representative for The Alison Agency. Bob was enterprising, inventive and working against deadlines seemed to energize him. Bob had the uncanny ability to identify a win/win solution to just about any problem, possibly because of his gift for insight. Bob's colleagues saw him as a supporter and a mentor.
Because Bob loved living life to the fullest, he took advantage of the opportunity to pursue numerous hobbies. His favorite pursuits were walking the Atlanta Beltway, enjoying Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, collecting antiques, supporting the performing arts, and enjoying friends and family, and traveling to many countries around the world. Bob had a knack for being able to multi-task in order to create time for all his favorite pastimes. Bob was also an active member of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, the High Museum, the Atlanta Prime Timers and many other arts organizations.
Bob loved to travel to other countries and immerse himself in new cultures, especially if he could do so with friends. A favorite vacation included a once in a life time, month long trip to Asia to celebrate his 70th birthday last year with his dear friend Robert Bulger. In many of the pictures from this trip, Bob is seen smiling from ear to ear.
Bob Hollister passed away on September 29, 2016 at Piedmont Hospital. Bob fought cancer with the help of many excellent medical professionals but most importantly with his positivity, love of life, commitment to making the very most of each day for the gift it was. Bob did not wish to have a Celebration of Life event or public memorial; in some ways he was quite private not wanting to attention on himself. Bob wished for those close to him to remember him in their heart and to move forward in life practicing love, acceptance and peace as he did. Bob will have his ashes distributed in a private ceremony with immediate family and then amongst the northern mountains of Georgia per his wishes.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 12, 2016
Tammy Smith
I miss our long chats uncle Bobby! I love you! You always showed me how to see the brighter side of events in life.
May you fly with the angels and continue to spread your unconditional love. I will always and forever love you!
October 8, 2016
Janis Hastins
I will always remember Bob so fondly. Every time I went to the office he greeted me with smiles and hugs. He loved to tease me and see if he could get a reaction from telling an adult joke or some goofy shenanigan. He was warm, funny, witty, and dear. He was a true gentleman. He is sorely missed.
October 8, 2016
Bob Bulger
October 7, 2016
gerald stacy
Bob was very dear to me. He was like no other person I had ever met. 40 years is a long time to have a Brother by your side. He loved life, Arts, Music and always had the best advise for anyone who was wise enough to listen. The reason I moved to Atlanta was because Bob took time to not only show me the sights when I moved here, but he also made sure I knew how to get around. Bob, I love you. May the infinite power of God's Grace be with us now as you watch over us from above. Rest in peace my dear friend. You will be sorely missed.
October 7, 2016
Joan Metelli
Bobby, At some point in the past 48 yrs. you've grace my life -- from the day Jean & Liz Bundy brought you to our home from Western Carolina -- via camping in a Pop-Top VW van with Liz, Chuck & you on the Savannah River & collecting live starfish -- onward to you stopping in Baltimore in a U-Haul in the middle of the night after you had gone through Chuck's transformation in NYC & we shared in our own 'certifiable' service for our dearly beloved one -- through visiting his mom & later going to his nephew's wedding in Macon -- stopping along the way, playing in invisible ink wells, Isaac Haye's Shaft Music, and sitting in a restaurant in Washington DC when you were with the Southern Federation of Arts -- I could list thousands -- art fairs, jazz concerts, walks through the Botanical Gardens with intro to Nikki's Firebird and Chihuly's Glass Bouquets -- the aquarium -- --the beltway -- sitting on your deck and me Guilt-Tripping US for not having lit a candle on August 4th, saying, "he'll speak to us if we do!" -- and having the BOOM of fireworks appear from nowhere as we lit the candle (turned out to be a political something-or-other in Piedmont Park, but your eyes growing so big when it happened, your hand risen to your mouth in a "My Word" fanfare causing the laughter that followed ...) Oh my, I could go on for hours -- 48 years of them! Let me close by saying, at some point in our lives when our paths crossed, ran parallel, and/or stopped and 'stayed' a while, you were a great friend, mentor, father, mother, sister, brother, spirit which always gave me great strength, courage, anger to "just get over it girl" and unconditional love & honor to completely be me, and me, you. Even in distance the loyalty to our friendship and roots as 'family' never ceased. Thank You for the memories Bob -- the fire batons in Athens all the way through Samsonite luggage when I left for Europe for the opera stages.... You were and shall always be one of the most special friends in this lifetime. Looking forward to playing some more with you in that mansion over the hilltop. Rest in Peace Robert Ellis Hollister. I see you in the light. I love you Bob and cherish the bond we had. The tree changes but the roots remain the same. You're right here inside my heart.
October 6, 2016
Stephanie Voss
Bob was very dear to me. Although I did not see him often, every time I did the sun would shine brighter. He never judged anyone and accepted me the way I was. I miss him already. My deepest condolences to Jerry and all of his beloved extended Family.
October 6, 2016
Bob Bulger
Bob was a gift to me and I believe to all of the people who knew him. His heart, his soul, his entire being were unmatched in his nonjudgmental, open acceptance of everyone. For thirty years, we spoke every week, visited each other and traveled the world together. He was my dear close friend and confidant and I will miss him so much. I take some comfort knowing that he died while loving and being loved in a very special relationship with Jerry.
October 4, 2016
Art Auerbach
Bob was a very good friend for over 45 years. He was always there to lend a hand, even when he was going through hard times himself. He was loved and will be missed.
October 3, 2016
Liz Shepherd
In 2009 I rented the duplex next door from Bob. We hit it off immediately, we were not just neighbors, we were friends. We would have our Friday evening glass of wine on the back deck, share stories and laugh and laugh. Bob was such a good ear to bend, a great cook (I still miss those bowls of chili he would bring to me), wine enthusiast, pet lover, great landlord, wonderful friend and even better neighbor. Love you so much Bob...I will always miss you.
October 3, 2016
Dennis Jakoboski
Bob, we became friends when we were in Southwick High School even though I was 3 years younger. You helped me grow up in a good way that I carried throughout my life. You were a mentor and a great friend that .... I will miss.
October 3, 2016
Christina Johnson
October 3, 2016
reed savage
Bob and I met while he was still a student At Univ. Ga, in the early 1970's.......I only have good memories of him...through these years......we had planned to 'get together' just a day before his death.......sigh!
October 3, 2016
Marie Nazon
I did not know Robert for long, but heard much about him through Jerry. I was anxiously waiting to meet to man who turned my good friend's world upside down and inward. I had never seen him this happy. I hosted Robert at my home in Harlem and sized him up and deemed him worthy of my dear friend. He was caring, sensitive, generous with a beautiful smile that lit up the room. He genuinely was interested in what people had to say. He listened. And he shared himself. Seeing Jerry and Robert together was inspiring. They were so happy to have found each other. If you were around them, their happiness was contagious. The last few days, few months of his life, they were both quite happy. I cant think of a better way to have left this earth.Robert, an ancestor now.Blessings to you on your new chapter.
October 3, 2016
Chadwick Teate
I will always cherish fondest of memories of my Uncle Bobby. I will miss him and he was one great person.
October 2, 2016
Barry and Laura Rodgers
Prayers and love are sent your way Craig and Samatha and family.Love Barry and Laura Rodgers.
October 2, 2016
Bill whipple
I met Bob 2 1/2 years ago and from that first day felt I knew him all my life! I talked to him last on Wednesday morning and am still in total shock and dismay at his passing. We would talk everyday and shared some wonderful memories and stories of our lives. I WILL never forget him. He had so many qualities that make a person become part of your heart. A very happy time for me just knowing him. May he rest in peace...................
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