Remembering Bob
Our Tribute to a Great Man: Bob Mishler
By Dr. Terra Liddil
A Visionary … and Much More
It takes vision and action to accomplish great things. Bob had both.
His great vision for the museum was accompanied by determination and willingness to work. He saw what was needed, and believed in his fellow board members to help achieve it. The work required never limited his vision of what could be accomplished. Bob worked tirelessly to promote and support Museum activities.
“His big, broad vision for our museum (included a move) downtown near the Plaza in the old Parachute Factory. Such a big vision required some big money, and Bob set his Board to work ...
He had his Board out raising funds for about three years until we tired of asking. But we raised more than enough money to plant the seeds for our growing endowment.” (Patrick Alarid).
The endowment continues to grow and help fund our activities. It remains one of his many legacies to us today.
Leading with Action
Bob was a doer. He encouraged others to act by his willingness to do work himself.
It was impossible to turn down Bob’s requests. You knew he was already working on something before he even asked. And if you said no, he would take it on himself. Somehow that was enough to get you going.
A tireless leader, “His devotion, dedication and work-related activities on behalf of the Friends were monumental.” (John Liddil).
“He led by his example of hard work and generosity. Anything he asked others to do he was already doing, or had planned to do.” (Patrick Alarid).
“He lived by example. When one lives a life that is aligned to one’s values, there is no need to preach.” (Brenda Ortega).
Serving and Uplifting
Neither a seeker of glory, a complainer, or a bigot his nature was to uplift, serve, and honor his fellow board members.” (John Liddil).
He was a humble man, soft-spoken and gentle. Respectful, patient, and supportive. When Bob believed in you, it made you believe in yourself.
“Mr. Bob always had words of kindness to say about everything and everyone. He would always give words of encouragement to my museum events, and was our biggest champion.” (Cabrini Martinez, Museum Director).
“He encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone”. (Annette Garcia, current Board Chair).
“He sure had a unique way of influencing people to do what he asked. When he wanted me to get something done … he would gently tug at my elbow and say, ‘You know, Brenda, you’re the best one for he job.’ Now, how could anyone turn that down!” (Brenda Ortega).
A Country Boy
The first of two sons, Bob was born at home April 28, 1937. He spent his youth in rural northern Indiana, near Goshen and Elkhart. Bob completed his undergraduate work at Manchester College in Manchester, Indiana.
Bob’s family belonged to the Church of the Brethren, a pacifist Christian denomination having “no creed but the New Testament.” Individual evangelism and personal good works in the world community were valued. Peace, simplicity, and equality was their doctrine. They believed “faith without works is dead.”
Africa
The Brethren had a missionary in Nigeria. As a pacifist, Bob was given an option to serve in the mission in lieu of military service. He loved Africa. During these 2 years Bob perfected his carpentry and mechanical skills, and developed a leadership mindset.
It was a hitchhiking ride that turned Bob’s thoughts to Anthropology. After leaving Nigeria, Bob traveled up through North Africa to Europe before heading back home. His first stop was North Carolina to visit his younger brother who had joined the army.
He then hitch-hiked home to Indiana. As luck would have it, Bob landed a ride with Jasper Johns, an American sculptor, painter, and printmaker. As they rode, Bob did a lot of talking, and at one point, Mr. Johns turned to him and said, “You sound like an anthropologist.” This was Bob’s introduction to his future.
The Anthropologist
To pursue anthropology, Bob enrolled in the University of Colorado in Boulder that fall (1962). There he met his wife Ann, who had completed her music studies and was teaching in the local schools. In June, 1965, they were married.
In Jan. of 1968, Bob once again accepted a post at the Mission in Africa. This time accompanied by his wife Ann, and their 2-1/2 month-old son David.
A job offer to teach anthropology at NMHU brought Bob and his family to Las Vegas in 1969. Bob taught at Highlands for 40 years, embracing the community and culture of Las Vegas. Upon retirement, he immersed himself further into preserving the history, old buildings and ancient past of the area. passport photo 1968
A Lifetime of Friends
Bob understood the value of friendship, and made many lasting friends in the community. Several of our board members knew Bob for decades, and many are former students.
“Bob and I used to joke that we went all the way back to the fall of 1970 when I was a Freshman at Highlands. I took his cultural Anthropology class at 11 a.m.in the Old Barracks Building…. And then we ended up in the same HU Professor Emeritus organization after we retired! (Jim Abreu)
“My relationship with Bob spanned almost five decades He was my professor and mentor … in 1979-80 when I was immersed in his southwest archeology courses.” (Annette Garcia)
“I was in his anthropology class in 1970.” (John Gamertsfelder, former Board member).
“I met Bob when I was a Highlands student in the early 1980’s. I was honored to have an opportunity to work with him more than 30 years later when I returned to Las Vegas.” (Michele Varner)
“The greatest teacher I knew and respected at Highlands University as a new freshman” (Ignacia “Chana” Herrera).
“I’ve known Bob since the 70’s when we worked on the Design Review Board (for historic houses) with Elmo Baca…” (Anita Vernon, former Board member)
Changing Lives
The impact a teacher has on the student can be lifelong. This was the kind of influence Bob Mishler had on many of his students.
“He encouraged me to double major, adding Sociology/Anthropology with an emphasis in Southwest archeology.” (Annette Garcia).
“He opened my eyes to different cultures around the world in his Anthropology class.” (Chana Herrera).
“I learned from him the importance of community and why we need to preserve our history and culture.” (Cabrini Martinez).
“He was just a good friend, colleague, mentor, and inspiration. He made a positive difference in my life. I am so sad that he is gone.” (Jim Abreu).
“Bob was a mentor and friend. Although I was enrolled in the education program, I spent most of my spare time in (his) department. I always felt welcome and it was like a ‘second home’ “(Michele Varner)
A Farmer at Heart
Every year Bob planted a prolific garden. If you visited him, he’d invite you for a tour. His garden included vegetables - onions, corn, tomatoes. Fruit trees of course, like apple and currant. And a beautiful rose garden.
A bunch of onions, or a bag of tomatoes often served as a fine gift to his friends and colleagues.
This year, too he left a “crop in the field”. His corn, onions and squash are beginning to ripen, and once again the fruit of his labors will bless his family and friends
Farewell Dear Leader
We will miss you, Bob. Our hearts are grateful for the legacy you ‘ve left us. We stand on your firm, solid shoulders as we carry your mission forward. You’ll always be part of what we do.
“Bob Mishler will always stand tall with dignity and honor, and no one will be able to tarnish his name.” (John Liddil)
“I will be forever grateful for having a friend like Bob Mishler”. (Annette Garcia)
“Mr. Bob will be missed”. (Cabrini Martinez)
“He made a positive difference in my life. I will miss him.” (Jim Abreu)
“I will miss him more now that I got to know him personally.” (Chana Herrera)
“He is irreplaceable. Rest in peace, Dr. Bob”. (Brenda Garcia)
“Bob was good for Las Vegas. We were fortunate to have had him with us.” (Patrick Alarid)
Rest in Peace, Bob. Rest in Peace.