Bob Wearn (23 Aug 1957 - 18 Sep 2021)

Sorry to come to this obituary late - I've only just heard of Bob's death.

We worked together in the 90s, first on saving the Newcastle peripatetic music teaching service, and establishing the North East Music Co-operative, then on the Musician's Union Guide to Music Co-ops, and subsequently on replicating the model throughout the UK.

Bob was a visionary among trade unionists, taking seriously not just their defensive role, but their largely unfulfilled potential to facilitate co-operatives and other forms of social enterprise. Having said that, he was also pragmatic, guided almost exclusively by the single ethical principle of delivering the best solution for his members.

Many of us owe him a great deal; so sorry he is no longer with us.

A true champion of those less fortunate than yourself. Rest in peace.

You worked so hard Bob helping others less fortunate than yourself. We are all truly grateful. Rest in peace Bob.

We started at Brune Park senior school in 1968, in the same house, mostly the same class and subjects in common culminating in the best year ever at upper 6th. Which was obviously true, as Bob took another year to do it all again. Rediscovering our old gang and having reunions in more recent years was something to cherish, meeting Bob a couple of times in Swindon felt like family. Back in touch, he slipped effortlessly into addressing me by my old nickname "Wislon" and in the times of trying his patience (mostly needing his assistance with my computer) his (mock?) exasperated "Jeez, Wislon....." became something I am seriously going to miss. It's hard to find someone again and then lose them but for sure his memory is going to live on. He was talented, funny, generous with his time and expertise to a fault. We were a tight bunch back in the 70's and we're going to miss him now. Someone you've known for 53 years shouldn't be gone, and however long each of us has known him, we're all agreed he will be missed. I had hoped he would make it to a festival or two with me this summer, but he wasn't up to it after all. The music lives on in his memory and as a tribute. I can't think of a suitable dingle Rolling Stones quote, so I offer the slogan on the t-shirt I presented him with at our first physical reunion after so many years - "Sarcastic? Me? Never!". Peace, bro.

Bob was responsible for me getting my first management job at the Arts and Entertainment Training Council where he was the longest serving board member. He told me it was a poisoned chalice. I drank from it in any case. He wasn't wrong. Bob supported me personally and professionally throughout - inviting me dinner and making jokes that made it all bearable and offering sound advice. We worked together on music standards and the Union Learning Fund projects - on-line learning way ahead of its time. We talked often on social media with similar views on social justice and patriotism in its positive sense. Bob was frank, funny and well kind. He may not be a one off - but if there is another like him I hope our paths cross.

Nothing ever seemed to get you down Bob, you just smiled and shrugged your shoulders. But you were always there to offer help and encouragement when others weren’t. You will truly be missed by many.

Your humour will be missed by all of the Family! I will never forgot the wonderful Christmases with you and Auntie Giggles! And eating enough Pringles and dip for the whole year. Thanks for always letting me be the helper in the kitchen, you shall live on through curries forever

RIP Bob xxx Pamela, John and family

Thank you for the music! and curry.

Your humour will be missed RIP

A lovely tribute to such a kind and knowledgeable person. May Bob Rest in Peace, Robin Banerjee xx

Rest in Peace

Here's to the next wave of music fiends!

The past few weeks has been a massive lesson in making sure to remember and cherish the good times with friends and family while you can. Uncle Bob was always larger than life, full of stories, had endless jokes both good and bad (escargot anyone?) and I'll remember christmases with Bob and Auntie Giggles fondly forever!

From reading all of the messages here and emails to mum he cared so passionately about the people around him and his work, and was cared for immensely in return. It has been truly amazing to have had the chance to know more about him in that way and I'm sure those stories have been hugely valuable to my mum & Eirwen, the wider families and everyone else who was close to him. Thank you all for sharing.

I'm sorry I can't be at the funeral but please raise a glass for me, swap stories, and I'm sure he'd want you all to enjoy spending time with each other with a few well-timed wry jokes thrown in for good measure. His song choice for the funeral should at least raise a few smiles. Thanks for spreading that love of music 24/7, holding court and spinning stories, obsessing over curries of all shades and flavours and just making social occasions larger than life - I'll be waiving that flag as long as I can. Rock on Bob x

I have fond memories of you Bob. It was good to reconnect these past few years. so glad we had that chance. No more battles. Rest easy. Celia x

A very sad loss. I remember so many good times when we worked together at the MU.

So sorry to hear of your loss. Heartfelt condolences to Bobs family and friends.