Standing upon the Terrace with Bob Ristau

[Max Magee]

Hey all,

I received a sad email this past week from Bob Ristau's son-in-law, David, informing me that Bob had passed away. I wanted to take a moment to celebrate his life. He and his wife Jean Ristau (née Jean Thompson), were both members of the Notorious Canary-Trainers in the early to mid-2000's (when membership numbers were low and regular attendance was sparse). Mrs. Ristau is still with us, but has moved into an assisted living facility.

Those two were among the first members who chose Canonical Names—Bob's was Inspector Tobias Gregson of Scotland Yard, and Jean's is Mrs. Hudson. Though they didn't attend meetings any more, their past attendance and pioneering exploits should be celebrated as part of the foundation/DNA of the scion as it exists today.

I found a couple of memories from the old Yahoo list that include them—from an item in the meeting minutes from 2001:

Thom Boykoff reported that Bob Ristau, who was absent this month, and Jean Thompson, who has visited our group at least twice, will be united in marriage Sept. 29.  Happy news, indeed!  This led to a discussion as to how many Holmes stories featured weddings as a plot element, and we came up with just two -- A Scandal in Bohemia and The Speckled Band.  Were there others?

And this book review from September 10, 2001, quoted by Mike McCoy:

Here's a comment from NCT member Bob Ristau about the book, "Holy Clues," the subject of another message from me earlier today.  I share it because he's already worked his way through the book, and has some insight that may help others decide whether they want to get their own copy.

 

"...I have a copy...and have really enjoyed reading it--it was one of my Christmas presents.  

 

"One of the interesting aspects of the book is the discussion of how mysteries are in a religious vein:  first there is something evil present followed by a search for truth, and then there is judgment.  

 

"That probably is not quite an adequate description of the whole thesis that the author puts forth, but it is close to being a good capsule.  I was impressed with the notion. ..."

 

Bob also indicates he hopes to attend the next meeting with his fiancee, Jean, ("we miss those meetings when we cannot attend") so you may be able to ask him questions at that time.

 

Mike McCoy

In 2006, at the first birthday celebration at J.T. Whitney's, a poem that Bob had adapted was read:

Bob Ristau had adapted an Isaac Asimov poem, "Those Endearing Young Charms,"
for the evening. It contained the line "when Notorious Canary-Trainers
meet, the great man is alive, unrivalled, supreme, and alone." Although Bob
and Jean Ristau could not be present at the last minute for the dinner, the
adaptation was read by another and well received.

A copy of Bob's obituary can be viewed here:
https://www.gundersonfh.com/obituaries/Robert-Arthur-Ristau?obId=18337710

"Stand with me here upon the terrace, for it may be the last quiet talk that we shall ever have."

His Last Bow

Max