Bob was an inspiration to me on my journey to jazz. I loved hearing him speak about music with passion, which he shared freely with my father John and the whole family. They made such amazing music together, and I particularly loved one of the pieces he arranged for me “Bob-a-long”, which he charted for the Sphere Clown Band, then later for my jazz vocal group Countermeasure. He will be dearly missed.

I had the great pleasure of hearing some of Bob’s compositions and witnessing his incredible talent, when my mother was living at Wentworth, and he would play from time to time. We would also sit near the rehearsal room where he played a weekly evening session with his jazz group and soak up the magic of this incredible music filling the hallways. I don’t know if he knew how much it lifted our spirits and soothed our souls. This amazing music, and the caliber of Bob’s talent was such a wonderful gift to the residents there, and their families.

Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

I send my deepest condolences to the complete family for Bob Erlendson.

I knew and interacted with Jessica the most over the years, so I send an extra hug of appreciation to

her and her husband Martyn. I know how much they cared for and assisted Bob along with everyone else in the family and the caring team of professionals.

I have so many fond memories of Bob Erlendson.

Firstly meeting in Calgary (I had just moved there from Edmonton, he had just come from Toronto) around 1982, we started playing together in many situations and had an instant friendship. Duos at Phoenicia restaurant, trios with Gib Monk, octet gigs and a multitude of venues and sessions. We spent many hours after gigs telling stories, laughing and just sharing ideas. This era in Calgary was one of my favourite times.

We reconnected it Toronto after we both moved their and shared so much music together with fellow musicians like Julie Michels, Shirley Eikhard, Bob Brough, and so many others. He was always like a big brother to me. I love his compositions, his playing. I truly loved his friendship and I miss him dearly. I wish I could be there in person for this memorial but I send an extra appreciation to all the musical brother and sisters who helped him, and played with him and made him feel at home in Calgary.

Bob was one of my music & life mentors. RIP old friend.