Desert Messenger

February 6, 2013

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Page 30 February 6, 2013 www.DesertMessenger.com In Memoriam Robert "Bob" F. Nickerson by Shanana Rain Golden-Bear Quartzsite residents are grieving the loss of a dear friend, Robert "Bob" F. Nickerson who died Friday, January 25, 2013 at his home at the age of 63. Bob, who many referred to "Chef Bob" or "Nick", gave so much to the community of Quartzsite. Bob came to Quartzsite a very little, but soon began working at local businesses on W. Main St., including Kittie's Ice Cream and Addicted to Deals. Bob also served as the caretaker at Quartzsite Senior Center and enjoyed cooked many meals for the elders. He had an unusual flair with flavors, much to the delight of the seniors. He also helped in the remodeling of the Senior Center kitchen. Bob and I talked about options for his Bible Word Search Puzzle, as it would not be a perfect fit for the Desert Messenger. He soon decided to publish the free "Quartzsite Crier", which was full of funny cartoons, jokes, sayings, and of course, his famous Word Search Puzzle. He was so excited when he received his business license, and then published the "Quartzsite Crier" the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month. Advertisers supported his project of sharing his sense of humor with folks around town. He published Quartzsite Crier for over two years before his health began to decline. His latest endeavor was the free publication "Quartzsite Funny Bone" which came out just last month, with the support of Norm Simpson, owner of Mountain Quail Cafe, as publisher. Bob studied very hard and became a licensed Minister. He started "The Voice in the Wilderness Ministry". He was a staunch supporter of "Giving a Hand Up" not "a hand out". As his health declined, Bob would often call his friends and just say how much he appreciated their friendship. He knew his time was short and lived life fully. Bob's Facebook page reads, I "am an ordained Minister, Have an Open Air Ministry, "The Voice in the Wilderness" dedicated to serving God and helping those in need with housing, food and other daily needs, utilizing funds or products donated to my ministry. If unable to personally help, will refer them to someone who can. I will not rest until those coming to me, asking for help, are helped. Didn't JESUS say: "So you've done unto the least of me, you've done unto me also." His favorite quote was, "Laughter is the best medicine!" Dorothy & Toto's Ice Cream Shoppe & New Location! 205 W. Main St. In front of D&B Leather, next to Silly Al's Lots of Parking - Drive up Kettlecorn - Cozy, warm, Indoor Seating REAL HAND DIPPED ICE CREAM Old Fashioned Shakes & Malts Myrna Busby passed away January 29th 2013. She was born on August 3, 1938 in Scranton, Pa. As a child, her family moved to Baltimore, Md. Myrna worked as a civilian for the Coast Guard in Baltimore, Md. She had three children. Bart, Valerie, and Diana. In 1978, she and her husband Chuck Busby retired to Quartzsite. She was very modest about her contributions that helped to transform Quartzsite into a Town. She was a key contributor to the community. She is survived by her daughter Diana Henrichs of Quartzsite, Az. A memorial service will be held at the Community Center at 295 Chandler St., Quartzsite, Az. on Tuesday, Feb. 19th at 2:00 pm. Remembering Myrna By Alex Taft Myrna has been an active member of the Quartzsite community for years, as long as I can remember. She and her husband, Chuck were very involved in starting and supporting many services that we all take for granted. Myrna and Chuck Busby and Jack and Mary Burris were often seen together working on the same projects. Search and Rescue was one. The Town Park was another. The Chamber of Commerce was another. The Fire Department was another. Streets and Roads Committee was another. The Planning and Zoning Commission was another. Summer Recreation was another. Supporting and participating in the vendor season, with their "Anchor B" business was another. Myrna's husband Chuck served on the Town Council for more years than anyone: 12 years. If you attended a Town Council meeting and Myrna Fac t Cho ory DAY NIGHT rds ! SHADES REPAIRED 3 YEAR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE Local Resident • FREE Estimates Larry - cell 928-273-3719 happened to be in the audience, you would get to hear her commentary. Myrna was funny, very direct and very astute. She could pinpoint a problem before most people ever figured out there was one. If you happened to overhear her commentary, you would learn far more than you ever imagined about Quartzsite's history. She knew it all, and to her credit, a lot of it she kept to herself. When Chuck's health started to fail, she would often drive him to Town Hall so he could stay informed about council matters. Myrna would visit with us, while she was waiting for Chuck. She was an avid reader and seldom went anywhere without a paperback in her purse. You never saw Myrna anywhere without her hair done and looking stylish. Toward the end of her days, I would see her at the dollar store or Bealls, making her rounds as she put it. Despite her increasing fragility she always looked well dressed. Some of the last projects Chuck worked on were to support the enhancement grants, namely the Plymouth Road walking trail and the gateway signage. It was appropriate that Myrna cut the ribbon officially opening the walking trail, for Myrna was the support behind Chuck in what he did [see photo above]. I feel very fortunate to have known Myrna. She was, for me the model of inner strength and quiet dignity, with an amazing sense of humor and quick wit; all grounded in the very real knowledge of human shortcomings and creative abilities. Remembering Myrna is a given. How handle the pain of loss will have to come from Myrna herself, who set an amazing example of putting one foot in front of another with dignity and strength.

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