Rob Blank, a dear and known Lawrence citizen who was anything but “blank”, died on January 8, 2025.
In his 65 humble, yet exciting years (born 9/23/59), Rob must have converted thousands of tabula rasas into artwork that could have served as inspiration to Vincent Van Gough. Rob autographed many of his paintings and poems with his signature statement, “Precious Love Rob” and affectionately became known within his community as “Peace Man” and “Precious Love”.
Not unlike Van Gogh, Rob’s mental health differences produced great challenges, but he successfully lived with some support systems in the heart of the city that he so deeply loved.
Lawrence locals may have bumped into him while window shopping on Mass street, they may have coincidentally searched for watercolors or acrylics with him at the local art store, they’ve possibly exchanged conversation with him over a cup of coffee at La Prima Tazza, and chances are high that if they have been in Lawrence long enough, they have probably returned the peace sign to the local legend. Wherever it was that Rob was encountered, It was likely a memorable and lasting impression, because that was Rob; an impressionist on blank canvas’s. Lawrence’s Peace Man, will be sorely missed.
Rob’s survivors include his sister, Sheri Blank, his brother and sister-in law Randy and Betty Blank, and his nieces Kimberly Carter, Madelyn Blank, and Julia Blank.
Rob was preceded in death by his father Robert “Bob” Blank (of Hixon Studios) and his mother, Elaine Blank.
In appreciation of the community that served him and in lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to go to Meals on Wheels www.midlandcare.org and Bert Nash Center: https://www.bertnash.org/support
The message of peace was always appreciated whenever I passed Rob while driving around Lawrence. I’m sorry for your loss.
Sheri and Randy, So sorry for the loss of your brother…hugs and prayers to all.
Robbie – just the mention of your name brings a smile and good memories.
Sheri and Randy… I’m so sorry for your loss. Rob was always a friend in high school. I’d stop and talk every time I’d see him downtown. I could drive by him and yell “peace”. He’d turn and yell my name back. I can’t believe all the stuff he would remember. Bob Dylan’s song “Like A Rolling Stone” reminds me of him. I know he liked “Let It Be” also. So “Peace Out” Robbie! You WILL be missed!
I had the honor of experiencing some of Rob’s delights and challenges. One of the things I hope that everyone learned from Rob is that prolonged mental health challenges can happen because of bad luck, not because someone was unwilling to be helped. And that knowing that our friends and family are able to accomplish things in life, that are not possible for a person with mental health challenges, can understandably leave that person feeling angry, cheated. I hope that many people are more empathetic because of Rob.
I served as the long-time Director of Headquarters Counseling Center, and also for a long time, Rob’s home and my family home were only a couple of blocks apart. I knew his love of dogs, as he loved greeting our family dog Beau, when our paths crossed while walking. I was able to experience so many of his poems, including having him read them, because even his way of creating the lettering was art-full. I heard struggles and joys. After my time at Headquarters, Rob and I periodically had coffee together Downtown. At times those coffee conversations also included my laptop, so that Rob could hear Bob Marley performances, and look at photos of Wild Bill Hickok, Vincent Van Gogh, and others. And at times, Rob’s mood would abruptly shift, and we would take a break.
With my friends Gregg & Emily Kate we co-hosted “Rob Blank Retrospective” art show in 2015 at the Depot Art Collective. It was awesome! Rob informally shared poetry and chats with people, until he realized it was time for him to slip away. So many of his paintings were purchased, with all of the funds going to Rob. Like so many, I exchanged peace signs and “Precious Love” with Rob during his walks to and from Downtown.
My belief is that Rob’s energy continues, and that he experiences the Love and Peace he wished for others. And may his closest FriendsFamily be gentle with themselves. Grief is Love, and both are forever.
Hi Robbie, You were always one of my special friends at Centennial. Not loud, mean or always competitive like the other boys; you played with me in a kind, sweet way like I always knew you valued me. I needed a special friend then in 5th-6th grade cuz that’s when the most special ppl in my life was changing…my sweet Daddy. He got some ugly cancer of the colon & suffered & died 2 years later. I didn’t really understand it all but I know life was different after that & hard & rough around the edges.
But you helped to take that away with your goofy grin & wonderful laugh & the warmth of your friendship! I felt better at school cuz you were there because when I went home, my Dad was not home anymore.
But before he left, he helped me take pictures of our black & white piglets, by the fence, out in the country on our little farm south of Lawrence. He encouraged me to enter it in the black & white category because of the contrasts of their colors & nature’s. He knew you were competing for the first prize too & you had convinced me that you would win because your Dad had organized it & you had access to everything you needed to win the contest!
I felt badly because as I had was a cheap point & shoot instalation I got for my 10th Birthday but you had a really fancy expensive camera. You would tease me that you were going to win the first prize! But you didnt…
Because I did!!! Against all odds, my Dad believed in me & told me to do my best & not give up hope!
I was shocked when I won the Grand Prize & was praised by your Dad. You looked disappointed but you still told me Congratulations with a big smile you were famous for! You continued to.treat me nicely into the next year too, even when other boys become brats & too big for their britches!! (Smart alecs & mean-spirited).
Thanks for being a sweetheart to me while I was still grieving the major loss of my Dad Rudy at age 12 & preparing for junior high. I will always appreciate you & remember your kindnesses, Robbie!
GOD’S PEACE & LOVE FOREVER!! ❤️
Rest in Peace Robbie. We will try to step into your shoes to share Peace. We got this.
Sorry for your loss. At Marks we always referred to him as Peace Rob. He’d come in sometimes but stop at the door, smile & flash it. Sheri, he’d almost always mention you because of our friendship from younger days.
The article in the LJW was one of the best of all times. Great honor for a great guy! Peace
He will always be a legend of Lawrence. Right up there with Leo Beuerman and his pencil cart. Our condolences to family and friends.
He was truly an icon here in Lawrence. Peace be with Mr. Blank, I will miss your way and smile. ✌️
Randy and Sheri- Rob was a great person and will be missed. Lots of memories with the Blank family. My condolences.
Sheri and Randy, my heart goes out to you as you mourn the loss of your sweet brother. I shall miss seeing Robbie in downtown Lawrence. Much love to you and your family.
I still find myself looking for him every time I drive downtown. So sorry for your family’s loss and our town’s loss. Peace
Knew Robbie since Central Junior High days, ran into him lots of times through out the years. Always a ray of sunshine for me, a genuine nice guy. I’ll miss him. Condolences to his family
Mr. Blank was my friend. He confided in me much about his life and struggles. His main enemy, unfortunately, was Bert Nash. May the Force be with them as they learn how to help those people they minimize to nothing but mentally ill dust. Precious love, Rob. Precious love. This community will grow from the seeds you planted, that I am sure. Goodbye.
Sheri and Randy, my heartfelt sympathies to you both. So many fond memories as kids with Rob and the whole Blank family. You are all in our prayers. Love to you all.
Randy- Robbie was a Lawrence icon and he will be missed. Peace and love to the family and of course, Peace to Robbie…
Randy, sorry to hear about Rob.
Lots of good memories and music.