An Afternoon of Precious Love
Celebrate the life of Rob Blank from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 20 at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St. in downtown Lawrence. Open mic begins at 2 p.m.
Email photos for a slideshow to Tom Harper at tomharper@stephensre.com.
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
