Remembering Mr. Bob.

Bob Simms, right, performing in Scottville with Alfred Finner, right, and Cary Dodson.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief

SCOTTVILLE — Mason County lost a true entertainer Tuesday afternoon when Bob Simms passed away. Bob , who was 71-years-old, was best known in this area for working at the Mason-Lake Intermediate School District/West Shore Educational Service District as a music therapist, performing on local stages and for his Resounding Pebbles recording studio in Scottville.

Back in “the day” Bobperformed with a Chicago-based band known as the Rotary Connection, which was best known as the backing band for Muddy Waters on his psychedelic blues album “Electric Mud.”

Several MCP readers posted comments about Bob on Facebook today.

“Bob was an amazing man,” said Niki Boerema. “He was so wonderful with our students at the ESD past and present. He always knew each student’s favorite song and remembered to play it for them. He will be greatly missed.”

“Bob was a wonderful man,” said Sherry Hasenbank. “He was so very caring and always had a smile and a kind word. Bob brought joy to many at the ISD with his music and song, he was larger than life.”

“So sorry to hear about Bob. He had such a caring heart. Bob will be greatly missed,” said Kathy Dumas, whose brother, Cary Dodson (shown in the above photograph), would often perform with Bob on local stages.

“I remember him playing blue suede shoes at the ISD,” said Jody McCarthy. “He was a great man, always had a smile on his face. He will be missed.”

“Bob was such a great man, he always had time for our kids and us at the ISD,” said Pat Soneral. “He brought out many smiling faces, we loved having him share his talent with all of us. He will be missed by all.”

“My son goes to the ESD and loved it every time Bob played for the kids,” said Allen Dempkey. “He will be sadly missed, he was a wonderful man. Prayers to the whole family.”

“Bob gave so much of his time to put a smile on our faces through his music,” said Andy Guinan. “I remember all those great dances in the ISD gym.. He will be greatly missed. Prayers to his family.”

“Where ever Bob was he spread joy,” said Mark Steigenga. “Bob was always ready to help and encourage other musicians. His passing is a true loss to our community.”

Funeral arrangements are being made by Wyman Funeral and Cremation Services — Stephens Funeral Home of Scottville. An obituary will be posted Wednesday.