“. . .[A]n institution like Dr. Robert Manley. . . reading about his work tempts us to head to the library to see what we can rediscover.”
McCook Gazette, 2008
Dear Family,
As another transplanted Nebraskan from Wisconsin, I have grown to love this state. Meeting Dr. Manely many years ago awoke my interest in the state and its heritage. What a privilege it was to watch him reinact Nebraska history and deliver his messages with his guitar and through his beautiful voice. Our state is blessed to have his rendition of "Beautiful Nebraska" and for the difference he has made through his love of the state and its people. May you find comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through all the lives that he touched.
Our paths crossed very few times, but Dr. Bob had a profound influence on my life. First as a church camp counselor in 1955, again in 1968 presenting NE history via slides, song and monologue. In 1970 at a Layman's Retreat God used Bob's
testimony to cause me to see my need to trust the Lord Jesus as my personal Saviour and Lord. His life was an inspiration to me and I extend my sincere sympathy to you at this time.
To the family of Robert Manley, I just want to add a few words of condolence. I'm one of those Nebraskans who watched Dr. Manley on NETV in 4th grade, learning our state's history. (Dalton, NE). I attribute much of my continued love of history and appreciation of our state to him. I had the opportunity to meet him at the base of Chimney Rock during a celebration of the Oregon Trail a few years back. He had given a wonderful interpretation of a traveler along the trail that evening. I also was also delighted to meet him and hear him speak at a Nebraska Humanities Council sponsored event in Gering. He had a great knowledge of our state and its people, but beyond that, he knew how to express it and get across to people. He was a wonderful singer and story teller. I could listen to his beautiful voice all day. I'm saddened by his passing, but I'm honored to have met him and ever so thankful to have heard him and read his work.
I first met Bob Manley as an Interstate Rest Stop Visitors Guide for the State of Nebraska. During our training Bob sang and told stories for us celebrating
Nebraska's history. He has been a hero of mine ever since. I am sorry to hear of his passing and wish his family well.
To the Manley family: Please accept our sincere condolences on Bob's passing. Having met Bob at a young age I will never forget how kind & down to earth he was. The family of Jim Fras is especialy thankful to him for his help in getting my dad's song adopted as our state song(Beautful Nebraska). His rendition of Beautful Nebraska was one of the best and we have played it often through the Nick & Karen Fras of Lincoln, Wally & Diane Fras of Fayettville Arkansas Nick Fras (Lincoln, NE)
years.
It's been over fifty years since I was a student in Dr. Manley's class in Seward, but I have never forgotten how he always made his classes something to look forward to.
But beyond that, I have never forgotten how kind he (and you) were to me back then. And in subsequent years, when he was working on his doctorate and we happened to meet on campus, he was always so supportive and encouraging.
He was one of the kindest people I've ever known.
Dear Phyllis and Family,
When you and Bob came to Elderhostels at Heartland Presby. Ctr. in Kansas City, MO, you were greatly appreciated. Bob taught between 35 and 40 week-long Elderhostels to adults of all ages who with one voice thought he was the finest teacher they'd ever had. He masterfully filled his classtime with Trails West history, drama, pictures and music. In the evenings he often put on a special program of music or dramatized the life of Wm. Jennings Brian or Governor Furness. He was very particular how his classroom was set up for slides and microphones. Thus everything ing flowed efficiently. People came from all 50 states and Canada to hear him and to leave superior ratings for his presentations. Many came to hear him again and again. I always thought he did even better when you, Phyllis, came along for the week and visited your sisters. You were spreading Good News and joy even at mealtimes. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with all of us. You are both greatly admired. Sincerely, Joyce Olsen of Johnson Lake, NE. P.S. I talked at great length yesterday to Barney Gilmer, our Heartland Center and EH host who enjoyed Bob so much.
We never missed an installment of "Beautiful Nebraska" in Mrs. Stahl's 4th grade class at Eagle Elementary in Eagle, NE. Dr. Manley was THE fountain of all things Nebraskan and his engaging, calm manner drew us 4th graders in and made history come alive in a way no textbook ever could. (And, 30 years later, I can still sing all the words to "Beautiful Nebraska!")
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Manley family.
