Garthe II, Robert Carl “Boa”

The man. The myth. The legend. Collector of many things (including his beloved English Bulldogs)  lover of Steak and Shake, and the perfect peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich, the soul of Amorica…he is Boa.

On April 23, 2022, at the age of 59, Robert Carl Garthe ll received a call to pitch a game to Babe Ruth, archive some long lost music, and take care of his family members and friends who passed before him.

Growing up, he was very popular with everyone around him;  and as a testament to the sweetness of his soul he remained both a friend and greatly admired by every man and woman that he spent time with… he knew when he found The One, Joi (née Richman) Garthe that captured his heart in December of 1999, and married her on one of the happiest days of his life, June 15, 2002. His devotion to her remained solid for the 22 + years they were inseparable…and it is everlasting.

From that union came the light of his life, his beautiful, sweet spirited daughter Sophia, who carries on the best of his traits.

Bo also leaves behind parents Gail (née Litzsinger)  and Robert Senior,  sister Pam and companion Louis Michael,  brother David and companion Cindy,  and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and nephews Logan Garthe, Derek Jensen, and Joey Jensen.

Everywhere he went, he made lifelong friends- basketball, baseball, football, college, concerts, occupations.

As his sister, I can recall being at his house parties with him after gigs, and everyone who arrived would carry in a gift of food or beverage announcing, “Boa I brought you something.”  There is really no earthly way to show gratitude for how he changed so many lives.

He was a driving force in bringing the music to the people. Boa’s friends describe him as “Curator of the best database for any band that exists;” “responsible for starting so many lifelong friendships…he always made time for somebody, and his hospitality knew no bounds; and- the ABSOLUTE TRUTH:  ‘When he laughed, you felt it inside.”

Bo was a graduate of Parkway West High School and Huntington College in Montgomery, Alabama.  If you can imagine the energy he put into archiving- know that during high school and college, he put that same energy toward becoming an absolutely phenomenal nationally ranked college athlete… then you can understand why his high school football jersey said “CRAZY” instead of “GARTHE.” He was absolutely unstoppable.

He is at rest and we hold him close within us, please hold him close in your heart and spirit…His wish would be to encourage the spread of extraordinary beauty and gift of sensitivity, love, care and nurturing for others, through hospitality and music.

We will forever adore and remember you – we will stand taller and stronger, knowing you are now watching over us, and we will remember to say “I LOVE YOU” more often and to spread happiness among the living.

This man will forever be a legend. He will never be replaced here in this mortal realm, and the world is emptier without him. We should all aspire to live a life full of family, the best music, food and drink while caring for others.

As you read these words, parts of Boa live on through organ donation, as well as in our hearts.

Instead of flowers, Boa would hope that you will consider contributing to a GoFundMe for his family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/robert-boa-garthe?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf%20share-flow-1&fbclid=IwAR2sUX9XhAIaTONFfgw57sJdYPTyX1kyB_ECrxVoSXR9r4Pw9b8YGV4CjSk

…and if that’s not possible, consider an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone.

There will be a celebration of life on May 14, 2022 from Noon to Four PM at a private residence, 1201 Brushwood Circle, 63011.