Robert Linwood Durr

Feb. 23, 1941 – Nov. 2, 2020

On the afternoon of Nov. 2, 2020 a light went out in the world. Robert Linwood Durr, known by many in Homer as “Farmer Bob,” died unexpectedly at home.

Bob’s pure heart shone through his sparkling, bright blue eyes and was demonstrated in his selfless manner and many acts of kindness.

Bob was born in Gloucester, New Jersey on Feb. 23, 1941. He grew up to become a contractor there and in Indiana prior to moving to Alaska. He came to Alaska to fish and never left, building a log home and beginning the farm that would become his beloved life’s work. By 2020, Bob had 42 high tunnels and had been selling produce to the people of the Kenai Peninsula at markets, restaurants and grocery stores for nearly 20 years. Bob was passionate about vegetables, growing zucchinis that were the stuff of fairy tales, singing the glories of the North Georgia Candy Roaster squash, poring over seed catalogues to decide what vegetables to grow in the coming season. He believed that all people should have access to fresh, locally grown and produced food.

Bob’s unflagging desire to provide for those in his community was born perhaps from the death of his father when he was a young boy. He assumed shared responsibility with the other “older” siblings for the younger children and their mother at an age when most boys were still in school. His lifelong sense of duty to others was demonstrated in his final years through his donations to the Homer Food Pantry and Homer Head Start. His beautiful eyes would fill with tears when talking about giving vegetables to the kids at Head Start.

While selling his eggs and vegetables at the farmers market in Homer, Bob met his match in the woman he would describe as the “love of his life,” Pat Melone. After years of bachelorhood, they married just two years ago. Bob died a man deeply in love and became an example and reminder to those who knew him to cherish every possibility in life.

Bob Durr, a.k.a. Farmer Bob or Chicken Bob, is survived by his wife Patricia; his daughter, Kimberly, her children and his grandchildren; his step-daughter Juli; his step-grandchildren Sofia, Francesco and Giorgia and their sweet dog, Diego; and five of his ten siblings, Eddy, Richard, Joyce, Pat and Betty.

Bob’s parents and first two wives preceded him in death.

Bob will be interred at Hickerson Cemetery in a private service. A memorial will be held at a later date.

Bob would wish that any giving on his behalf go to Homer Senior Citizens Inc., Homer Food Pantry, South Peninsula Haven House and Homer Head Start. He would always encourage you to buy local produce when possible, to eat well, to support your local farmers, to fall in love and let your eyes shine bright with joy.