ROBERT BALDWIN SR., (1926

Dear Baldwin Nation:

I want to thank each and every one of you who reached out regarding the loss of my dad. He's smiling as always up in the heavens.

For those who didn't know pop, you can view his bio below....If there is any stitch of greatness in me, it's because of him. Please read below re: his biography.

ROBERT G. BALDWIN, SR.

“Renaissance Man”

A Reflection of his Life

Robert G. Baldwin, Sr. was born on May 22 1926 to the proud parents of Irene Anderson Baldwin and Frank Baldwin in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. He was raised with loving care along with his sister, Josephine Baldwin, and enjoyed spending time with his parents and family.

In his formative years, he honed his math, photography and music skills. As a young lion, some of his early influences included Paul Robeson, Jackie Robinson, Joe Louis and photographer Gordon Parks.

At age four, Robert learned music and how to play the piano, one of his favorite pastimes. He attended Edison High School, a technical school, where he learned how to be a draftsman. In 1941, he joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Hawaii, playing in the local Navy jazz band. Upon his return, he attended Draftsman and Photography School locally in Mt. Vernon, NY, where he learned how to design TV schematic designs and parts for airplanes.

As an avid writer, he penned articles and also contributed photographs for Cue Magazine, a Westchester County magazine privately owned by one of the area’s first African American publishers. Robert had an affinity for the Billiard hall. Robert also entertained the neighborhood children in both Yonkers and Peekskill, NY by showing movies on the old school projectors. His favorites on film were Bugs Bunny, and “Dirty Harry” with his favorite all-time saying, “Go Ahead, Make My Day” (Clint Eastwood).

MOM AND DAD/HOW THEY MET

A brilliant man with a penchant for words, Robert, affectionately known as “Bob,” was a sweet spirit who met and fell in love with Addie Viola Willis in 1952 after charming her with one of his witty conversations. The young couple dated for a year, wed on March 14,1953, and to their union four children; Deborah Elaine, Robert Jr., Linda Michelle, and William Arthur were born. He was an attentive and kind father, who enjoyed sharing his love for photography, music, and camping with his family. Croton Point Park was one of his favorite local parks.

THE MUSICIAN

A devoted husband and father, Robert was a well respected musician who had the opportunity to work with Keter Betts (Married to Ella Fitzgerald), and Art Davis (Bassist for John Coltrane). Ella and Keter lived in Yonkers, NY in the 1960’s. One of Robert’s musical highlights was to meet Ella during the pinnacle of her career. He was blessed to work with Keter and/or Art around Westchester County as well as other notable Westchester musicians such as Jimmy Hill, Fred Smith, Jimmy Dawkins, Randy Wiggins, and Duke Barlow. His favorite pianists were Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum. Unfortunately, there are no known music performances personally on tape.

MOVING ON UP!

In 1958, the family moved to Yonkers, NY, and in 1967, they left Warburton Ave. in Yonkers and moved up the Hudson River to the grassy environs of Peekskill, NY, where they purchased their first home. It was there where he continued to develop his photography, draftsman and music skills. He also re-connected with the outdoors as he loved to camp outside.

TRAGEDY STRIKES

In 1974, Robert’s quality of life diminished when Encephalitis adversely affected his central nervous system and stripped him of his gifts. Without warning, the family’s fallen leader was no longer able to continue as the head of his household and his life would be changed forever. His ability to play piano, softball, shoot pictures and draft schematic designs came to an abrupt halt. Although he knew for the rest of his life that he may never be able to perform some of the great tasks he was blessed to perform, his smile would not be denied. His military service became invaluable in between 1980 and 1990, and Robert lived in the VA hospital in Montrose, NY. In 1990, he was cleared to move on, and he moved to New Rochelle, NY, where his Aunt (Lettie Ayers) owned an apartment building. Lettie was a powerful rock in his life. She was the prayer warrior. When he fell ill, she would call her prayer family and Robert’s most ill conditions would always improve.

In 1991, tragedy struck the family again with the death of his youngest son, William Arthur Baldwin, who was an avid drummer and loved to sketch. Burying his son broke his heart, but he rebounded and placed his burdens at the feet of Jesus.

PASSING THE TORCH

In the mid-to-late ‘70’s, Robert, Jr. (Bob) took on the task of carrying forth his father’s musical legacy. “From here on out”, he’d tell his son, “I will live my musical life through you”. With 12 CD’s and counting, Bob, Sr.’s gift is still alive and well through his son. Bob’s greatest strength, however, was his smile, which always gleamed with encouragement and inspiration for those who were in contact with him throughout his disabled years. Robert’s artistic and creative abilities also live through Deborah. She credits her love for fashion, zest for restoring antiques and love for “life’s true adventures” to her father. Linda lovingly remembers her early childhood years with her Father as “magical”, reflecting on him not only making some of their childhood toys (i.e.: kites, planes, doll house), but also how he would sponsor Saturday Movie Night at the Baldwin’s home with homemade buttered popcorn. Robert’s chess game skills proved to be inspirational to Linda’s success as an Attorney, which she carries throughout her adult life.

HIS APPOINTED ANGEL

In between the support of family, God sent a special nurse. Ilma was by his side day and night, and loved and cared for him as if he were her own father. She kept him looking sharp, spiffy, clean, and tended to his medical, day-to-day needs and overall well being. Her nickname for him was “King Baldwin” and he would respond, "Yep, that's me!” Robert will be forever missed by Ilma, however, he will always reciprocate daily, showering smiles from heaven wherever she may be.

God also sent a lifetime angel. During good times and bad, he would always get a timely visit from one of his best childhood friends, Mr. Donald Webb. They would reflect for hours about their good times together. Donald always brought laughter into Bob’s life which he spoke up even recently before passing.

TRANSITION

On the morning of Friday, May 30, 2008, Robert Garfield Baldwin, Sr. exhaled his final breath and did so quietly and without pain. During the early stages of his illness, however, he accepted Christ has his personal savior and learned to accept his disability with great humility and dignity. The legacy of Robert Garfield Baldwin, Sr. will always be his ability to teach, as well as his pioneering vision as a hard-worker, musical artist, but most of all, an inspiration to those who knew him. He will forever live up to the meaning of his name, “Bright Fame”.

Robert Garfield Baldwin, Sr. is survived by his son, Robert (Smyrna, Ga.), and daughters Linda Baldwin-Jones (Berkeley, Ca.) and Deborah (Cortlandt Manor, NY), his grandchildren, Steven Anthony Yearwood (Cortlandt Manor, NY), Leslie John Yearwood (Maybrook, NY), Taylor and Marlon Jones (children of Linda and Alan Jones), as well as his sister Josephine Doles (Smyrna, Ga.), her daughters Jan Elise Doles (Smyrna) and Pam Doles (Edgewater, NJ), and grand nephews Corey Haynes and Sean Richardson, and great-grand nephews Cameron Haynes and great-grand nieces Sarai and Jordan Haynes.