Bob Wirt - memorial comments - Life Before the Ruins

Bob Wirt - memorial comments

1/13/2013

"A Wonderful Father, A Loving Husband, A Joy-filled Grandfather. A man of great, yet simple faith. A servant to his country and a servant to those in need. A leader, a historian, filled with optimism and generosity. His life seemed so simple, yet he had an impact on so many." Chris Wirt

Robert Wirt
October 7, 1939 - January 12, 2013

Information on Bob's Services is at http://www.donaldsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries.aspx?turl=http://hosting-24440.tributes.com/show/robert-bob-eugene-wirt-95094513

Memorial Gathering

Friday, January 18
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A.
1411 Annapolis Road
Odenton, MD 21113
(410) 672-2200

Memorial Service

Friday, January 18
2:00 PM
Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A.
1411 Annapolis Road
Odenton, MD 21113
(410) 672-2200

45 Comments

Antonio Franco link

1/13/2013 02:57:10 pm

Bob started his website Life Before the Ruins as a place to share his rigidly researched work into the people and their lives in the Big Bend area. Every thing he posted was backed by documentation or verified interviews. If a story did not sound right, he was rigorous in seeking other sources to verify it. Many researchers merely satisfy themselves with finding writings by respectable sources. But Bob at times found that records often showed them wrong. For example, as I was becoming aware of my great grandfather Severiano Chavarria going from Fort Stockton to La Coyota, I found an article in the Texas State State Historical Association's website that said that Ruperto Chavarria, Severiano's son, had led the first settlers to La Coyota. In fact, Bob's diligient research shows that Ruperto was 8 years old when the family moved from Ft Stockton to go to La Coyota. After that I gained a huge respect for the quality of his research; and it made the story of my family more believable to me.

These things seem little, but his dedication to accuracy and details brought to life our families for many of us. I have met so many cousins I didn't even know existed, all because of Bob.

Many of us will miss you for what you have done for us connecting with our families. But you have also contributed greatly by raising the bar on the quality of genealogical research for the area.
Thank you, Bob.

Leticia

8/8/2015 10:12:50 am

I just ran into this site. It's awesome! Bob was amazing and so on point. It's true a lot of research goes into this type of work. I have been doing it for years. Exciting each twist and turn. But I strongly believe and support having the documentation and stories!!! My family was from Valentine Area ...

Joann

7/8/2017 12:50:42 pm

Thank you for all your hard work and unbiased information. My grandmother was born in Terlingua in 1909. My great-great grandmother is listed in the Terlingua Cemetary portion. The people there have been living in that area and across the current border for centuries since even before the time of the Spanish arrival. I see many died from working in the mines. Infants were exposed to the toxic elements. Thank you again for documenting this part of history.

Ron and Jane Payne

1/14/2013 12:40:41 am

In assisting Bob in conducting recorded interviews with Brewster County pioneers, we gained a new perspective on the history of Big Bend National Park. Our eyes were opened regarding the contributions of Mexican-American families, as businessmen and land-owners as well as laborers, in the Big Bend area. Bob did for the Big Bend what Howard Zinn encouraged in his 'A People's History of the United States.' Bob helped make known the unknowns because he recognized and valued those often ignored.

Monica Molinar link

5/31/2017 08:24:29 pm

Hello,

I have been working on the maternal and paternal ancestors of my children. Their father is Ruben Hernande* Molinar (08/12/1961-Present), son of Juan Bae*a Molinar, and Josefina Hernande*. (My apologies, the last letter of our alphabet is busted on my keyboard, and that's what belongs where those asterisks are).

Ruben was born in Odessa, TX. Both of his parents were born in Terligua, TX, I believe. Josefina's parents were Guadalupe Hernande* and Teresa Bae*a. Juan's parents were Juan Bae*a Molinar and *enaida Gon*ale*.

I have more information on these branches of the families fro Terlingua, and their descendants, if you would like it, and would be grateful for any details that you can share, which might help in my own research.

Are you still continuing this work? Do you know who is now taking care of this website, if anyone? I have some corrections to share.

I can be reached via any of the following ways, and welcome contact from anyone connected to my husband's family. Thanks in advance!

Monica Molinar
4700 Paradiso Pl
Pahrump, NV 89061

Cell/Text: (907) 699-4325
[email protected]
http://Molinar.org (Site Update Planned for Sept 2017)

Also, I am particularly interested in learning what Native American ancestry Ruben has. He was raised - and is at home in - the Mexican-American culture, yet his DNA test shows he is 32% Native American. We'd like to find out more regarding that aspect of his heritage, if possible. We know there were Comanche and Apache in the areas of TX his family lived in, but we don't know anything beyond that.

Our family tree is listed on Ancestry.com under Roots and Offshoots, if you'd like to take a look. I still have much information to include there.

Again, thanks in advance for any help that you - or anyone else on this site - may provide. :-)

Antonio S Franco

4/10/2018 07:39:47 pm

Very well said, Ron and Jane. "Bob helped make known the unknowns."

Johnny G Rodriguez

1/14/2013 02:14:23 pm

I just want to take the time and Thank Mr. Bob Wirt. I only wish I could have met him and thank him in person. Bernardino Gamboa was my great grandfather and Juan Gamboa was my grandfather they were one of the families of Mr. Wirts research. The Big Bend and San Vicente area was were my family came from and although they had alot of hard times and didnt have much this land will always be home to us. I am so proud that my family was part of this Texas history. Thank you so much for your love and dedication to the land and families that were once there. Because of you and this sight the world will know that there was life before there was a Big Bend National park. There is many memories that will forever be with us and one day we will be gone but thanks to your research the Gamboa's generation after generation will know that we were once there. Thank you again!! The Gamboa's send you are love!! Johnny G Rodriguez

Selma

1/14/2013 02:42:33 pm

Rest in peace who brought families and wove stories. His legacy continues to grow.

Isabell Salas

1/15/2013 04:43:27 am

My friend may you rest in peace. I kept waiting to hear when you would be returning to Alpine.You were truly an assett to our community. I will always remember when you told me "always do your research" You will always be on our hearts.We never got to go on our trip to Big Bend., but I know you will doing your research from upstairs. My condolences to his family.

SUE GAMBOA CARRASCO

1/15/2013 08:42:31 am

My deepest condolenses to Bobs family. There will never be enough to thank Bob for all he has done. He will always remain in my heart. I wished I would of met him in person. He brought so much life and meaning to our family and helped us find family we never knew. As my cousin Johnny said, the Gamboa family sends their Love to all of Bob's family, and not only the Gamboa, from the Baeza (Baiza), Ramirez, Chavarria, and all the extended families in his reaserch, I want Bob's family to know that we appreciate him so so much. God Bless and May he rest in peace I pray.

Arlene Seitsinger (Stilwell-Moreno)

1/15/2013 10:42:22 am

My Deepest Heartfelt Sympathy to Bob Wirt's Family; to include many extended family members who were not even related. I do not believe he ever met a stranger. I was fortunate to come across his web site “Life Before the Ruins”. I had asked about a “Moreno “family, because my mother was born in Terlingua. He was so kind to respond quickly with so much information. Since then I have been trying to get enough information to send to him, so he could add it to whatever he had, to include pictures. We only corresponded through email, and I could still tell he was the kindest person who was willing to help. Now time has gone by and as many of us do, I wish I had the opportunity to meet him. Bob is now finding all the answers and we pray is at peace. God Bless and much love for all his hard work and dedication.

Blanca M. Rivera (Chacon-Moreno-Molinar-Jacquez)

6/19/2013 07:25:02 am

Hi, I am Elvira (Moreno) Chacon's grand-daughter! My parents were Jose (Pepe) Chacon & Rosa M. (Molinar) Chacon! I believe you might be my father's aunt Tomasa Stillwell 's daughter? I was trying to gather as much information to provide to Bob as well, unfortunately he passed & I did not get to meet him in person & were e-mailing to each other as well as through FaceBook.

I just so happened to be looking up Life Before the Ruins again because I had heard that it was no longer available & I just started reading all these comment & I saw your name. I remember my Tommi & family mentioning your first name & then I saw the names in parentheses so I figured you must be related.

Hope to hear from you!

Thanks,
Blanca

Blanca M. Rivera (Chacon-Moreno-Molinar-Jacquez)

5/29/2015 11:18:17 am

I do believe so...<3

Susan Rodriguez Rivera

1/16/2013 08:42:46 am

On behalf of the Gamboa and Navarrete families I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Bob Wirt's family. I am part of a fourth generation of these families and with his knowledge I am able to tell my children where our families came from in the Terlingua area. Bob's work is truly appreciated! Thank you and God Bless you all.

Reine Wonite

1/16/2013 10:15:47 am

When Bob was a volunteer at Big Bend National Park living in Panther Junction, my husband David and I would often stop by while we were taking our dog Cali for her evening walk. It was Bob who helped her discover her remarkable special talent and great passion for catching balls, which to this day is her favorite activity other than eating. Her eye-muzzle coordination could win a prize, we're sure. For the longest time after Bob left the park, Cali would pull very hard toward the spot where his fifth-wheel had been parked. We think about Bob every time Cali asks to play "catch", and now those memories will be all the more special.

Mike

1/16/2013 12:52:57 pm

As Bob's son, I want to take the opportunity to thank all of you for your beautiful sentiments, and for the impact you all had on my dad's life. Many people diagnosed with a illness like his would withdraw from the world around them and start thinking only about themselves, but for my father it was much different.

I never got the feeling that he was fighting this disease so hard for himself, but more for his friends and family, and all the work he still wanted to accomplish. My dad did many great things in his life, but I know that reconnecting the people of the Big Bend area with their family histories was one of the things he was most proud of.

Thank you all very much. I've met few of you, but you all feel like family right now.

-Mike

Antonio S. Franco link

1/17/2013 02:53:46 pm

He IS our family. My aunt Rita "adopted" him as her nephew. That makes me his cousin. Few people achieve this. You must be so proud of your father -- deservedly so.

Antonio S. Franco link

1/17/2013 03:02:14 pm

Excuse me. I was overcome by emotion. What I meant to say above was that few people achieve the level of love by people who are so grateful and experienced his warmth so that he became our family.

As his son you are my cousin too!

I am so grateful to have known, Bob.

Mike

1/20/2013 06:14:18 am

Antonio,

Thank you for your posts, and I hope to meet my cousin Antonio sometime soon. Your thoughts of Dad were very touching, and I hope you will be happy to know that I read some of them at his memorial service.

-Mike

Rosario

1/16/2017 12:53:53 am

Mike- I came across your father's "Life Before The Ruins" "The Francisco Acosta Family History" recently. He did a fantastic job in putting the Acosta history together. Without his work, I would not have known about my family history. By the way, prior to coming across dad's work, I had begun putting a family history together as regards to family I knew and from information I got from my parents and other relatives. So your dad's info was a real treasure!! Then I learned of your dad's death- that was a real bummer..My condolences to the family!

Larry May

1/16/2013 10:54:22 pm

To the family of Bob , I didn't even know who I Knew. after reading about all the things he has did in his life I can only say I'm glad to have met him, became his friend and co-worker at Catoctin . What a man with such a big heart ! Thank you all for sharing Bob with me.

God Bless Larry

Louisa

1/17/2013 03:31:44 am

I am still finding Bob's passing hard to believe. For years I had been collecting pictures and stories of Terlingua. My parents stories sounded so interesting and I always wanted to know more. My cousin Cheo Garcia was researching our Garcia family and we met and shared information. We both wondered what would happen to our researches. He told me about the Sul Ross Archives
and I started donating pictures, then he told me about a Terlingua reunion. That is where I met Cynta de Narvaez, who also wanted the Terlingua history to live on. She introduced me to Bob. On one of those reunions Bob took Joe, my husband and I on a tour. We visited places I had visited as young girl and still remembered. He was so informative and the trip was so enjoyable.
From then on we communicated. When he would mention something he wanted to know I would ask my aunt Rita Franco Sanchez. I would call her and say Bob wants to know what you know about such and such. She would say give this information to (mi sobrino) my nephew. She got to care for him as her nephew.
She prayed for him for she knew what a great job he was doing.
When I sent my cousin Antonio Franco a copy of our great grand parents of their marriage license I had and a copy of our uncle Simon
Franco interview, that Bob had sent to me , he became so interested and right away the Familias de Terlingua web was on.
Bob had often said he wanted to have a web for all the information
was was researching. I introduced Bob to Antonio by email and pretty soon we had Life before the ruins.
Bob was in a hurry to put in as much information as he could. If I sent him a picture or some information he would put in right away.
Bob's spirit will always be in his beloved Big Bend. He is there with the ancestors for he is one of them They waited for him to cross over ,with much admiration for keeping their history alive.

Mary Speake

1/17/2013 07:15:02 am

To the Wirt Family,

I never met Bob, we corresponded by e-mail only, as I was doing research on my family in Terlingua. He was always very helpful. Bob, may you look down on us, for we will miss you. You are surrounded by angels now. God bless you. Our condolenses to all the family.

Tom Alex

1/19/2013 10:56:47 am

The trip to the Valenzuela, Molinar, and Franco places was an unforgettable event and must be repeated. Bob's research is still alive and there are good things to come. --Tom

graciela (sanchez) villanueva

1/19/2013 04:53:40 pm

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Bob was an awesome writer and will be missed by many. It is through his work that I was able to find out many things about my heritage. May the Lord welcome him into his kingdom. Missing him already.

God Bless, Graciela Villanueva

Sammy Lujan

2/6/2013 11:53:47 am

I discovered Bob's websites just over a week ago. All the research I had already done had come alive because of Bob's research. I never met him nor I have ever spoken with him but his research made me want to reach out to him today. As I click around I discovered the news that he passed away. May God bless you Bob and your family. As a descendant of Lucia Gomez and Refugio Olivas, we thank you for keeping their memories and everyone who followed alive.

Albert Chavarria Jr

2/15/2013 03:21:43 pm

I only talked with Bob through email. We started talking because of his work he did on Life Before the Ruins. You can also add great teacher to his credits. He has taught alot of us Chavarria's where we came from and about our history. Thank you so much my friend. May you rest in peace and you will always be in OUR history of the Chavarria's.

Vidal Davila

2/19/2013 03:04:42 pm

I had the honor to meet and work with Bob Wirt for over five years while stationed at Big Bend National Park. It was always a joy to talk to Bob about the history of the park, but most important about the Castolon area and the many Hispanics who lived there and contributed to the history of that area. I still remember when you first showed me the graphic showing your work tracing the history of the different families at Castolon. You interest and the spark in your eyes was immense. Your work will live forever in the annuals of Big Bend. I am so grateful to have known you, I am a better man because of you and your caring nature. Rest in peace my friend.

Angelina Yost

4/10/2013 06:38:08 pm

This news breaks our hearts. Bob was one of the hardest working volunteers that I know. I think I can take credit for recognizing the talent in Bob and his wife, and inviting them to volunteer in Big Bend at a visitor center. I even remember interviewing and hiring the them. It was obviously an easy choice! Big Bend and the surrounding communities were so lucky that they fell in love with the place, and his drive to learn more (and share what he learned) brought him back year after year. It's amazing that one volunteer season led to an individual driven to conduct such depth of research giving light to a community. The tributes from so many community members to his work are moving, and brought me to tears. He has left quite a legacy. But I will also remember him for all the other, not so glamorous, tasks (heavy and light) that he did for Big Bend National Park over all the years- from listening to every visitor he met to understand their needs and assist them, to cleaning toilets, to helping on river trips. There was no task he could not do. Thank you, Bob, for all that you did for our future generations, for teaching me so much... and for being my friend. He plays a central role in our memories of our 2nd home. Our hearts go out to all of his family, especially my friend, Scarlett. Much love,

Angelina, Colm and kiddos

Evangelina Ortega Neuman

4/17/2013 04:08:25 am

I just read that Bob passed away in January, and just discovered this site. I wish I had been able to correspond with him personally. I greatly appreciate his work/research. I hope someone will continue it. My heart felt condolences to his family.

Liz Baeza Marquez

6/15/2013 09:34:54 pm

Bob you are my hero.
It began just like a dream, it was my hearts desire to be able to put together these pictures into somekind of story. just didnt know how. Went to Texas in 2010 met with Sue Gamboa who is a cousing and I told her what I was hoping to do. She told me about Bob Wirt was doing something like that. Called him as soon as I got home (San Jose California) He said send them over, I want o see what you have, I jammed with e-mail with all these pictures, They were the frosting on the cake, he was able to connect the pictures with the story he had written, that is when I found out Antonio, and Louisa
(who were working with him) were my cousins. I told that all I knew was that my great grandmother Luciana Ramirez Baeza had a sister named Rita, oh my God she was their greatgrandmother.
What a legacy he has left us, we are now meeting family that we didnt even know we had, uncles, cousins and it funny because almost everyone that came from the Terlingua is related somehow.
I know Bob is in heaven talking to all those people he wrote about
getting more stories so that we meet with him again he had more stories to tell.

My condolences to his family and thank you for sharing him with us.

THANK YOU BOB, we all love you.

Erika Nikole Gomez (Celaya, Baeza)

10/3/2013 05:09:06 am

I am so sad to hear of Writ's passing, his work and research truly brought happiness to so many families. Luciana Baeza was my great, great grandmother. My grandma Maria Baeza Celalay and Grandfather Pablo Celaya were very elderly in age when I came across "Life Before the Ruins" I found so much lost history about my family history that my grandparents could no longer rememeber because of there age. So Thank you from the from the bottom of my heart for all you did.

linda allison

11/17/2013 06:40:36 am

I have just found this website by accident... looking for my own ancestors... mecury miners in California. It is a lovely testatment to what one person can do by bringing together the bits and pieces of many lives. The threads weave together a wonderful portrait of many lives from a particular time and place. Most lovely. Bravo.

Christine (Christina) M. Hernandez link

12/6/2013 11:19:31 am

Re: Cipriano Hernandez (Juana Silvas) and their daughter – Micaela Hernandez-Garcia

I want to express my "condolences” to the family of Bob Wirt. I “methodically” tap into my Abuelita’s history (Micaela Hernandez-Garcia), as it is a very “…sentimental and overwhelming part of my life.” It is a man, with his family, like Bob Wirt, that have enriched my life and the lives of the all in Texas, our Nation and World. Mostly, that he took the time to travel to Odessa, as did some representatives of the NPS to visit with my Abuelita.

The past several decades in my life, has also had some historians (again, “thank you to the NPS and the Rangers”), to always wanting to learn more about the family (even me, as the daughter of Micale’s daughter – +Eulalia “Lala” Garcia-Hernandez)). I believe that all should take a “moment” to step back and reflect that Cipriano Hernandez came to America as a “Missionary (very wealthy one at that),” that decided to leave his country of Spain. My Grandmother was born inside the store/home and her wedding dance was in front of the store (on a starry night on December 27th (Holy Family Weekend)).

Cirpiano Hernandez was a very “…Godly successful businessman;” and, was more concerned about the Word of God (Bible), his wife, family and then business. His features were of “blond hair and blue eyes, as Juana Silvas had redish-brown hair with green eyes.”
With all due respect to the NPS, historians and the estate of Bob Wirt, I believe that the “timeline” and some documents that have been sought after for validation of land transactions, etc., I believe that the NPS, historians and the estate of Bob Witz,can assist with disseminating all information.

Juan Manuel Casas

12/12/2013 08:44:30 am

I was introduced to Bob and Scarlett by Cynta de Narvaez of Terlingua. She arranged for Bob and Scarlett to take me, my wife and my mother Hermina, who is the granddaughter of Federico Villalba, to take us to Federico's second ranch out on the Rio Grande, not far from Castolon. It was quite a trek by four-wheeled vehicle. Scarlett was kind enough to pack us a lunch. When we finally arrived at the ranch site, we saw a rusted out hulk of a 1933 Nash, remnants of a little rock house and the footprint of one of the houses at the bottom of the embankment that led to the river. The main house had been washed away long ago, but not the memories. My mother sat and her memories immediately went back to when she live on the ranch, which was through her seventh year. She recalled how her grandfather would yell to his friend Pablo Baeza who lived on the Mexican side. She was so overwhelmed by visiting the ranch that she hadn't seen for over 80 years that she wept. I was doing research for my first book about my great-grandfather and his life in the Big Bend. Bob was of immense importance to my effort. On his own, he traveled to Alpine to research my family the Villalbas, and provided me with great information that I was able to use in my book. I attempted to give him credit in my book for his assistance but for personal reasons he asked not to be mentioned. I want his family to know that Bob played an important role in chronicling the Mexican experience in the founding of the Big Bend. Life in the Big Bend was hard back in my great-grandfather's day. Bob was able to find information about my great-grandfather that was not documented in any books, because back then, most of what was written about Mexicans was about death or destruction. Bob looked beyond that and found that my great-grandfather was a major force in the founding of the Big Bend. I am so appreciative of his work and for his contribution to the Terlingua Family's website. If the family will allow me, I would love to mention Bob's help to me in my next book.

Martha Beserra

4/25/2014 12:42:45 am

My Sincere Condolences to Mr. Wirt's family and friends. Read so many wonderful and amazing comments. Never meet him nor seen his web site till today. Years of online searching and wonder, how did I miss this amazing site? Tears while reading page by page, name by name, picture by picture. This site has touched me deeply. I will say, he is ever present to those who visit it. Past years have been spent locating burial sites of family, finding most except for one grandmother. It has now become my mission and vowed to bring her existence to the family. Doubting myself over and over, Mr. Writ's work gave me the confirmation I needed, right here, right now! I truly give thanks to Mr. Writ for caring about those lost or forgotten and sharing the simplest of burial markers, giving reverence to the person and their name and connecting so many families!

Scarlett Wirt

5/14/2014 01:31:37 pm

Martha,

Thank you SO much for your email about Bob and his research. Your email captured precisely the reasons that Bob spent so much time and effort on a project to document places and people that he'd never known, far from his home in Pennsylvania - reverence and respect. Bob had additional details that hadn't made it into the 'stories' on his website, and I can put you in touch with folks who can see if there's any additional information on your family if that would be useful.

Thanks again for your kind words,
Scarlett Wirt (Bob's wife)

Martha Beserra

5/14/2014 11:35:18 pm

Oh my, Thank you Ms. Wirt for your reply. I hope you feel this big hug I am sending you. Yes, would appreciate any help or resources you have available! Can only imagine all the stories he must have compiled through the years. He truly left his mark in this world!

E. Urueta link

7/17/2014 10:31:22 am

Thank you Bob for spending you life on our Family
Bob Garcia - rest my brother and process

George

1/5/2016 06:02:16 pm

As I look at the names of the Terlingua Cemetery I feel a connection to my ancestors who came from Terlingua. Many of the names are people that I knew or people that my parents would talk to me about. My father was a miner at the Perry Mine. When it closed they migrated to El Paso. It is here that they established their roots. I plan to make a trip to Terlingua this summer to experience for myself where my parents came from. A big Thank You to Mr. Bob Wirt. The legacy of your work goes on forever!

consuelo loera link

4/5/2016 01:20:23 pm

Im planning a trip this Octoberish with family in the Quistiano, Ortiz,Martinez, Hernandez,Lara,Ornelas,Sala line. maybe we can meet if there at the same time.

Leo G Dominguez

4/1/2016 10:49:17 pm

How do I add material to this site?

thank you

James Kevin Monclova

5/10/2016 10:54:14 am

I am a great grandson of Francisco Monclova of whom Mr. Wirt researched. My grand father was Pedro Monclova and my father was Heradio Monclova. I came across his works and was so pleased to see so much family history revealed. So many questions have been answered for me. So many more questions are forming. I am so thankful for Mr. Wirt's diligent work.

Chris Lopez

1/19/2017 09:19:07 pm

I am a great grandson of Rafael Navarrete and Bruna Gutierrez. My grandmother Leogarda Navarrete was born in Terlingua. Bob researched my Great Grandfather and his report helped me to carry on my family's research and locate the Navarrete family of Parral, Chihuahua and the actual cemeteries of our ancestors. Without his report, I wouldn't have known where to start. He has been a blessing to our family and we are forever grateful. Rest in Peace Mr. Wirt.

Chris Lopez

Roxane Gardner

10/31/2020 10:53:20 am

R.I.P. Mr. Wirt. I cant’ thank you enough for this body of work, a labor of love I am sure. My grandmother, Manuela Urquieta Flores, is the daughter of Juan. I can’t believe I stumbled onto Bob’s website and all this information about my family on my mom’s mother’s side. I’ve shared your site with many of my close family. You are a blessing to us Mr. Wirt!
Roxane Gardner

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