Robert Busby

Robert Busby owned the Creole Gallery in Lansing, in a part of the city called Old Town, of which he was sometimes called “mayor” because he encouraged and invested in it more than anyone, including art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, specialty shops, a jazz festival, wine festival and countless other community endeavors.

Two years ago I took part in a poetry reading at the Creole. Last year my son and his musical partner joined David Mead in a concert there. Mr. Busby invited the artists up to his refurbished loft apartment for a glass of wine and a visit before the show.

He was the loveliest of men, full of energy and enthusiasm for his community. His gallery has been a small, charming venue for artists of every type for years. I loved reading my poems there, with the old hardwood floors, distressed brick walls with paintings hanging, an eclectic artistic attitude and an audience that appreciated it all.

I don’t know what will happen to it now.

Robert Busby was beaten to death Tuesday in the basement of his gallery, apparently by his handyman, a man whom he had helped out for a long time. No motive has been discovered, nor may it ever be, since his alleged killer took his own life after the police chase.

Thank you for spending a moment with me in gratitude for a man who blessed his community with his presence, resources, time, energy, kindness, and love.

Thank you, Robert, for everything you did for us. For who you were. For who you are.

Both photos borrowed from the Lansing State Journal.