John Robert "Bob" Gaines

John Robert “Bob” Gaines

Bob was born in Omaha, NE on October 8, 1939.  He was preceded in death by his parents, John T. Gaines, Meta M. Klabunde, infant son Jay Richard Gaines, sister Sharon M. McManus and granddaughter, Jordan Rae Gaines.

He attended Tech High School in Omaha, where he excelled academically and in golf.  He won the Omaha World Herald Junior Golf Championship in 1954.  Graduating in 1957, while in high school, he met the “love of his life” Judith Rose Gibbons.  After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Bermuda and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO as a Military Police Officer.

On May 13, 1961, he and Judy married in a small ceremony in Colorado Springs, CO.  Neither enjoyed harsh winters, so they relocated to New Mexico in 1962.  

Bob enjoyed his military police experience and applied to Albuquerque Police Department.  He was in the traffic division for 6 years, where he met several life long friends.  He then decided he wanted to continue his education and enrolled to UNM and concentrated on Business/Accounting.  He graduated in 1971 and soon after became a CPA.

He worked for Atkinson & Company for many years.  He became a partner and enjoyed watching it grow from a handful of employees, to dozens.  Many of whom he had hired himself.  Wanting to continue his work, but on a smaller scale, he opened a home office, where he served many wonderful clients for over 24 years.  Many of them are local musicians.  

Bob loved music, calling it his “religion”, especially Jazz, which he learned of in his Air Force years.  He loved ALL kinds of music, since he was an “OLD ROCKER” and the best “air musician of all time.”  Musicians would always ask if he played and his response was “Yes, the stereo!”

Bob was on the board of several non-profit organizations;  Multiple Sclerosis Society, NM Children’s Cancer Fund, NM Jazz Workshop and had several special recognitions over the years, from the Nike Tour, Ethical Standards of the Bar from NM Supreme Court  and NM Children’s Cancer Fund.

HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED!!!!!!

Bob is survived by his lovely wife of 56 years, Judy, his daughter Jill R. Gaines, son Jerold R. Gaines, granddaughters, Zoe E. Gaines, Patchouly R. Gaines, one great-granddaughter, Ella Rae Gaines.  Brothers, John and Michael Gaines of Omaha, brother Roger Swanson of Minnesota, sisters Margie Metcalf, Kathy Keeling, Susan Holst and Patti Hemenway, all of Omaha and many other extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or Bob’s-Southern Poverty Law, Animal Humane Society or any musical organization.  Everyone needs music in their lives!

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Daniels Family Funeral Services, Wyoming Chapel Reception Room, 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Albuquerque.
Musicians that would like to “sit in” or “play a song” for Bob is WELCOME!!