Bob passed peacefully on September 2, 2026 after a short, unexpected few weeks of illness.
About Bob
by Shari Vogler
Robert McClelland Vogler was born in Columbus Ohio, May 30, 1950. When he was a year old, his parents, Richard, an architect and Betty, a nurse, moved to St. Petersburg, thus he became a Floridian. He is survived by his brother Tom and sister Susan; 3 children: Richard, Rachel, and David. He has 2 grandchildren: Elliott and Denma. There are numerous lovely nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews too numerous to name here. His mother-in-law was a founder of hospice in the USA, and his mother and brother were also hospice nurses.
Bob studied a year of engineering at UF, then transferred to Eckard College to complete his Bachelors in Buddhist studies. He met Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1975 and subsequently moved to Karme Choling to study, practice meditation and work on the building crew of the expansion. There, he met Shari, his wife and companion of 51 years. In 1976, Bob was sent to Boston to train in the art of service, in expectation of serving His Holiness Karmapa during his first visit to the West. We met the Vajra Regent about the same time. The Regent asked if we would consider moving to Boulder to live at the Mapleton Kalapa Court, where both the Mukpo and Vajra Regent’s families were to reside. We arrived in Boulder with a suitcase and box of books each. We both went on to serve the Venerable Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche (VCTR), Bob as his head of service. These were amazing, and vigorous times. VCTR, a terton, was developing Shambhala. He taught at Naropa Institute, and taught Buddhist practices and studies around North America. VCTR opened the doors of his, and his family’s home so students could experience, not just study, his vision of Shambhala in our times. Bob was key, teaching the art of the service over and over in his quiet, kind, steady way.
Bob and Shari were married in the Mapleton Kalapa Court on Feb 2, 1976 by VCTR. In 1981, with one child and two more on the way, they moved to a house close to the Cascade Kalapa Court and continued to serve VCTR until his death. In 1986, when VCTR returned to Boulder from the Vajradhatu Seminary, he immediately announced that he was moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia and we, (our entire family) were to move with him. It took us longer than the proposed 3 days. 3 months later we were Canadian landed immigrants. We have lived in the Halifax area since then. He was a great father and husband.
After VCTR’s death in 1987, Bob, already a trained draftsman, worked for several architectural Halifax firms. Flying in and out of Halifax, note the control tower, which was one of his projects. Then Autocad came into being and the writing was on the wall for draftsmen. So he became an IT developer and project manager until he retired in 2019. Always handy, he took 2 days off and then began building us a sleek home deck. Close as spouses, friends, and parents, it was a joy to spend 6 years of retirement travelling, hiking, camping across the continent, meditating together, and pursuing our own interests.
Bob was devoted to the vision of VCTR, to meditation practices and studies. He continued to serve both within and without Shambhala. When our oldest turned 14, Bob helped build the Dorothea, the NS Sea School’s first wooden sailboat. He was a Kusung to the Sawang, then Sakyong. He served on three Halifax Shambhala Centre councils and the Council of Warriors. He was a leader in the new HSC governance system. And for the past 15 years, his love for studying Tibetan grew, and for being part of a legacy of VCTR’s early writings translated into English with Nalanda Translation, mainly with Scott Wellenbach’s team.
In July, Bob began to experience mysterious fatigue. At the end of July, he was diagnosed with widespread metastatic incurable cancer which crept up silently and painlessly. We explored treatment options, but it was clear that these cells would not respond to the newer therapies. He grew thinner, more tired, and short of breath. Nevertheless, he cheerfully attended all of Rabjam Rinpoche’s teachings, finally fading on the last day. Nonetheless, he dressed up, sporting a tie each day.
With help and sustenance from friends, we (the family) were able to care for him at home ourselves. We are totally grateful for the outpouring of love and offerings that went way beyond what was needed. As his health deteriorated the last 10 days, Bob only had the strength for 1-2 visits a day. On September 1, when I asked him if he was up for visits he said: “Sorry”. His last days were mainly calm, quiet, and pain free, punctuated by some discomforts. He only spent a day and a half in the hospital bed downstairs. Other than that, he spent his last weeks in our bed overlooking the park and baseball diamond. The day he died, a double rainbow appeared over the park.
About what follows, he told me clearly, several times, “No fuss” including not disrupting the Centre schedule as much as possible. He had a simple Sukhavati ceremony accompanied by many sangha friends.
If you would like to remember Bob, by donating to a charity, please consider The Halifax Shambhala Centre, The Shambhala Archives, Nalanda Translation, and/or Feed Nova Scotia.
Our family is so appreciative of the many gifts of letters and notes, photographs, delicious food, making the Sukhavati and reception happen, as well a myriad of activities that made our lives easier during this time.
I can’t imagine life without him. Same for you?
His loving wife,
Shari
As human beings, we have a basic nature of goodness-general goodness, which is undiluted, unconfused. We all have our own styles of life, of course, our own ways of handling our business and our work. That’s fine. But at the same time, we have this basic quality of general goodness, absolute goodness, which is spotless, fantastic. VCTR 1978
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Post a Tribute to Bob below
Bob, I just heard. What a shock. We met each other through a mutual friend and we could have become good friends if time and circumstance permitted. Not to be but I remember you as a good man, sincere and intelligent. You have added to my life. Lots of love.
So sorry Shari.
Michael
I didn't know your husband but Shari this is a beautiful tribute.. I feel like iI know him just from your post..thank you. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you both for your amazing contribution to the dharma. He had a beautiful passing.love maria
Thank you Shari for including all of us in your family's farewell to Bob.
Cannot imagine how deeply painful it is to say goodbye to such a wonderful husband, and father. Sure you, Richie, David and Rachel can feel the waves of love and support.
Bob will always be a living example of a true human being.
Enlightened Society Personified!
Whenever Bob would address the Kasung before an event, (or campaign!) He would address us as the Ronin. Or "Masterless Men". Light hearted tongue in cheek, though deep. Like the Movie, Seven Samari, he invoked the imensity of those few hours and days together, as strangely epic. And, what I did and didnt do remains vivid. I am alone in this Journey, yet, we are alone together. Well done Bob! I will look for that spark of yours in my next life!
We taught a transcript class together at Bedford Springs in the 1970's. He was a very excellent teacher. I loved listening to him and hearing his insights. He was never "full of himself." It was clear in our meetings that VCTR was interested in his words.
Bob’s passing has touched me deeply. He made the flags fly yet was so down to earth. We had a wonderful conversation a few months ago—so straightforward and open, just as he was. Will miss his quiet, profound presence.
Dear Shari and family,
Thinking of you at this time of transition. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob was always such a quiet steady presence helping shape the environment for the teachings to flourish. He will be remembered fondly.
Warmly,
Brigitte and Cornelis de Boer
Bob
Your body is gone.
Your heart,
the heart of the Vidyadhara,
is robust,
like the prominent
yellow-orange
pumpkins & squash
in your autumn garden.
2 September 2026
Always in our heart. Smile on!
I knew Bob when we worked in the Vajra Regents household. Bob was Master of the House at that time. He was always a kind gentleman, who served with devotion and kindness. A sweet warrior, who was an example to others on how to serve with humility. Condolences to Shari and Bob's family.🙏🙏🙏. May Bob be reborn in a pure realm.
Shari, my heart goes out to you for this loss. It has been ages since I have been around you...but I remember you both as wonderful human beings, true exemplars of how to live the dharma.
Correction
Wishing Robert returns to the Space of Nova Scotia
Welcome to AI. lol
I didn’t know Bob very well,
But from my observations,
He served his Teachers and Guru’s without hesitation.
Bob had all the marks of a True Dharmic Person,
Inwardly turning his mind to the Bodhisattva path.
Wishing Roberts returns to the Space of Nova Scotia ,
Allowing to completely ,
“ Take off his Roof”
And manifest your heritage as a True Human Being .
Delightful &. Fearless
“EVAM “ to us All !
Bob loved Trungpa Rinpoche and the dharma. He was so happy when I asked him to co-teach the 5 month Hinayana course with me, and I knew we would work well together because he was such a team player on the Nalanda Translation Committee. When I presented a text to Anam Thubten, he would do the write up. Whenever he wasn't riding his bike, but driving, he would offer to give me a ride home after an NTC meeting.
Bob and Shari were also wonderful parents. When the Shambhala School just started, and there was a bit of chaos, I noticed Shari one morning straightening all the kids shoes outside the dance studio/dojo!
Bob was indeed such a good gentleman friend to so many of us, and the shock of his quick death has left me grieving. My heart goes out to Shari and Rachel in particular, as they carry on the heart of service. How wonderful for Bob to have family nurse and doctor care for him at home those last weeks! Sending love to Shari, Rachel, David and Richie. May we all aspire to be of benefit in this our illusory life!
Thinking of you Shari and remembering Bob as a gentleman warrior. I wish him a good trip back, and both of you are in my thoughts
Remembering precisely when Bob (and Shari) (and John Perks) first entered my life, in 1974 at the big house on the corner of 5th and Mapleton in Boulder -- pre "Kalapa Court" days ! Bob was always 100% kind to everyone, and free from any pretensions. And with a sometimes-wicked (and droll) sense of humor! I loved witnessing him with his twins David and Rachel!! In recent months, it cheered me to welcome his presence at the Halifax Shambhala Center on Sunday mornings when I went to sit, and he was there as a kasung if he wasn't sitting. We greeted each other with hugs.
76 is too young to die. But we've learned that death is real and comes without warning. Farewell, dear beloved friend. You will be very dearly missed by a lot of people who love you. Including me. 💕
Richie lived in San Francisco for a while and I got to know him a little. A very fine, funny man.... Richie, I remember you bringing vegan meat to a werma feast once for the offering, blowing our minds. Obviously, you had a good Dad. Richie, I'm sorry for your loss. You are carrying him to us in your own way.
Shari, sending my love for your, (and our,) loss. Bob was special… truly a gentle warrior. My memories of both of you go back to the early court days where you served Rinpoche simply and magnificently while creating and tending to your own growing family. I think of Bob in uniform, but he wore it with such grace it was like his own skin. I send my love to you and your children and I trust that Bob’s journey will be easy and direct to where he needs to be next. Holding you all in my heart.
Deepest condolences to Shari, Rachel, David, and Richard. Bob was our stellar role model of gentle warriorship and loved by all that knew him.
What an extraordinary ordinary gracious always loving man, so unusual the degree of decency you are. Grace under pressure was how a Shambhala person was epitomized years back. I think of you.
He was a fine example of what a Vajra gentleman could be.
Just to say how much I'm thinking of you all - such a sad loss, it's hard to find words. Shari, Rachel, David, Richard - love to you during such a sad time.
As for Bob's kind nature, here's a little funny story: Once at an encampment, where he was our squad leader (or something like that), we were asked to give him feedback at the end. Everyone talked about how kind, and gentle, probably even 'sweet,' he was. At the end, he rolled his eyes a little and said (with a smile) that he got so tired of everyone always telling him how kind and gentle he is, and would love it if someone told him he was 'tough,' and 'scary,' and other words like that - it was really funny. Yeah, Bob was really one bad-ass.
Heartbreaking.
Bob helped train me as a Kusung and server. Just a great human being! Thank you Bob for your sense of humor, your steadiness, and kind heart.
I will miss you Bob
Bob, a life in the dharma so well lived. We owe you - and Shari - a great debt for your lifetime of dedication and service to our teacher, his legacy and our whole community. Your smiling grin, steady and kind presence will be sorely missed.
We wish you well on your journey and our love goes to Shari and your children.
I knew Bob and Shari at Tail of the Tiger in the old days. They were both
sterling people, kind and unassuming. They became Rinpoche’s attendants, and I was a little jealous. Farewell, and auspicious journey, my friend!
Bob! Oceans of spacious blue to you! Onward Hoh!
Bob was always sweet, unassuming fellow. Altogether, a good, decent chap!
