Inspirational, mischievous, sweet and stubborn, Robb was a loving son, protective older brother and dedicated friend to many.

Born in XX, Minnesota on DAY MONTH YEAR, to Robert and Joyce Barr. Joyce had left her family’s reservation, Sisseton-Wahpeton, home of the Dakota Nation (Sioux), during World War II. She met Robert in California, and he convinced her to return to the Midwest. There they managed a dairy farm, where Robb spent his early years milking the cows and teasing his two younger sisters, Sandy and Cheryl. He’s also rumored to have peed on the electric fence...and then tricked the neighbor kids into doing the same.

When the three Barr children were in high school, the family moved from XX to Bismarck, North Dakota - a dusty, prairie town on the doorstep of the great American West. Robert Senior became a travelling salesman. Joyce [worked where??]

Robb finished high school in Bismarck - now looking out for his two sisters rather than teasing. He enjoyed x, x and xxx.

After high school his path lead to the mountains and valleys of Colorado where he [mom, want to describe all that?] eventually spent several years inventing and refining his techniques. His best friend, Cora, ...[mom?]

In XXXX, he returned to Bismarck and was welcomed home by his extended family - Robert Senior and his new wife, Jean Barr, Joyce, Sandy (and her children Michael, Erica, Robert, Rachel, Daniel, and Anne Marie) and Cheryl (and her children Jef, Naomi and Bill). Robb took up gardening - for the days when he needed to daydream about his next creation, and in XXXX Robb founded "Prairie Leather," his official artist’s studio.

In 1986, his dedication, creativity and superior talent were recognized when he was awarded the Al Stholman Award for Achievements in Leather. This is the highest honor attainable for a leather craftsman or artist.

His achievements were also recognized by the Dakota Nation. In XXX he was invited to a ceremony... [mom?].

In XXXX, Robb was invited to Switzerland to teach a group of interested students his techniques. Thus he began his world tour. In the years to come he visited other European countries, Asia, and Australia. He also begain traveling within the US with his nephew Bill. Everywhere he went he charmed the people he met. His Japanese students rubbed his belly. His German students were fascinated by his Native American wild west image.

In mid 1997, Robb was told that his heart was failing. News of this quickly spread through the leather community, and letters began to arrive. The financial and emotional support that poured in from his students and friends around the world brought tears to his eyes. On Valentine’s Day, 14 February 1998, Robb received a heart transplant. Thinking back on that time Robb said, "I woke up on Valentine’s Day with a new heart and new life. It was better than a rose. I appreciate each day so much and thank the good Lord for watching over me. I say a special prayer to my donor and his family for the gift of life I received, allowing me to continue to create art in leather."

Following the transplant and his recovery, Robb once again took to the road. His nephew and apprentice, Bill Lince, joined him once again. They drove throughout the US teaching and exhibiting his work. Nothing please Robb more than driving for hours staring at the magnificent American countryside.

In MONTH 2002, Robb’s left this world to re-join the Great Spirit and his ancestors. His ashes were set free in the muddy Missouri.