Obit

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Robert Allen Jensen, aka, R. Allen Jensen, Robert Dante, Backroad Bob, RAJ, et al, a Stanwood resident of 56 years, died on 1/15/2022, age 86, surrounded by his wife, family and friends. Bob was a prolific visual and performance artist, sculptor. He lost 95% of his sight by 2018, as well as his mobility, but his heart and spirit remained vibrant, creating with passion and zeal until January 11th, when he was taken down by a massive stroke. Jensen had been a major player in the NW Art scene since 1959, when as a junior art major at the University of Washington, he was juried into the prestigious Northwest Annual held at the Seattle Art Museum. Since then, Bob had been in numerous exhibitions and one-man shows at museums, including MONA, and the Whatcom Museum, with multiple gallery affiliations. Bob was active in Seattle's 1 Percent for Art Program, advocated by the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, winning 3 commissions. One of his well known commissioned works, "Stroke" still stands at Green Lake.

Jensen was professor emeritus from Western Washington University, where he taught budding artists with the same vibrancy and passion of his art for 30 years. Held in high regard by his friends, colleagues and artists globally. 

Bob was a romantic at heart. He lived life as it should be lived, with his beloved wife, "Z" Susanna Mantis, creating, dancing and making love to life in body, mind, heart, and soul - every moment, every day of his life. One of his favorite quotes was, "All a man needs is his craft and the love of a good woman." Bob was blessed to have both. Please email Z @ zogamama@gmail.com to connect and purchase his now rare works.