From Mimi
I'm sitting here tonight, wearing a pair of Bobby's jeans that are not as baggy on me as I would hope...feeling a myriad of feelings.  Our 12th wedding anniversary would have been this Sunday (1/13/08).  I have felt the intensity of this time even before being conciously aware of the date, the time, the season. 

I first want to say that my wedding was the BEST wedding I've ever attended.  I hope all brides can say that :) I had more fun & felt more love, joy & presence of God than at any other gathering of that kind in my life (though the day we celebrated Bobby's life last summer was, amazingly, a close second.)  The food seemed supernatural, we danced, we partied, we sang to one another & jammed with our family & best friends...in a blizzard in a country club in Greenville, PA.  The maitre'd was healed of some physical ailment during the ceremony (which was also in the country club) & came to us with tears during dinner to tell us so.

Tonight I'm thinking of the way we met: It was 1989 & we both worked for Prime Computer in Natick, MA.  I worked in HR; Bobby was in CAD/CAM.  We were in completely different buildings.  I was very new in my relationship with Yeshua & I was friends with a great bass player named Tom Doran who also worked at Prime. I shared my experiences with God with Tom pretty freely to say the least!  One day Tom said to me: Mimi, you've GOT to meet this guy over in Building 10.  He's a musician and a "Jesus-Freak" just like you!

So Bobby called my extension (or I called his I can't remember...) & we met for lunch at a little restaurant called "The Villa."  Bobby was married at the time so there was nothing romantic in our meeting BUT GOD had Bobby "read my mail" that day. (Many people I know had similar experiences with him).  The things he said to me that day opened up a part of my heart that had been very damaged by my own bad choices & what others had done to me.  Because of my past,I believed, TRULY, that I did not deserve to have a husband & children.  But the day I met Bobby, who knew nothing about me, he spoke into that part of my life & God took over doing the rest.

We became friends & stayed in touch until he & his ex-wife moved to Texas.  I didn't have contact with him again until May of 1994 after he had been through a divorce he did not want.  BUT GOD had other plans for him...for me...which neither of us could have guessed.

He returned to CT & while there he tracked me down through one of my best friends.  I was in Ohio.  We talked over the phone for 6 MONTHS! and during that time, God built our friendship into a romance which led to Bobby coming to Ohio..December 1994 & asking me to marry him.

No marriage is perfect; ours certainly wasn't.  But we worked hard at it & loved each other intensely, fought passionately & felt deeply about the things that mattered most to both of us: God, our children & extended family, friends, music, living with integrity, kindness & generosity.  Bobby was one of the gentlest most generous men I've ever known. Sometimes I think this world was not a kind enough place to be able to keep him here...I hope this blesses someone today....with tears & great love, Mimi

From Mimi
I'm remembering the day when he came via train to Youngstown, Ohio.  It was 1994.  It was after midnight when the train arrived, it was foggy. Very romantic like a movie set.   It was the 1st time I had seen him in 4 years :)  He was stunning in his black leather jacket.  And within 24 hours, he proposed to me.....My Beloved One

About Michael - The Power of Prayer
The Caban's friend Jeff has a nephew, Alex, who was induced into a coma for at least three weeks and was dying at Milwaukee Children's Hospital. Michael prayed for him then and Alex got better. Michael believed that Alex would be able to leave the hospital. On October 15, 2007, the doctor said Alex may go home in two weeks. This photo is from the first time the boys met.

UPDATE - Alex was released from the hospital on Friday, November 30. Yay God \o/

From Bobby - In His Own Words
This is from a bio Bob was writing for his music school right before he died.  I found it in my computer tonight.  Bobby was so much more than a drummer as a musician.  Perfect pitch, a gorgeous tenor voice, "Mr Holland's Opus" leanings  :)  He was my musical sounding board & partner in so many ways...Mimi

"I've been playing drums since I was a year and a half old . At 8 years old I was intrigued by my cousin, who had purchased a blue sparkle drum set . So I asked my parents if I too could purchase a drum set. Their reply was if you are serious enough to practice the beginning disciplines of drumming for 5 years, then we'll get you one. So I took lessons on a rented snare drum kit learning the rudiments, rudimental drum solos, and reading music. I taught myself how to play the drum set by watching a lot
of other drummers like Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, and Joe Corsello just to mention a few.  

My achievements as a drummer started while I was in tenth grade in the high school jazz ensemble I received an N.A.J.E. Award during a jazz festival including 4 other high schools. In twelfth grade I was nominated to the "Who's who among high school musicians",  a scholarship to Berklee School Of Music as my high school placed 2nd out of 62 bands, and that year we were also chosen to perform at the Mobile , AL Jazz festival as 1 of 6 bands out of 44, 000 high school bands. Because of these
achievements I began teaching as people wanted to learn how I played.

Drumming gives me the chance to express thoughts and feelings, that are inexpressible in words alone; being a musician has brought incredible joy & a sense of fulfillment to my life; to paraphrase the movie "Chariots of Fire": when I drum, I feel God's pleasure in me. It has also given me many opportunities to travel & to meet many people from around the world that I may not have met otherwise. And I love that fact that playing drums is something I can do with my wife, who is also a musician &
vocalist, and my children. It's a great vehicle for bonding as a family and with friends from around the world as well as a way to inspire the next generations to reach for something higher...no matter what their gifting.

I love working with students who are serious about their instrument and doing the work needed to be excellent BUT I want to make sure they're having fun while doing it. Because I feel that when the student's "learning engine" is running on it's own because they're having fun, then they draw out of me the "gifting " and they have the best time and experience with drumming as I protect and nurture their love of learning.
I try to use many different ways to draw the gifting out of my student and I love to laugh and getting others to laugh, relax & enjoy the learning process.

My strengths as a drummer are technique, sight reading, musicality, versatility, impeccable skills listening to and responding to the musicians with whom I play, inspiring musicians around me to play above and beyond themselves, practical and experiential purchasing knowledge about the instrument, experiential knowledge of many different styles of music, and my experiences in the music world." 

All true, all true (Mimi)

From The Herald Newspaper- Sharon, PA
Robert 'Bobby' Caban
Robert "Bobby" Caban, husband of "Mimi" Thiel Caban, Huntington, Mass., formerly of Sharon, died unexpectedly on Thursday evening, July 19, 2007, in Noble Hospital, Westfield. He was 50.

Mr. Caban was born in 1957 in Manhattan, N.Y.

A highly sought-after drummer, he performed with many jazz and swing bands throughout the northeastern United States. Most recently, Bobby taught drums at Falcetti’s Music and Holmes School of Dance, both Springfield, Mass.; and at Springfield Public School System. In addition, he performed at many Christian venues with his wife Mimi, who is a vocalist.

To read the rest of the story, go to http://www.sharon-herald.com/fullobits/local_story_208203851.html

From Rev. Richard R Stewart Jr. - Zoe-Life Ministries
I first met Bob Caban back in 1987 when I was working for the Phone company splitting up the Bell companies. There was a noon time prayer meeting for business people in the local area. We used to meet either at the computer company Bob was working for at the time, or we would meet at a local restaurant.

My first encounter was after the prayer meeting was done and I was ready to head out the door and go back to the New England Telephone building on Route 30. Bob came up to me and placed his right hand on my left shoulder. He said to me, "Wow brother, I was deeply touched by what you were praying, and I would like to know who you are, where you go to church. I'm Bob Caban and I would like to know how we can get together some time." That was the beginning, 20 years ago. I met Bob several years before I met Mimi. I attended many of Bob's, Christian, Jazz, and occassional rock gigs.

Bob disappeared with a new wife to Texas, but upon his return the news spread very quickly, "The Drummer is back." I was re-connected with Brother Bob only a short time after his return to New England. After many years at one church I changed churches. It was there I would see Bob regularly.

It was there that I saw Bobby and Mimi falling in love. Some of the things that would come out of Mimi's mouth about the whole thing, at times left me mystified, yet I would walk away and giggle.

I really got to know Bobby when he and Mimi moved out here to western Massachusetts. Right after they first arrived, I came to their new location, with two new map books of western Massachusetts, so they wouldn't get lost out here.It was that gesture, that caused Bob and I to become close and establish a real brotherly relationship. We were able to spend some quality time together as men of God, and speak of weaknesses and failures, as well as wonderous Divine events God had performed in our lives.

I will always be grateful to God for sending Bobby Caban into my life. It was in recent years I had the opportunity to know him best. I will miss Bob's quick, sometimes dry, wit. Bob was always zinging me with one liners. I suppose I had it coming, because I was the consumate practical joker in Bible College. I believe God used Bobby to bring about Divine retribution at times. I am grateful for the times we helped each other a lot, and taught each other many things. You are sorely missed my brother.

From Marie
Chuck and I knew Bob almost as long as we have known each other. We met him shortly after he came up here from Connecticut to help start the Middlesex Church, the first step in his evangelistic ministry, both musical and ministerial, that blossomed mightily during the years we knew him.

He got a job at Prime Computer and we often worked in the same buildings, frequently meeting in various company conference rooms to pray with new believers there, sometimes those I had shared the Lord with, and sometimes those he had brought to Jesus. One of the first men from there that I remember he led to Jesus was around 1979, and this man has now been saved for about twenty-five years and himself has become a fruitful warrior for the Kingdom. Bobby continued to disciple him all the time they worked together, and other conversions followed as a result. Bob's tender heart and godliness were a witness to so many there.

All during this time, Bob came to and assisted at our many home Bible studies, contributing his presence, music, and his wonderful strong voice to lead us in worship. We missed him sorely when he moved out of the area for many years. But it never stood in the way of his thoughtfulness.

I continued to get a phone call every year on my birthday, even when I had hoped everyone had forgotten! It was a blessing to have him back living locally when he returned to this area with Mimi.

We saw him glory in his children, something he always wanted, but wasn't sure he would be blessed with. His eyes lit up whenever he spoke about Michael and his growth, physical, intellectual, and spiritual. To see him experiencing and reveling in fatherhood blessed us so much. And we were again blessed when we learned of Hadassah. I believe these two anointed children were the fulfillment of his dreams – a handsome, intelligent son, and a beautiful daughter; gifts that God gave him here before He asked him to come home and start a new assignment, preparing for his friends' and family's arrival in the Heavenly Kingdom that awaits us.

Although after his marriage we didn't see as much of him and his family as we would have liked, due to the distances that separated us, we always remained close. He loved to joke around, and especially to make word puns. Every now and then we would catch him unaware with a punch line he hadn't expected and his only reply, through a large grin, would be “Yesssss!” With him it was always “yea and amen”. He was full of love and fun and humor, and always willing to go the extra mile. He blessed us, his family, and all of his friends in these ways. And the only thing that makes missing him this much bearable, is that we will not only see him again, soon, but we will all be together – with Jesus - having the greatest fun possible in the Heavenly universe.

And I envy him a little for having graduated before us and being There in the midst of His presence. But, Maranatha is the word! We'll be along shortly, in His time.

From Michael Blake
I played music with Bobby for a few years in the band "Shekinah" with my awesome brother David Harris, I was fortunate enough to meet Bobby and his wonderful wife at my church in Swanzey N.H a few years back at a meeting that was held there. I was asked to play lead guitar with them that night and I was honored. Mimi looked at me with her beautiful smile and said "you play beautifully." I was so touched by that that I remember it to this day. Bobby meant so much more to me then just another musician to jam with, he was a friend and a direct expression from God himself. Just being in Bob's presence would keep me in check, He had such a strong anointing on him. He was compassionate, and a FANTASTIC musician. Every note he hit on those drums would send the Holy Spirit flying. I loved him so, so much, as my eyes fill with tears right now, all I can think is what an awesome honor God allowed me to have to be able to play with such a great man of God. Bobby would always look at me in the eye's and give me a word from his spirit, the words he gave me I always put at a higher level then most people because Bobby to me was the real deal. I miss him….Bobby had such a strong desire for a motorcycle, I know he is on a beautiful one up in heaven  riding with Jesus himself and jammin in the full on presence of God..Awesome!! Bobby, it was awesome to meet, jam with, and be a brother to you. You will always be one of my most favorite people and  I will NEVER forget you my friend…R.I.P.

From Tom Bielecki
Dear Mimi, Family and Friends,
Here are two pictures of Bobby from a worship seminar that was held in Keene NH in 2004. Caleb Quaye is in the center. Bobby and Caleb rocked! I had the opportunity to play with Bobby twice and both times were memorable and blessed.

He will be missed..but I’m sure the band in heaven sounds a bit better up there!

God bless you and may His grace and love be ever near you during this time.
Selah...

From Georgette deFriesse
I never met Bobby, but spoke to him on the phone a few times. It was
immediately very clear to me that he was a remarkable, compassionate
person. It was a difficult time for Bobby and Mimi, and they had
contacted me because they were losing their apartment and needed to
find a new apartment quickly. They had no choice but to give up their
elderly dog, Skweekers. I was at that time a volunteer for cattle dog
rescue and so our paths crossed.

Bobby had owned Skweekers since she was quite young, when he rescued
her from some children who were teasing her. Her bond to him (and his
to her) was very strong. It was obvious that it tore the heart out of
him to part from her, but circumstances left him no choice. The day
before Mimi drove Skweekers up to Belchertown to hand her off to me,
they had moved into an apartment that didn't allow dogs: Skweekers was
going to have to spend that final night in the car. Rather than leave
her there alone, Bobby spent the night in the car with her, parked out
on the street in front of the apartment building.

Skweekers found a home in Georgia, but while we awaited transportation,
she stayed in a foster home in Massachusetts. During that time, there
was one awful day when we thought we might have to put her down. I
called Bobby to let him know and without a second's hesitation, he said
he'd come and get her so he could be with her when she died.
Fortunately, we found she didn't need to be put down and she went to a
loving home where she spent a very happy final year before cancer took
her life.

With most people, that would have been the end of the story. But when
Bobby and Mimi found themselves in better circumstances several years
later, they contacted the rescue club, wanting to give something back
because of the help they had received when their need was so great.

I am certain that Skweekers was waiting for Bobby and that they will
never be parted again.

From Paul Speidel
When I first heard Bobby with the worship team at the Framingham Vineyard, I fell in love with his playing.  He was a true musician who played the drums in such a melodic way, that I knew I wanted to play with him.  I was fortunate to have him play with my band on many occasions after that, and he really blended right in as a true member of the band.  I was also blessed when he recommended me to a group he was playing with, What's New, which rehearsed at the John Payne Music Center, which was kind of a faculty group over there.  I was warmly received into that group, which Bobby was such a huge contributor to, also.  He never wrote any of the music we played, but every song became his, and he could play anything anyone brought to the group with subtlety and taste.  He was one of the best and most musical drummers I have ever played with, not to mention one of the warmest and most spiritual individuals I've gotten close to in the music business.  I sorely miss him, even though it's been five years since we've been on stage together, and I had always hoped to be able to perform with him again sometime.  I am a better player and person for having been blessed to make music with Bobby Caban for the several years I which did.