I learned of his passing last night (Friday). We had been emailing back and forth recently and I was looking forward to reconnecting with him in person in January. He told me that you two were great friends. Such a loss... -Bill Irish
 

This is very, very sad and stunning news. I admired Roby Duke and was edified and blessed by the talents the Lord had given him. I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
 

Heart-breaking.

Roby was a true artist in every respect...as a creator, a mentor and a reflector of the beauty of heaven across this dim earth.

Peace to his friends and family.

Kyle Liedtke/KNLR
 

Hi Bob,

So very sorry to hear about Roby. I remember that we talked about him and his music over a late-night dinner recently here in Dallas. He will be greatly missed. I listened to his CD "Relaxed Fits" this morning on my way to church. I am fortunate to have known his music for many years and to have been so touched by it. My regards to the Duke family and to you as well in the loss of your good friend. Though you may not have grown up in the same neighborhood, I couldn't help but think of your song, "The Kings of Summer Street" when I heard the news. Please know that we continue to lift his family up in this time.

Your humble servants,
Mark & Suzann Smith
 

I wasn't going to leave a comment. But I started thinking about death, my own death and i started crying. Not from saddness but from joy. The words to be absent from the body is to be with christ kept echoing in my head. Those words made me cry not for saddness but for the completion of joy and hope. I have not been in chruch in a long time. I believe in God and Jesus but I try to avoid most christian. Roby Duke was someone that I felt a connection with via music. I loved and admired his talent and I love and admired his searching, struggle and faith. I too shall see God...

My prayers to his son and the Duke family..

Andrew aka "Lorenza"
 

I am shocked and stunned. I did not know Roby Duke personally. But his song "Come Let Us Reason" from 84, was the first song I'd heard by him and became part of my personal youth soundtrack of life (joining Keith Green, Bob Bennett and Billy Crockett among others). His songs spoke volumes to the seeker that I was/am. I became a huge fan. And the more I read about him, the more I wished I could sit down with him and talk to him for just a little while. Just to let him share his testimony or... I don't know... just to listen. That won't happen now this side of heaven. But it is a conversation I am still looking forward too.
 

I don't know what to say...I loved him too! I only knew him for a short while in O.C, we used to play calvary chapel gigs together and a short tour. I was looking forward to connecting with him again. He is in a better place, but he will be missed...
praise Him.
 

The first time I ever heard Roby was when I went to see you in concert. I was devastated to learn that Bob Bennett wasn't going to make it, but they had booked Roby Duke instead. I became an instant fan and have enjoyed listening to both of you ever since. Thanks for your small graces.
 

I got the shocking news from the Jesus Music list. Sad to lose such a creative genius... but glad to know he is in the presence of the Lord.
 

POSTED ON ROBY'S MYSPACE PAGE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 8th:

I just wanted to check in briefly to join all those who are dearly missing our beloved friend. Following is a link to a Sunday AM Service in Salem, OR that Roby and I shared with Pastor Steve Hopkins on 9/23/07. Although the sound levels are a little whacked (with my own guitar unfortunately taking way too much prominence ... the guitar noodling that I did was supposed to remain in the sonic background but this only mix that exists), the mp3 is still posted at the Calvary Chapel Salem web site. The link to the file is HERE. My dear buddy, and mutual Roby pal, TJ Rhoades (of Elizabethtown, KY) recently told me of a brief mention Roby made of this particular morning during a telephone conversation they had not long after we played: "I dunno, I start singing and Bob Bennett just starts crying." Never more true than now, Roby. Your teaching this old stubborn folkie how to groove will, to the best of my knowledge, have to wait a while. All in His good time you Buckethead. Bob.