Robert Eighteen-Bisang
September 29th, 2020
This is a tribute to a very special man who loved life. His main passion was writing, research and collecting books for his famous collection.
In his spare time, he enjoyed playing backgammon, chess and pool with his friends.
Survived by his wife (his beloved “Mina”), his family in Ontario, Switzerland and Vancouver Island, as well as many friends scattered all over the world.
Rob, we miss your lively spirit.
May you know that absence is full of tender presence and that nothing is ever lost or forgotten.
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Robert Eighteen-Bisang (1947-2020), Canadian author and scholar, recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities on vampire literature and mythology, passed away in Vancouver on September 29, survived by his wife Matilda and his family in Ontario.
Robert grew up in Brantford as the son of a professional poker player. In University he was a four-time backgammon champion, and he was a well-known pool player, two passions that he continued to enjoy throughout his life. After working as a comedy writer for CBC and then a career in marketing, he gained an interest in vampire literature and the mythology of vampires.
More than a quarter of a century ago Robert began to amass the largest collection of vampire literature in the world, which included over 2,500 books, 2,000 comic books, 1,000 magazines, and over 100 films. Working with the likes of rare-book dealers Lloyd W. Currey (New York) and George Locke (London), Robert discovered hundreds of rare vampire books before other collectors even became aware of their existence. Over the years, he purchased the core of the vampire collections assembled by Marlene Woods (Longview, Texas) and Forrest J. Ackerman (Hollywood). His foremost interest was the vampire myth as it appears in literature and popular culture, and in bibliographic research.
Bram Stoker’s Notes for Dracula (2008), which Robert co-edited with Elizabeth Miller, received glowing reviews and has been accepted as a seminal academic text for the study of Dracula and vampires. He founded Transylvania Press, Inc., the first company to reprint Bram Stoker’s abridged edition of Dracula.
Robert enjoyed sharing his knowledge with numerous scholars and collectors, and he wrote many articles and was advisor and/or co-editor for dozens of books—including several encyclopedias and four annotated editions of Dracula.
His most recent work, a new annotated edition of Dracula expected to be published in 2021, is the first edition to be authorized by the Bram Stoker Estate.
He was a member of the American chapter of the Transylvanian Society of Dracula and the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars as well as a long-standing member of the Horror Writers Association.
Please consider a contribution to Chrysalis Society in lieu of flowers.
Chrysalis Paypal link: www.paypal.com/ca/fundraiser/charity/3424401
Chrysalis Canada helps link: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/52214
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family
Messages:
So sorry to hear of Robert’s passing. He was a unique and humerous man and will be missed.
I have been thinking about uncle Rob Bob since his passing. I know that we didn’t see each other very much - especially since I’ve lived overseas - but the few times that we met it was always easy-going and the memories have left me with a smile. You are very loved and will be missed. xx
I met Rob about 5 years ago through his friend Gordon. I phoned Rob up and asked to see his vampire book collection. He was kind enough to invite me into his home. We had a long talk and he had so many interesting stories, which lead to our friendship. Over the years, he used to visit me where I worked in West Vancouver every couple of months. He always kept me updated on his new projects and we talked about vampires and Dracula. He was always so passionate about everything we talked about. I will miss his stories and our chats.
We will miss your stories and excitement for your work, we will miss your smile and laugh, we will miss your love.....we will miss you. Big brother you remain in our hearts always. Love to you Matilda and remember we are here for you. God bless. Love your baby sister.
I will miss playing backgammon and pool with Rob. I will miss his stories and his laughter. I wish Matilda my condolences at this time. I wish my kids could have got to know him better. But they did meet him a few years ago and I am grateful they did. My he Rest In Peace. Love Bill Eighteen
I will miss playing backgammon and pool with Rob. I will miss his stories and his laughter. I wish Matilda my condolences at this time. I wish my kids could have got to know him better. But they did meet him a few years ago and I am grateful they did. My he Rest In Peace. Love Bill Eighteen
Sorry for your loss Matilda and to the family. Rob will be sadly missed. Howie is going to miss their conversations and their laughs together. He is in a safe place and surrounded by Angels. May you’ll Rest In Peace Rob. ❤️
My brother you will be sorely missed. Thank you for leaving me with so many fond memories. You always lived your life on your terms and you excelled in chasing your dreams and living life to its fullest. Much love Rob...and I will always cherish our "Buddy, Pal, Friend, Buddy" code we would greet each other with since childhood. Rest in peace, Love Doug.
So sorry to Matilda and the rest of the family. Rob was a great friend and influenced me immensely over the years in my career and life. I'll miss all the great conversations and laughs we had!
So sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his loved ones. It's quite a shock. I'd only recently been corresponding with him about his latest book.
So very sorry for this loss. Deepest condolences to you Matilda and family.
So sorry to learn of this news. The angels must have needed a brilliant colourful soul. Our condolences to you Matilda, and family.
Rob and I instantly connected over our shared love of vampire literature and popular culture after we first met in 1996, and over the years he encouraged me to pursue my own research and writing in these same areas. It was always great catching up with him, but with the pandemic it had been about a year since we last spoke. I was so sorry to hear of his passing in September. My condolences to Matilda and the rest of his family. RIP Rob, thanks for everything my friend.