Robert Anbian

If you’re part of the San Francisco literary scene, you know Robert Anbian, stellar poet and novelist. Robert died in his sleep from a heart attack on February 23, 2022. It’s been a tough year for Robert. He lost his loving Nona last year, and had greatly missed her. Robert’s home was full of signs of his active life—books galore, papers, prospectus, and the business aspects of his small publishing house, Night Horn Books, The small living room table, a step to the bed where he was found, attests that he ended his evening with a toke and a book.

Robert read his magnificent poetry to audiences throughout the city, sometimes with background music. His poetry is about love, peace, far off places, and the ravages of war. When speaking with the man, if he wasn’t ranting, he dazzled you with his knowledge of literature, science, and history.

Robert recently published WE Parts 1-3 and Poems for Time Traveler as well as the works of other poets and authors. Those of you familiar with his portfolio understand the man as an artist. He was devoted to literature, to his publishing house, Night Horn Books, he was an advocate for unknown writers and a champion for getting those writers in print. Robert mentored many poets and writers, with an eye for the perfect phrase, and esoteric images that danced from the page synchronizing his poetic flair.

Robert was born on June 27, 1949, at Fort Dix, NJ. His parents, Robert William White and Rosette, preceded him in death, as did he beloved Nona in the past year. He is survived by his sisters Charline White of Mt, Holly, NJ and Patricia McLaughlin of Kingston, PA, niece Colleen Sgaggero, and nephews Matthew and Scott McLaughlin. He is also survived and will be missed by fans and readers throughout the Bay Area. Robert graduated from the University of Virginia after which he spent two years in Niger with the Peace Corps. Upon leaving the Peace Corps he came to San Francisco to join his lifelong pals and to live his dream.

From 1985 to 1996, during a period of substantial organizational growth, Robert served as the editor of the monthly Film Arts Foundation magazine, Release Print, and the publicist for this independent filmmaker education and advocacy group.

One of Bob, Bobby, Robert’s favorite closings was: “Even lost you are on your way. ‘ That speaks so well of the man.

A celebration of his life is being planned.