A EULOGY TO ROBERT MOORE 1967-2023

Our memories of Robert

On behalf of BUFORA, we would like to express our deepest sympathy to Robert’s family and friends on his passing so suddenly at such a relatively young age.  We have all been shocked and saddened by his untimely death, and he will be missed very much by us all at BUFORA, particularly for his outstanding and exceptional contribution to UFOlogy over so very many years of his life.

Tony’s Memories of Robert

Robert was first and foremost one of Britain’s best UFO researchers, and an advocate for facts and details. I first met Robert in the early 1990s when I had first joined the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA). He made me feel welcome, and I quickly became one of his UFO investigator course students. I am grateful for learning about the subject from one of the very best.

Robert was an active member of BUFORA for many years, joining the organisation in 1982 at the age of 15! He read as many books and journals he could access. Robert became a self-made UFOlogical scholar, a fact openly acknowledged by his peers in the field. He became the Special Projects Officer, and was a co-ordinator for the LIGHTBALL research project. Additionally, he examined UFO reports in his home county of Somerset.

Never seeking fame, or wanting to gain wealth with his knowledge, Rob boldly fought the nonsense that frequently appears in the UFO subject. When possible he published data and useful case information in various boo ks and journals. The first of Rob’s I read was a 1993 book chapter called Science v. Saucery. Here we find his own Mundane-Synthesistic Hypothesis. This stated that only serious scientific work will remove the subject’s mystery and expose the reality. It is rare to find data tables and charts presented within a UFOlogical text, but it’s exactly this presentation of information, which is sorely lacking in a largely amateur subject. Sadly, people love mystery.

I recall him inviting me as a speaker to one of his UFO ASSAP symposiums in Bath, and I noted how much effort Robert had gone into making the subject relevant to the public again. UFOs were just one major part of his life, games being another, but he was determined to leave his mark, which he has done. His legacy will be found in publications and on various websites, and in our minds and hearts. Robert was one for openly sharing subject information – he never hoarded it. For as long as I’ve known him, he was a sensitive, kind-hearted, unselfish, loving, passionate person.

Heather’s memories of Robert

I met Robert in the 1990s when he was a director with BUFORA, which was a limited company in those days.  I was always a little in awe of his extensive knowledge and his incredible intellect.  He could be shy and unassuming, unaware of the tremendous respect held by so many towards him for his immense academic contribution to BUFORA and ufology.

At the heart of Robert’s amazing contribution to UFOlogy is his Ufology Handbook, now in its 3rd edition.  This will remain as an accolade of Robert’s work and honour him forever!  BUFORA has his Handbook on its website, and this is a major part of the preparation prior to enrolment on to the BUFORA Investigators’ Training Course. 

As I remember Robert, I often think of that profound quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson – ‘Do not go where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail’.  

Robert was a trailblazer, someone who blazes a trail to guide others.  For me, and many others, this describes the heart of Robert’s huge contribution to ufology and other subjects that he was involved with during his life.   He lead the way for so many with his commitment to UFOlogy and his energy, during his many years of mammoth and impressive UFO research.  He paved the way for ufologists past, present and future to travel those roads with a depth of incredible knowledge at their fingertips..  Thank you, Robert!

Robert was a man of substance, decency, kindness, humility and wonderfully sharp humour.  I miss our chats on Messenger so very much.  You have left an empty space in UFOlogy, Robert.

He is irreplaceable and unforgettable......

Robert Moore when he was a child