Robert Herrmann of CaFleureBon  (Michelyn’s collage for his last birthday … Robert loved his roses and Chagall)

As I sit at my keyboard, I was prepared to publish a review that our beloved Sr. Editor Robert Herrmann, who has been seriously ill had miraculously sent me a few weeks ago. Our dear friend and colleague, Senior Editor Robert Bondy Herrmann of CaFleureBon passed away at 10:30 a.m. PST.  

Ron and Robert’s marriage certificate

He died in hospice care as both his kidney and liver failed, with his loving husband Ron Hall at his side. Robert Herrmann brought light and love to his local community, to his family, to his many many friends, and to the fragrance world.

Robert Herrmann’s smile could light a city! photo courtesy of Ron Hall, who sent it after publication G-d Bless Ron

We will miss his thoughtful and insightful perfume reviews, his sense of humor and for me, personally, his friendship and love.  Robert was an actor, an avid traveler, a singer, and a writer extraordinaire who was a  2019 Finalist for The Perfumed Plume Awards for “Scented Spirits: Lili Bermuda Mary Celestia Perfume” – by Robert Herrmann, Sr. Editor and championed emerging olfactive artists as well as niche perfumery to a wider audience. He loved Guerlain and Chanel…bring on the aldehydes and big white florals. He was an avid urban fantasy reader and I am still working on his “To Read” list. His first article for CaFleureBon was written for Mandy Aftel’s Amber Tapestry and Robert cleverly wrapped Cleopatra in a carpet scented with Mandy’s perfume.  His trip to Milan to report on Esxence last March 2018,  was the first time he attended and meeting the perfumers he had only written about filled him with joy.

Robert in Hospice smiling as the sun lit his face just a day before his passing

Death did not win, it never does; it can take the body but not the spirit, nor does it take away our memories.  Robert Herrmann will not be forgotten. To Ron, all Robert’s close friends and family, our readers, and the perfume world on behalf of ÇaFleureBon we offer our deepest condolences.  Robert Herrmann lives on forever in our pages and in our hearts.

Robert Herrmann with pearls while in the hospital

 Robert Herrmann contacted me two weeks ago by phone and requested that Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes create a fragrance for him, Biwa, which he gave  an exact formula of ingredients for her to follow. All proceeds of the fragrance (which will be sold through DSH Perfumes)  will be donated to Robert’s husband to help offset the cost of medical expenses. Ann from Indigo Perfumery will also carry Biwa, as will other retailers who will also donate all proceeds. There is also a Go Fund Me campaign already for Ron to cover  Robert’s medical expenses ….you can donate to as well here.

I will update where to send cards so please check back.

Please join all of us in mourning him but also in celebrating a beautiful life.

Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief