Among those who call Phoebus home, Robert Sauer's death in late February, 2005 marks a sea change in the fabric and character of our community.

Started in Phoebus at 23 East Mellen Street where the fountain now stands, Robert's Antiques was also located at 17 East Mellen Street, then inside Free City Traders and finally at 26 East Mellen Street.

We cannot speak about his approach to business elsewhere, but during his time in Phoebus, Mr. Sauer demonstrated quite clearly that he could be as fiercely competitive as any other merchant.

Business, after all, was business.  And a deal, after all, was a deal.  And if there was a bargain to be had, Mr. Sauer could generally be counted on to be first in line.

Yet when a personal need presented itself, Mr. Sauer would be the first to set aside his own business interests to help.

Whether it was simply to make a bank deposit for another merchant or help keep a shop open if the owner had an "away" appointment that couldn't be missed - Mr. Sauer was always there.

In short, Mr. Sauer cared for us and for Phoebus. 

And while we might not have been as good as he at showing it, we cared for him.

Robert Sauer, 'Mayor of Phoebus,' dies at 78