It is with great sadness that Balidiscovery.com announces the passing of Robert Epstone, 75, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, who died peacefully on 01 October 2024 after a brave and dignified battle with brain cancer after receiving care in a UK nursing home.
Robert Epstone 1948 – 2024
Born on 11 October 1948, Robert was raised in a close-knit Jewish family before embracing Buddhism. Robert enjoyed an eclectic career, ranging from band leader to fashion designer. Charismatic and outgoing, Epstone possessed a vibrant personality and boundless ability to connect with others.
Initially working for 40 years in the United Kingdom and Japanese Fashion industry, he spent 10 years in Shanghai, PRC, before finally landing in Bali in 2009. During what was meant to mark Robert’s quiet retirement, he spent 15 months installing wells in East Sumba, working with the Rotary Club of Bali Seminyak before deciding to establish his non-governmental organization (NGO).
To get his Charity underway and raise the profile of his ongoing work, Robert pledged to go barefoot until he successfully raised US$1 million for his foundation, allowing Yayasan Solemen Indonesia’s creation.
By 2011, and already in his 60s, Robert had completed his first barefoot walk of 535 km circumnavigating Bali. Epstone stopped in local villages during the walk to conduct workshops and medical health checks in villages where they had never seen a doctor. His second barefoot walk in 2012 saw Robert undergo surgery on a school desk for a severe foot injury and ended with Robert completing the walk on crutches. What initially was a decision driven by empathy for those who couldn’t afford to wear shoes, becoming a “Soleman” and going barefoot became a way for Epstone to establish his credibility and reputation as a man of integrity -an honest, reliable, and passionate person people who could be trusted to lead a charity.
SoleFamily Bali
In March 2023, Solemen rebranded as Yayasan Sole Family Bali (SFB). The name change to SoleFamily reflects the Charity’s unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive support for needy families. Today, Sole Family Bali is one of Bali’s most respected and reputable non-profit health organizations.
SoleFamily focuses on community outreach, medical intervention, food aid, education, and disaster response. SoleFamily’s activities benefit the sick, the poor, the disabled, and the marginalized in Bali.
Epstone was a popular and high-profile personality in Bali. His friendly nature drew many people in. And, while his bold style enchanted many – sometimes made complete with signature feathers and, for a period, bare feet; others felt their defenses rise, unsure how to engage with someone so unconventional. By any standard, Robert Epstone was a colorful character who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
A passionate advocate for the charitable cause he founded – SoleFamily, Robert dedicated most of his time to helping others. In his limited spare time, he found physical and spiritual inspiration through Buddhist chanting and peaceful walks at the beach with his beloved dog, Cantik.
Robert Epstone’s warm, gentle approach, humor, and incredible life stories will be deeply missed.
Robert Epstone is survived by his wife, Shelley; two children, Sophie and Ali; and one grandchild, Dylan. Robert’s legacy of kindness and generosity will live on in the lives he touched and the established Sole Family Foundation.
Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō
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