The Songs of Bob Hauch
There are three roles that are important in describing the legacy of Bob Hauch. He was a teacher, a coach, and a musician. He was, of course, much more than this – a friend, a fellow believer, all around great guy. But it is in these roles that he especially had a profound impact on many lives.
Teacher
Bob served as a teacher at St. John’s Lutheran School in Napa, CA, for 29 years. Before that he served for nine years at Our Savior Lutheran School in Chicago. For most of his time at St. John’s, he was the seventh grade teacher and athletic director. Students frequently approached Mr. Hauch’s class for the first time in the fall with a measure of fear and trepidation because of the stern image he cultivated. But it wouldn’t take long before they would find that behind the image, was a gifted teacher who deeply cared for his students. The number of former students who continually came back to St. John’s to visit Mr. Hauch is a testimony of the lasting impact and influence of his teaching ministry.
Song Pages
Click on the song title to go to that song’s page, where you can download lyrics, chord sheets, lead sheets, and keyboard parts – all for free.
- We are called to let our light shine before the world that people might see and give glory to God.
- We are sent to be fishers of people
- We celebrate the good things that God has done.
- We are called to grow as people of God
- The Christian life is like a race we are called to run with perseverance
- Our God calls us to xtreme faith in following Him
- Bob Hauch’s prayer as he faced his struggle with cancer.
Musician
Bob Hauch was a gifted musician. He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice, most often accompanying himself on guitar. Every Friday in the classroom, there would be a time of singing, everything from worship songs, his own songs, to “Snoopy and the Red Baron” and “Yellow Submarine.” Many students have noted that those Friday sing-alongs are some of their favorite St. John’s memories.
Additionally, Bob served as a worship leader at St. John’s, leading the singing on Sunday morning, either with a full worship band, or just himself and his guitar. Years ago Bob was part of a trio with former St. John’s teachers George and Starr Fox. They performed not only at St. John’s but also at other churches and schools. And just for fun he sang with “The Crustaceans,” an oldies dance band made up of members of St. John’s worship band, as they performed at benefits around the Napa area.
Coach
Bob Hauch also served as athletic director and coached volleyball, track, and basketball. In addition to coaching at St. John’s, he also coached freshman boys basketball at Vintage High School. Those who played for Bob learned about more than basketball. They benefited not only from many life lessons, but also from Bob’s dedication to and love for the students whom he had the privilege to coach.
Illness
During the last several years of Bob’s life, he was engaged in a heroic struggle with cancer. And it was in the context of this struggle that Bob did perhaps his most profound teaching. By the way he lived, Bob taught us all about facing suffering and death as a child of God, as a disciple of Jesus. Through multiple surgeries, numerous hospitalizations, several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, Bob kept pressing on. He kept coming back to teach more, coach again, and to lead worship and singing. His faith and courage had a profound impact on all those around him.
His faith in the face of this struggle was also expressed in his songs, especially “Run,” “Xtreme Faith Xtreme God,” and “From the Depths.” Please see the pages about these songs for more information.
Bob’s struggle ended on May 27, 2010 when he was welcomed into the presence of the Lord he loved, served, and followed. We who are left behind miss him deeply, but take comfort in the confidence that we will see him again, and sing the praises of the Lord together.
Recording
Unfortunately, there are no recordings of Bob Hauch singing his songs. It was something that he and I discussed, but the progression of his illness interfered with those plans. The only recording that we have is Bob fronting the worship band singing “Awesome God” a number of years ago. This was one of Bob’s signature songs to lead, not only on Sunday mornings, but also at school. The school year typically closed with Bob leading the student body in “Awesome God.”