Robert B. VanderNoor

1939 - 2010

Robert B. VanderNoor ATTORNEY September 9, 1939 - October 13, 2010 Attorney Robert Bruce VanderNoor, 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, October 13, 2010. He was born in Porterville, CA on September 9, 1939 to the late Robert D. and Beatrice VanderNoor. Robert is survived by his ex-wife, Sue Kennedy VanderNoor; his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Mario Balangue; his sister, Sandra Ricci; daughter, Julie VanderNoor Urner; son-in-law, Bryan Urner; son, Jeff VanderNoor; granddaughter, Emily Urner; and numerous nieces and nephews as well as extended family. Over the last decade, Bob's relationship with Dede Upton gave him immense joy and pleasure, and it was their ability to laugh together that helped him get through the last year. Dede and her family became part of Bob's family and have been a constant source of support for all of us. Bob had a wonderful childhood growing up in Porterville, CA. He attended St. Anne's School and Porterville Union High School where he played football and excelled in baseball. He graduated from high school in 1957 and attended the University of Santa Clara for both his undergraduate degree and his Juris Doctorate degree in Law. Bob was also a U.S. Army Veteran, and he obtained the rank of Captain in the California National Guard. Bob practiced law in Bakersfield for 45 years. He began his legal career in the District Attorney's office in 1965. When he left the DA's office to pursue private practice, he hadn't lost a single felony trial. In need of a change, Bob decided that he wanted to specialize in criminal defense and opened the Law Offices of R.B. VanderNoor. His daughter, an attorney, will continue to practice criminal defense and keep the practice open as Bob wanted her to follow in his footsteps. Bob was an excellent advocate, admired by his colleagues and well respected in the community. Even when he was ill, he continued to take on new clients putting his own health aside to help others. Despite recent adversity, Bob never complained about anything. Instead, he bravely fought on with courage and dignity. His sense of humor and sarcastic wit never wavered one bit. Bob was not only an exceptional attorney, but he was an exceptional man who left such an everlasting impression on his children and those he treasured. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf and cards. But, Bob's greatest passion was his family and extended family. He will be dearly missed by everyone. A special thank you to the team of doctors at the City of Hope for their compassionate care. The family would also like to thank Danny and Lola Nickell for their never ending love and support over the last few weeks. Visitation will be open to the public on Friday, October 22, from 5 pm-8 pm at Hillcrest. A service or celebration of Bob's life will be held on Saturday, October 23, at 2:00 p.m., in the chapel at Hillcrest. A graveside service will immediately follow. www.bakersfield.com/obits