Herbert E. Robards Jr.

Herbert E. Robards Jr.

Resident of San Jose

June 27, 1923 - November 11, 2010

Herb Robards passed away peacefully last week attended by his son and daughter-in-law at the age of 87. Herb was born in Miami, AZ, but moved to a small farm in the Sacramento area early in life. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Air Force to join our forces in the South Pacific during WWII. He served as crew chief on a B29 and was stationed in the Mariana Islands of Guam and Saipan for the remainder of the war. After his discharge in March 1946, he returned to California and attended San Jose State College. While at SJS, his sister Jane, a coach and teacher at the college, introduced him to an aspiring young tennis star and coed, Evelyn Hutchison, his future wife of over 62 years. Herb enjoyed a 30 year sales career for Gaylord Brothers, a distributor of school and library products. He retired in 1984, but stayed vibrant and active surrounded by young co-workers while working for Gelco Leasing and Avcar Rental Cars over the next 10 years. The Robards family moved to the Almaden area in 1962. A founding member at Almaden Country Club, he enjoyed playing golf, his wife's tennis tournaments, and their children and grand children's sporting events throughout his life. Herb and Ev moved to the Villages in the late 90's where they continued to enjoy golf and tennis until health issues dictated a more sedentary life style.

Herb is preceded in death by his sister Beverly. He is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn, his son and daughter, Mark Robards of Los Gatos, and Chris Burdick of Sonoma, and their spouses Debbi Robards and Steve Burdick. In addition, grandchildren Michael and Jolyn Robards, Jake and Jess Wade, siblings Jane Burtner, Gene Robards, and Fran Best, and many nieces and nephews will miss Herb's unique language, antics and magnetic personality. Family members, friends, and co-workers alike remember spending many good times with "Herbie" throughout the years. He was universally loved, and will be missed dearly. A "Celebration of Life" is scheduled for 2pm Sunday, Dec 5, at Vineyard Center at The Villages. The main gate is located at Villages Pkwy, San Jose, CA 95135.