Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Bob Coakley Obituary
June 5, 1964 ~ September 15, 2011
BIG SUR - He skied Aspen Mountain at three. He appeared in extreme skiing films in his 20s. He biked Europe by himself in his 30s. And he never met a stranger. Robert "Bob" McGregor Coakley loved life and everyone and everything in it. He was a pal and an exuberant presence at every gathering of family and friends. They don't make many Bob Coakleys. And the world is a poorer place without him.
Born in Marin County, he spent his early years hiking, biking and skiing when his family moved to Aspen, Colorado. That period of outdoor discovery was to set his life's direction. In 1971, Bob moved to Carmel Valley where he attended Carmel High School. Then, the magnetism of the mountains brought him to the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he graduated with a degree in Recreational Business.
An expert skier, Bob joined the professional ski patrol in Park City, Utah, and was the skiing double for actor James Spader in the 1991 film "True Colors". That experience provided the impetus for Bob to make a career in outdoor reality films with both his own Wasatch Film Company, and as an actor/producer with Real Action Pictures of Canada. He produced segments for the critically-acclaimed PBS giant surf film "Condition Black", acted in Jon Long's film "Carving the White" and was involved in a variety of travel and extreme biking and skiing film productions.
In recent years Bob has divided his time between his home in Mill Valley, California, his own mountain retreat in Big Sur and assisting his father with marketing the Carmel Valley Lodge.
He died where he loved to live - high atop a Big Sur mountain, the tragic victim of a fire.
Bob is survived by his mother, Janice Wren of San Francisco; father, Peter Coakley of Carmel Valley; his sister, Katharine Coakley Baker of Portland, Oregon; and his brother, Michael Coakley of Newport Beach, California.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held at the l3th Avenue Beach in Carmel, California, on Monday, October 3, 2011. Friends are invited to gather starting at 4:00 PM with remembrances at sundown.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bob Coakley
Sponsored by His Loving Family.
Wendy Quinn
November 6, 2024
Bob, I was going through my photos and came across a post card you wrote to me. You were a dear friend. We had many good times together, laughs, skiing and that mountain bike ride into the dark, riding through forbidden lands in Carmel. I miss you friend.
ranjeet grewal
January 30, 2024
Oh gosh. Im so sad to find out about Bob. We were friends in grade school in Aspen and once traveled to Carmel with Jan in the station wagon to visit his dad at the lodge. He is a true character I will never forget. My condolences to Jan, Mike and his family...such a loss.
Ranjeet Grewal
joseph white
October 19, 2023
I just found out we lost you Bob. I've thought about you often over the years.
I wish we could go back in time to our days at Monte Vista Christin School, when we were little and our troubles were few. You will live forever in our hearts and memories.
Joseph White
June 5, 2015
Bob today you would have turned 51. We first met in Carmel in the mid eighties. You were always filled with life and we shared some amazing times together from Jerry Garcia playing on the upper mountain at Squaw Valley to heli skiing in Alaska cir 1995 when it was only the best of the best who dared to venture to ski those mountains. What a blast to be around and share those great times all those years ago. Miss your great energy but know you are still grooving to awesome tunes and riding epic runs. Say hey to Jerry for me. Godspeed
Dan H
Truckee Ca
Tracy Cordrey
September 16, 2013
Dear Bob,
You are still frequently in my thoughts, as if you are standing right next to me. In the music we shared, the things you would say, the unforgettable "Bob" moments. You are missed and not forgotten.
Janice Wren
September 15, 2013
Bobby, we still hold you tightly to our hearts.
It has been two years today. a sad day, but it can be heard that you are telling us, "It's okay, everything is great where I am now. I love you all." Rest in peace, my love and always know how much we all miss you. Life isn't the same without you. Your mother, Jan Wren
January 10, 2012
what an interesting guy...Peter, Boston
Sandy Dixon
October 24, 2011
I met Bob in Whistler just after he was filming almost 20 years ago now. He flew me down to LA and we drove up the California coast where he showed me some of the most beautiful places and introduced me to his amazing life, friends and mother. My memories are of his smile, huge heart and his trusted van that drove us to all of the Greatful Dead Shows :) ... My condolences to all of his family and friends, much love to you during this time...
Sarah Groebli (Weaklend)
October 17, 2011
Although I did not know Bob, my heart goes out to his family. Peter, I am truly sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
lia
October 1, 2011
bob was a very special person. my heart goes out to his family. bob was loved and will continue to be.
god bless.
Jay Knepp
September 29, 2011
My condolences to all of his family. May his spirit live on in each of us. Rest in Peace Bobby
Never will you be out of out hearts, dear Bobby!
Janice Wren
September 27, 2011
Our family is overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support to the loss our dear Bob. It has helped us all so much.
Thank you, thank you.
His loving mother, jan Wren
Tina Crivello Romeka
September 27, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Coakley family in these difficult times. Bob's heart warming smile and kind heart will never be forgotten.
Francesca Stauffacher
September 26, 2011
My deepest condolences to Bob's family, My thoughts and prayers are with you and may you be reminded of the wonderful memories of Bob that will live on forever.
Tracy Cordrey
September 26, 2011
" To Bob's Family-I'm deeply sorry for your loss...and it truely IS a loss."
"To Bob-Thank You for your freindship, life changing experiences,and
unforgettable memories. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you tremendously! Live on...Tracy
Michelle McGregor
September 25, 2011
Cousin Bobby
thank you for being such a great inspriation to all in our family
you will always be part of us, each and every day
your ethusiam for life and your connection with people IS the right way to live
with love, your cousin MIchelle
September 24, 2011
To the Coakley family, please accept my condolences on the loss of Bobby. He was a magnet and true pleasure to be around. Rich Caraker (Kofu, Japan)
Tara DeSousa
September 24, 2011
My dear Bobby , your beautiful spirit is forever in my heart . The world was graced by the gift of you in it. Your spirit lives on , you are loved as much as you're missed .
steve o
September 24, 2011
Bob will be missed
Kathleen Dunn
September 24, 2011
To the Coakley family - my thoughts and prayers are with you all. So very sorry for the loss of beloved Bobby. I am deeply sadden by the tragic news and will miss him so very much. He was loved and a special person in my life. God bless.
Laurie Husby
September 24, 2011
Bobby was always kind , friendly and a joy to be around. My thoughts are with all of his family and friends. May you find peace while celebrating Bobby's spirit.
Gretchen McGregor Venkatesh
September 24, 2011
My heartfelt prayers to the Coakley family and the extended McGregor family who loved Bobby dearly.
In this time of profound loss, may strength and peace be found.
With love, Gretchen from India
Scott Smith
September 24, 2011
I have so many fun and funny memories of times with Bobby. Keeping up with him was no easy feat for any of us. His spirit and smile will always live in my memories of those great times passed.
September 23, 2011
Peter and Family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your son.
God Bless.
Scott Walker
Shelley (Chatwin) Schulte
September 23, 2011
I have fond memories of Bobby. Always a joker, loved life and full of laughs...
My deepest sympathy to his family.
Michael LaFontaine
September 23, 2011
His energy and life will be truly missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
kathy smith
September 23, 2011
My heart aches for your heartbreak. I am so, so sorry you lost your beloved son, brother and friend.
Joe Gleason
September 23, 2011
A good friend that will be dearly missed.
Jennifer Leaper
September 23, 2011
Bobby was definitely one of a kind. His passion for life and his devotion to his friends and family made a lasting impression on all who knew him. Where Booby went, laughter and light followed. He was truly loved and will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his family.
Bob Coakley
September 22, 2011
September 22, 2011
Posted by his dear friend Michael LaFontaine--
In the early hours of Sept 15th we lost our dear friend Bob Coakley in an unfortunate accident on his mountain in Big Sur. There will be a bonfire service on Carmel Beach at 13th St. (approximately 4:00pm until after sunset)October 3rd. I hope to gather some pictures, comments and stories from all in order have something for all of us to remember him by. If you have something to share with all of Bobs friends and family, please send them to [email protected]. Please pass this on to anyone who knew Bob.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in Bob Coakley's name
Memorial Events
for Bob Coakley
How to support Bob's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bob Coakley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
