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Robert Lissner Obituary
90
Resident of Soquel
Robert "Bob" Lissner, of Soquel, CA, died on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 of complications of Parkinson's disease. He was 90. Born on September 25, 1923 in Los Angeles, California, Bob served in the US Coast Guard attached to the Navy amphibious assault squadron in the South Pacific, taking part in invasions of Guam, Moritay, Leyhte, and Luzon—experiences which fueled many ribald tales of misadventure and misbehaviour. He attended Flintridge Preparatory School in Los Angeles; Stanford University, where he earned a masters in history; and San Jose State, where he received his teaching credential. In 1946, he married Doreen Turner and had three children: Eve, Dian, and David. For over twenty years, Bob taught American Government at Santa Cruz High, where political activism was a class requirement. Practicing what he preached, Robert, a dedicated Democrat, ran many campaigns, including the local Jessie Jackson and Ted Kennedy presidential bids, and most memorably, Julian Camacho's two runs for Congress in the 1970s. Bob served on the Democratic Central Committee for 13 years, two years as the chair. He walked precincts tirelessly during election season, never crossed a picket line, was active in his teacher's union, and was a prime mover in bringing the American Federation of Teachers to Santa Cruz City Schools. Bob was a generous donor to political causes and was likewise generous with people who were down on their luck, never asking for repayment. After losing his sight to macular degeneration, he was an avid reader of audio books about politics and history. Robert was funny and clowned around with his friends in the Lyon's Club, where he was named Lyon of the year twice. He enjoyed sharing MGM musicals, especially those starring Fred Astaire, with his grandchildren, twins Arthur and Darrian. Bob loved dogs, raising and showing mastiffs for twenty years. He doted on his most recent canine friend, Lucy, a vivacious shitzu. Robert is survived by his wife Doreen, children Eve "Levrae" Lissner, Dian O'Reilly, David Lissner, and grandchildren Arthur and Darrian O'Reilly. The family sends a special thank you to Hospice of Santa Cruz. Memorial donations may be made in Robert Lissner's name to the the Al Wright Scholarship c/o Greater Santa Cruz Federation of Teachers, 501 Mission St., Suite 11, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. The scholarship goes to SCCS graduates who wish to pursue a career in education.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Lissner
Ken Doler
September 26, 2020
He was the most interesting, passionate, dedicated and influential teacher I ever had growing up. In these trying times I can't help thinking of him and how he instilled interest in us in our government. I miss him:
Jan Reid
August 26, 2014
Bob was a great person who spent much of his life helping causes and individuals. The Lissners are a primary reason why liberals succeeded in Santa Cruz County.
Those who knew Bob will never forget him.
Love,
Jan and Gina Reid
Paul Handleman
August 3, 2014
Condolences to the Lissner family. As a friend of Dian at UCSC in the late 1970s, I have fond memories of visiting the Lissner homestead and waiting for someone to round up the charging Mastiffs before opening the car door. Bob was always welcoming to Dian's friends and took obvious pleasure in talking about life & history. May he rest in peace.
Peter Ehrman
May 5, 2014
One of my favorite teachers of all time! I quote him often.
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Chris Lissner
April 22, 2014
So very strange that my uncles Dick and Bob Lissner died within weeks of each other. After some happy trips to the bucolic Soquel farm as a kid, we lost touch. But I remember Bob as being a kind man and very fatherly when I was in need. So glad to be back in touch with cool cousin D. and hope to make it up one of these days. R.I.P. good man.
Johnna Reader Coty
January 15, 2014
So sorry to hear of Bob passing on. Have many great memories from my childhood of playing at their farm in Soquel, days spent swimming and admiring their animals. Such a wonderful and giving family. Rest in peace Bob... You are loved and missed.
Michael Reid
November 11, 2013
Doreen and Family
Just heard today of Bob's passing. As you know, Bob and I had a special love for the odd and things slightly risqué.
When ever a letter came from Bob, I would have to retreat behind closed doors to open and view the contents.
He had a great sense of humor, a tireless worker for the Soquel Community and I always voted "Bob's Ticket". Bob is not gone. He lives in me and when I think of him I will smile. I will only miss his fury face and soft lips.
David Landino JR
November 9, 2013
Bob you were a good teacher and person even though our political views were totally opposite, it was fun being your teacher's aide at SCHS in the 80s.Thank You for the many history lessons. RIP MR Lissner.
Anne (Beuse) McIntyre
November 9, 2013
Can still recall Mr. Lissner's lively gove't classes at SCHS in the 1960s. Great teacher--fond memories of a smart, kind, humorous man. Warm regards to family.
Edy Hutton
November 6, 2013
What a special man Bob was, and I'm sorry to hear of his passing. Thanks to him and Doreen, Jeff HIllier and I were able to open a gallery at 320 Cedar Street during the early 1980's. We were charged a very affordable rent, and the Lissners went out of their way to make us welcome and to maintain the building. I have never forgotten their kindness and enclose my heartfelt condolences.
Gary Patton
November 5, 2013
Here is my memory of Bob. A great democratic agitator - and most important, a great democratic educator! What a wonderful contribution he made to our community.
http://www.gapatton.net/2013/11/308-bob.html
George Myers
November 3, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss. I remember Bob and Al Wiemers at SCHS. What a memory Bob
had! Years later he remembered me. Always enjoyed Bob on KSCO. Mike Zwerling's favorite caller! Much love to you and yours. (George the mailman on Soquel Dr in Aptos).
November 3, 2013
Much more than just a teacher to me, Bob will truly be missed. A huge part of my life from.
From the mean little kid in the 1970 class!
November 3, 2013
Mr. Lissner was a teacher for me in so many ways I still remember his Government Class at SC. He was a good man.
Steve Welch
November 3, 2013
Bob I was in your class in the 60's and I really liked your class even though we had different views. You will be missed by all who took your classes. Rest in Peace and my condolences to your family
Dan Haifley
November 3, 2013
Bob was a generous man with a big heart and great spirit. He will be missed by many, and no one will ever take his place.
Eric Johnston
November 3, 2013
the Lissner family. I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Lissner was always so kind to me when I was out at the property. My god be with you.
Steve Hartman
November 2, 2013
So long, Ol' friend, Bob! You're the first liberal I met who made any sense. Of course, by making sense I suspect you lost your liberal tag. And get things ready for us. We'll be checking back in with you one o'these days. God's speed.
Stanley D Stevens
November 2, 2013
Dear Doreen and Family:
We are saddened by Bob's passing. He was a great friend and compatriot for justice and political liberalism. We remember his devotion to Julian Camacho during the heyday of our earliest attempt to elect minority candidates to Congress. We also remember that our son, Alex (now deceased too), had his first Soccer Shop in the 26th & Portola building rented from Bob & Doreen.
Carli and I send our best wishes in his memory.
Stan Stevens
Debra Rodkey
November 2, 2013
Lissner Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Lissner was a such a great teacher, I can still remember is smile in the 70's. He touched our lives, and was one of the best teachers.
Debra and Fred Rodkey
Elaine Scargill
November 2, 2013
Mr. Lissner: You were one heck of an American Government teacher. I would say you were my favorite male teacher at SCHS despite our differences in political views back in 1981. May you Rest In Peace. My condolences to The Lissner Family. Class of 1981.
Brian O'Regan
November 2, 2013
Dear Mr. Lissner, thank you for being such a wonderful teacher to me. I'll never forget how passionately you taught all of us and how much you cared for all your students. My heart feels heavy this morning upon seeing your obituary, but I know there is a great place waiting for you. Thank you for everything you did, you will not soon be forgotten.
Brian O'Regan
SCHS class of '81
Tim McLaughlin
November 2, 2013
"Mr" Lissner was one of my teachers at the new Soquel high school, 1962-63. Great personality, plus you definitely knew where you stood in his classes! A stand-out teacher to a lot of us.
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