Robert Bingham

Robert Clawson Bingham Passed away September 10, 2010 at his home in Orinda, California, after a valiant struggle with melanoma. Bob was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose warmth and sincerity touched all who had the pleasure to know him. Bob was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 19, 1930. A graduate of Miami University in 1952 and a past president of Sigma Nu fraternity, Bob entered the US Navy as a LTJG, stationed at North Island Naval Air Station in Coronado, California. Bob attended Hastings Law School in San Francisco and in 1957, he began his career in real estate at Coldwell Banker in San Francisco followed by a partnership with Reynolds & Brown in 1983, in Concord, California. According to Betsy Selby, soon to become his future wife, he earned his summer pocket money by teaching water skiing at Sunnyside Lodge at Lake Tahoe without ever getting his toes wet. Bob and Betsy, along with their family and friends, spent many wonderful summer days at Lake Tahoe over the course of their 52 year marriage. Bob was a man who loved life; he was a real "people" person. He loved his family, his extended community of friends and his world travels. He particularly cherished the times he spent with his Totem In campmates ruminating around the campfire at the Grove. He was known there, and everywhere, for his easy camaraderie, his engaging smile, and his good nature. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Selby Bingham; his daughters, Loyd Hutchins, Daisy Helman, and Page Bingham; and his four grandchildren, Samuel Hutchins, Robert Hutchins, Beatrice Helman and Wilson Helman. A memorial service will take place at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco on September 24 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to: The Melanoma Center at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, attention: Patty Brent, 10 Brookline Place West, 6 Floor, Brookline, MA, 02445 and The California Pacific Medical Center Clinical Trials Fund. Contact Barbara Lowe 415-600-2769.