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BORN
1930
DIED
2017
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Robert Risley Obituary
Bob received his BS from University of Missouri, 1952. After serving in the U.S. Air Force he received his LLB in 1957, and his JD in 1968 from University of Kansas. He attended graduate school in Taxation at USC.
He was a Vice President-Trust Officer at Title Insurance & Trust Company; Vice President-Trust Officer, Ahmanson Trust Company; Senior Partner, at Rutan & Tucker; Partner at Bowie & Risley; Principal, Risley & Associates; and Partner at Larsen & Risley until he retired in 2001. He also was a Licensed Real Estate Broker. He specialized in Trust & Estate Planning and Real Estate. Martindale-Hubbell gave him an AV preeminent rating. He was a Certified Specialist in Taxation Law, by the California Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California.
Admitted to State Bars in Kansas, California, District of Columbia, United States Tax Court, and the United States Supreme Court.
Professional memberships: Kansas Bar Association; California Bar Association; American Bar Association; District of Columbia Bar Association; Lawyers Pilot Bar Association; Orange County Bar Association; Kansas University Law Review, 1956; California Bar Association Continuing Education Committee, 1966-76; California Bar Association Public Relations Committee, 1969-73; American Bar Association Section of Real Estate & Probate Law; Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity; Academician, International Academy of Estate & Trust Law; Fellow, American College of Probate Council; International Association of Financial Planners, Director, Orange County Chapter 1985-87; Newport Beach Estate Planning Council; Orange County Estate Planning Council, President, 1968; Orange County Charitable Giving Council; Delegate, Commission of the Californias, 1981-82.
Other memberships: Sigma Nu Rho Chapter Fraternity, University of Missouri; Order of St. Stanislas of Poland; Sovereign Order of the Oak; Grand Sovereign Dynastic Hospitaller, Order of St. John, Knights of Malta; Advisory Council Salvation Army of Orange County; Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association; National Rifle Association; Board of Directors, South Coast Institute of Gerontology; Orange County Financial Society; Kentucky Colonel in the Commonwealth of Kentucky; Newport Harbor Elks; Quiet Birdmen; a proud American & a Republican.
Honours: Grand Cross, Order of St. Stanislas of Poland; Grand Cross, Sovereign Order of the Oak; Knight of Grace, Grand Sovereign Dynastic Hospitaller of St. John, Knights of Malta; Grand Bailiff, Sovereign Order of the Oak; Men of Achievement; Who's Who in Executives and Professionals.
Masonic: Order of DeMolay, St. Joe, MO; Raised 3rd degree Master Mason at Charity Lodge #331, St. Joseph, MO & later transferred to Garden Grove Masonic Lodge #351; Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in Abdallah Temple, Kansas; Knights Templar of California; Royal Arch Masons of California; York Rite; Scottish Right; El Bekal Shriner.
Hobbies: hunting, fishing, flying, reading, golfing, skiing and traveling.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Susan; two sons, Rob & Ron Risley; two grandsons, Matthew Quinn and Joshua Mark Risley. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Elbert Lawton Risley, and his mother, Mary Ann Yarber Risley.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to Shriners Crippled Children's Hospital, Los Angeles.
Masonic service, presentation of Military Honors and a Celebration of his Life will be on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 1:00-4:30pm at The Pacific Club, 4110 MacAthur Blvd., Newport Beach 92660. Please RSVP to [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Risley
Sponsored by Trident Society - San Diego.
Diana Hensley
April 1, 2019
I think of Robert almost every time I go to the mailbox for that is where I encountered him most of the time. He always had a smile and a pleasant word or two. Robert, youll always be there in my mind, warming up the neighborhood.
Chris Belmonte
April 1, 2019
Always, always in my heart. I love you Bob.
Another gift from Bob and Susan from their vacation. I have treasured this Angel for years and years.
Chris Belmonte
May 2, 2017
A gift from Bob when he became a Knight of Malta...
Chris Belmonte
May 2, 2017
Alphonso
April 25, 2017
To the family of Robert Lawton Risley, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure you will miss him dearly. Please find comfort in knowing one day we will see our loved ones again. John 6:40. Matthew 5:5.
Anne Lanphar
April 18, 2017
Bob was one of my favorite partners at Rutan & Tucker. He had a great sense of humor. All my prayers for the repose of his soul and for peace and comfort to his family.
Roger Grable
April 14, 2017
Bob was a very special person in my life. Mentor, father figure, raconteur, best friend. The times we spent hunting and fishing together are among the most special experiences of my life. From Baja California to Alaska, so many great memories. None of which I would have experienced except for Bob. His illness was devastating to me in so many ways. No one lived a more vibrant and exciting life than Bob until his stroke. It was very hard for me to see him after that and I guess I let him down as a friend but I took comfort in knowing the Susan would always be there for him and she was. A true angel. I will, of course, have my memories, but I do believe Bob is in a better place now.
Chris Belmonte
April 13, 2017
Words can not express the sadness I feel. I worked with Bob & Susan for many years and have known them for 40 years. I'll never forget eating scrapple at his parents, learning how important "the point" is on a dessert, his many, many stories, when my hair turned green from the spa in Florida, beautiful Hawaii, his excitement when he took me to buy my first new car, and so many beautiful memories. I will love you Bob for all eternity...
April 13, 2017
I knew and worked with Robert Risley as his paralegal for about 10 years. During that time he was a teacher, a mentor and a friend. He was always helpful and willing to listen and talk; a true communicator. I respected his love of the law, his enthusiasm and commitment to his clients. His humor (limericks were his thing) and his smile with a sparkle in his eye made you his friend for life. He had the strength to ease his clients in uncomfortable personal matters. Nothing seemed to rattle him. Personally, he was a loyal friend, loving nothing better than to share one of his many stories over a cup of coffee or a cocktail. The world lost a very special person. Laura Turknette (Arroyo Grande, CA)
Shirley Lacroix
April 13, 2017
Sorry to learn of the passing of Bob Risley. I met Bob and Susan at the Moana in Waikiki during their annual anniversary trip and like the movie, Same Time, Next Year, saw them each year in August. Bob was a great mind and I enjoyed talking to him as part of my visiting with my Hawaii "family." I'll always remember when I was in Long Beach for work and Bob & Susan drove to my hotel and took me to dinner. RIP, Bob. We'll have to toast you by the pool during the next trip!
Diana Hensley
April 12, 2017
Robert "Bob" Risley was my longtime neighbor and friend. He always had a smile on his face and a cheerful word for us.
He was a generous man and he will be missed. Diana Hensley
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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