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Robert Tobin Obituary
Sept. 23, 1948-June 7, 2014
Resident Of Los Gatos
Robert ("Bob") Myles Tobin passed away on June 7, 2014, surrounded by family and friends. Bob was born on September 23, 1948, and raised in Marin County in the idyllic town of Fairfax, California. He attended Sir Francis Drake High School in San Anselmo, California and was a star athlete. Bob participated in multiple sports, which resulted in scholarships to the University of Santa Clara, where he played on the power house basketball teams of the late 1960s.
After graduation from college in 1970, he entered the U.S. Army Reserves, and was stationed in Ft. Ord, California. Upon his honorable discharge, he entered law school at the University of Santa Clara, and became a licensed California lawyer in June of 1975. Thereafter, Bob became a very successful trial lawyer, having enjoyed employment and partnership with the San Jose law firms of Hoge, Fenton, Jones, and Appel, and Rankin Oneal, before eventually going into solo practice.
On a personal level, Bob never met a stranger and his circle of friends was wide and varied from all walks of life. Bob had a big heart, was generous to a fault and would give anyone the shirt off his back. He exuded charm and with his tall good looks was a presence in any room. He had a sharp wit and keen sense of humor and laughed easily at life's many foibles and characters.
He embraced life and all it had to offer, having traveled worldwide and having lived abroad.
Bob is survived by his mother, Dorothy Paterson Tobin of San Rafael, California, his sister Catherine Tobin of Greenbrae, his sister Colleen Tobin Finney and brother-in-law Butch Finney of Novato, California, his brother Myles Stephen Tobin and his sister-in-law Sue Tobin of San Jose, California, a niece, and his best friend Jeannie Starcevich. He is preceded in death by his father, Myles Tobin, his beloved uncle, Fr. William Tobin, S.J., as well as his beloved dog Poppy.
A Memorial Mass of Celebration of Life will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church located in Los Gatos, California, at 10 AM on June 20, 2014. The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the University of Santa Clara sports programs, or to the charity of your choice.
Bob will be interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Tobin
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Diantha Stensrud Lowery
June 11, 2020
Dear Gentle Tobin & Klatt family & friends,
I hope that time had helped you to adjust to life with the absence of Bob. He was a special man who graced many many people of all ages as well as helping many as well.
Grief is something that stays with us after such a loss.
On this anniversary of Bobs passing I want to convey my sincere condolences.
With affection,
Diantha Stensrud Lowery
June 14, 2019
Bob, or ROBERTO - As I called him.
I have to say this. He was like NO ONE ELSE! Always kind! Always informative, and a little more so at times!
And, for him saying Hello to a Friend.
A Friend meaning a PERSON!
Those he did not know or have ever met!
He was Sharp and he was Witty!
(A little Street-Wise I must say.)
I could go ON-AND-ON!
LOve you BOB, and you are on my mind just about everyday!
I guess that I got the, "TOB'S EFFECT!" I do not regret it EVER!
John Healey
June 12, 2019
God bless big Bob Tobin, I'll always remember the strongest player in college basketball, 1969 and how he helped me when I needed it most. His spirit will live on.
July 4, 2014
Heyyyy Rob willlll misss youuuu , yooouuu spenttt mannny hhhooouuursss makking usss all laugh. Greattt knowwingg you old friend.
Darla Patterson
July 2, 2014
I will miss you mookieman. ..your crazy spellings of words and your sense of humor was a joy I looked forward to each day that you were in skype....now that you are with the angels...don't forget to look down and watch over us....I will miss you terribly
Kim H
July 2, 2014
You will be deeply missed as part of our online family. We will miss you
From your Skype Rooms
Sean Rooney
June 21, 2014
I met Bob in Mexico in the 1970s, attracted by his ebullient, gregarious and adventuresome nature. He was always smiling.
Gonna miss the dude.
Barbara Sauer
June 21, 2014
I meet Bob when he first came to Hoge, Fenton, et al. He had a wonderful smile, a great sense of humor and was always the consummate gentleman.
Condolences to his family. Take solace in knowing you had a very extraordinary man in your son and brother who touched so many people in wonderful ways.
We are all better for having known him.
June 20, 2014
Bob always "stuck up" for the Wee one's! He never allowed Bullying and I will always remember his Bravery and willingness to be a Friend FIRST!
We will all miss you Bob but look forward to seeing you again!
Gloria Rosson
June 20, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Tobin family. Bob was a big hearted man and he will be missed by so many.
June 19, 2014
To the Tobin family and Jeannie there are no words to describe how much Bob meant in my life.He saw me through my rough divorce and was always there to catch me when I fell.He was my good friend for 30 something years. He was such a bright light that I know there will never be another.God bless you and know that he was so kind and beautiful. Love to your family Mary Mac Prescott.
Patricia Otero
June 19, 2014
I remember helping Bob planning a party for his family he wanted everything to be perfect More than enough for everyone and for everyone to have a good time and enjoy themselves. Thoughtful, fun and good hearted that's how I'll remember Bob! It was fun to watch him sing Karaoke " I got friends in low places" Blessing to Bob's family
June 18, 2014
My friend Bob wrote in our High School yearbook 48 years ago. "Well'p Cort I hardly know what to say. We've known each other almost all our lifes and we've gone though everything that someone could go through together. You and I together have probably gone through and more fun together than any friends could have. Good luck in the future and I hope to see a lot more of you. Bob T." We had our last supper and joy ride together a week before he passed. See you around the corner my friend. Cortney Balzan
Cookie Wood Braunschweig
June 18, 2014
To Dorothy, Cathy, Colleen and Myles. My heart goes out to you all with the loss of "Bobbie," as I remember him. We were all kids in Hilldale Park - it was a wonderful time. He certainly became a man to be proud of.
john healey
June 18, 2014
Rest in peace Big Bad Tobe! Thanks for the friendship, laughs and advice. Hope to see you in Heaven some day.
Love,
Heals
June 18, 2014
I haven't seen Bob in years. We attended both Grammerand High school together. I followed his basketball days at Santa Clara as well. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. With sympathy.
Catherine McCarthy Krieg
Brownie Barnes
June 17, 2014
Bob Tobin.......what can I say! A dear friend, always had a welcome smile. His stories and long tales of Santa Clara University were always entertaining. The town Los Gatos will never be the same without you. <3
Randy Froh
June 17, 2014
A True Legend. A man of many talents, caring and generous. I was lucky to have him as a friend.
John Dougherty
June 17, 2014
Another star in the heavens.
My condolences to his family and close friends.
June 17, 2014
Gee, little Bobby got his Mom and Dad's good looks, kindness and good humor! I remember a little round-faced boy with brown hair....Dorothy, I am so sorry you must experience the loss of this great son. The Tobin family: what a lot of wonderful memories of our early youth you gave us. We're with you at this time.
Judy Wood and Cookie Braunschweig
June 17, 2014
Condolences to all the family. Bob was a great guy. Playing baseball and basketball with Bob growing up in Fairfax will always be in my memories of my early years as were the years at Drake. Pete & Lynn Forni
Diantha Stensrud
June 17, 2014
Our sincere condolences to the Tobin and Klatt families. Bob Tobin's spirit will surely be missed around Los Gatos at his many social places where he was frequently seen over the years. His handsome smile and positive presence was a gift to us all.
Sincerely,
Diantha Duckworth Stensrud & family
June 17, 2014
You will be missed by many Bob. Love and healing to all the family.
Donna Palazzolo Swirczek
June 17, 2014
Dear Cathy, sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I remeber him as a kid in Fairfax Little League. He was always full of fun, playing ball and really enjoying it. Condolences to your family, sincerely, Hank Ryan
Grace Carr Lee
June 17, 2014
Deepest sympathies to the family and close friends from all of us "old timers" at Hoge Fenton. Bob had a wonderful spirit. He will be greatly missed.
Eddie Fontaine
June 17, 2014
To the Tobin family my sincere condolences, Bob was a long time friend and confidant. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. I'm definitely going to miss his smile and sense of humor. RIP my friend
Andy Thrall
June 16, 2014
Even though our paths were somewhat brief, I have often reminisced his huge heart.
Rest in Sweet Peace.
John Steve
June 16, 2014
I am proud to have called Bob Tobin my friend ... He will be missed by many... John Stege SCU '74
Sandi Rossetta
June 16, 2014
I use to file papers for Bob back in the 70's and we've been friends ever since. You will be missed my friend~~~~I'm out of town and won't make it to your memorial~~ my condolences to your family and friends.
Wayne rice
June 15, 2014
bob taught me everything he knew about bartending in about 5 min,40 years ago
Mikee Hayes
June 15, 2014
BOB WAS MY FRIEND FOR Many years . we shared some really good times . we had many experinces together . he saved my life once ! I,am going to miss him Mikee Hayes
Mary Sea
June 14, 2014
Bob was my first real high school sweetheart. He was good looking, tall and very funny. I was a little shy and he made me feel at ease with him. I'm so sorry he has passed. He was full of life and was so very accomplished as an Attorney. I'm glad I knew him. I send my condolences to his family and friends.
Mary(Peaches)Pla-Sea
Graeagle, Ca.
Michael Pouey
June 14, 2014
Rip my dear friend.
michael lund
June 13, 2014
I'll miss you " john wayne" Tobin
Gregg Corbett
June 12, 2014
My condolences to the Tobin family. I feel very fortunate that I was able to reconnect with Bob by chance in Baja after many years. I have many fond memories of growing up with the Tobin boys in Oak Manor. Bob's passing is a great loss to all and he will be missed by so many, Gregg Corbett
Alexandra Achilli
June 12, 2014
I will always have fond memories of you from when I was a little girl. You never came over empty-handed, always with a bouquet of flowers or a joke to make me laugh. I will miss seeing your face around town. Hopefully you and my dad are having a party up there! Love you.
June 12, 2014
Bob Tobin had such a wonderful zest for life and he will be missed by many! Rest in peace
June 11, 2014
Hey Tob's, Gregorio here. Just have to say a couple of things pal. 1) There will NEVER be anyone like you! Which is a good thing, you are TOB'S! 2) You my COUNSELOR, will and have been, always on my mind! Love ya pal, Gregorio
Matt Ober
June 11, 2014
Bob you will be missed, you were a great neighbor and friend and I will always remember our conversations. - Matt Ober
Mexico
Gary Barbin
June 11, 2014
WILL MISS YOU PAL
Darling Fischer Chapel of the Hills
June 16, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Darling & Fischer Chapel of the Hills615 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030
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