1941
2020
Robert Payne Peebles Jr.
1941 – 2020
Robert Payne Peebles, known to everyone as "Bob," long-time resident of St. Helena, California, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2020.
Bob was born in San Francisco and grew up the only child of Ida Butterfield-Dornberger Peebles and Robert Payne Peebles, Sr. in Millbrae, California.
Always a committed patriot, Bob participated in ROTC at Cappuccino High School in San Bruno, California, and immediately joined the Navy after graduation. Based in San Diego, he served three years aboard the destroyer Floyd B. Parks and sailed extensively in the Pacific and around South East Asia. His mechanical and engineering skills earned accolades for his ability to "fix anything." At sea, he developed a wanderlust that would set a course for the remainder of his life.
After the Navy, he began his lifetime career in commercial and industrial real estate in Southern California and the western United States. His early business successes allowed him to experience the extreme adventure travel he loved. From explorations in the Arctic to expeditions in Antarctica, over the years Bob explored every continent and ventured to the wildest corners of the globe. Long before it was in vogue, he climbed Mt. Everest, white water rafted the Bio Bio River in Chili, and trekked Patagonia to name a few.
In 1996, Bob married Valerie Southall Thomas in Newport Beach and soon after they relocated to the Napa Valley. Together they lovingly developed their property in the hills of St. Helena to represent the life they cherished. For the twenty-four years of their marriage, he called Valerie "his true love."
Always following a fitness and health regime, Bob trained for and completed the 2002 Napa Valley Marathon finishing first in his class.
Bob's passions included fine automobiles. For decades, he collected exceptional British motor cars, showcasing them where they won numerous awards for excellence. Later in life, he found great pleasure driving Italian marques. A favorite annual outing was Pebble Beach's Concours d' Elegance. He followed Formula 1 racing, attending the events around the world.
Bob and Valerie continued to travel the globe and shared a truly spectacular life together.
Philanthropy and support for community drew Bob to help organizations such as the Napa Land Trust protect the Wildlake Preserve, the Cameo Theatre, and the St. Helena Hospital Foundation. He faithfully supported Valerie's work with Collabria Care in Napa.
Bob is survived by his wife, Valerie; sister-in-law, June Kester of Temecula; and niece, Elizabeth Kester-Wasserman (Michael) of Livermore and San Francisco.
Bob will be remembered for his sharp intellect, quick wit, and great appreciation of an exceptional life. Valerie regularly said, "You're a lucky man, Bob Peebles."
A celebration of Bob's life will be held when circumstances permit.
Memorial contributions can be made to Collabria Care at 414 South Jefferson Street, Napa, CA, 94559 and Guide Dogs for the Blind at P.O. Box 3950, San Rafael, CA 94912-3950.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Bob was a fine and elegant man. He was insightful, witty, and kind. He was passionate about life and a charitable person. He will be deeply missed by many. Our condolences to his wife Valerie.
Michael Livian
January 25, 2021
Bob Peebles was a wonderful friend to Homer and me as is Valerie. We respected his intelligence and wonderful humor.
We miss him very much.
MARCIA DUNN
January 7, 2021
Rosemary Barnhart
January 5, 2021
I´m so sorry for the loss of Bob. My brothers and I spent much time with Bob and Valerie working on their masterpiece of a home created by Valeries enormous design talent. Valerie, we became more than just clients and customers. We became friends. We loved Bob and we love you Valerie.
Scott Duncan
January 4, 2021
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