Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Wilson Obituary
January 23, 1929 - January 24, 2022
Rancho Santa Fe
Robert S. "Bob" Wilson passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 24 at his home in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. He was 93 years old.
Bob was born on January 23, 1929 in Escondido, California, to Wilma and Albert Wilson, making him the second of their five children. Along with his fraternal twin brother Bill he went to a one-room school in Escondido before moving on to play football for his beloved Escondido High. Later he went on to graduate from UCLA (class of 53) after a brief stint serving his country in Korea. In 1954 he married his lifelong partner, Marion, with whom he had five sons. Bob and his family resided in Los Angeles until 2002, when Bob and Marion switched their primary residence to a newly completed home in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
Bob was a real estate broker for Coldwell Banker before starting his own development company with partner Fred Duckett. The success of Duckett-Wilson Development Company, which continues to thrive today under the watchful eye of son Tom, along with The Fish Market restaurant chain, enabled Bob to shift his primary focus towards philanthropy. Beginning in 1982 with the creation of Estrella Park in downtown Los Angeles, he and Marion went on to support UCLA, Colonial Williamsburg, the LA and San Diego Zoos, the San Diego Maritime Museum, the San Diego Symphony, countless homeless organizations and individuals, plus the Paradise High School students and faculty who were affected by that area's disastrous wildfires. Lifelong churchgoers, Bob and Marion attended First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica until they moved south, when they established membership at First United Methodist Church of San Diego.
Bob was a passionate sports fan, especially favoring UCLA basketball and football. His real pride and joy, however, was his family. He was thrilled when his sons began to get married, adding five daughters to the family. Each year's Christmas card trumpeted the latest family additions, which grew to include 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren so far.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Marion. He is survived by his brother Martin (wife Carol), his five sons (Dennis, Tom, Greg, David, and Ric), his five daughters-in-law (MaryAnn, Paula, Nancy, Brigid, and Tandy), and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Bob's name.
Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ ranchosantafereview
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Wilson
D
September 30, 2023
Robert Wilson changed my life. After the Camp Fire, he donated $1,000 to every kid at the high school I was attending at the time. His incredibly beautiful and kind gesture warmed my heart, and allowed me to get some things I wanted after such a disastrous event. I never got the chance to thank him in person, but will mention him in my prayers. I will try to be charitable and kind, just like he was, and will keep him in my heart. I hope you rest easily, Bob. You made the world a more beautiful place.
Alina Odnovorova
May 24, 2023
I often think "what would Bob do" when I make decisions.
You´re so greatly missed in your wisdom. I´m so thankful to have gotten to know you through the years and hope you know I use your principles in every day at work in Del Mar. I´m so lucky to have known you.
Grace Wood
April 24, 2022
Thousands of American children have benefited from the Wilson´s generosity as they learn all about our great country and how it began in Colonial Williamsburg. I am one of the teachers who attended the program in 2013. For years, teachers who attended the program from all over the country taught our students about the experiences that the Wilson Family provided. We learned about hard work, generosity, bravery, ingenuity, and patriotism. Through these lessons, we gained more tools to instill pride in all that each of us brings to our community, our country, and our world. Thank you, Mr. Wilson and family for the kindness you´ve shared with so many throughout your lifetime. Such a wonderful legacy.
Ms. María
April 3, 2022
Recently heard about his wonderful gift of philanthropy. I made a small donation today to a local library.
Ai Ybarrondo
April 2, 2022
RIP Bob! I am SO LUCKY to have known you. THANK YOU for your positivity & showing me your kindness each Sunday I saw you at the Fish Market. You will be dearly missed.
JO AND HOWARD WEINER
March 11, 2022
WE SPENT MANY YEARS WITH BOB AS OUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR IN DEL MAR. IT WAS WONDERFUL TO HAVE KNOWN HIM.
Carol and Jim Collins
March 9, 2022
We are missing you. We loved sharing UCLA Football and Basketball with you. Lots of wonderful memories. Always in our hearts.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Wilson's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Robert Wilson
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Wilson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
