Robert Wise

Robert Stephen Wise Former Orinda Resident Robert passed away peacefully in Walnut Creek on July 16th, 2013. He was born in Wichita, Kansas on June 1, 1926 to H. Steve and Lois Wise. Bob was a Boy Scout and the youngest in his troop at the time to become an Eagle Scout. He attended Wichita North High School and upon graduation earned a commission to the U.S. Naval Academy where he became an ensign in 1946. Bob married the former Elizabeth "Cissy" Faulders of El Dorado, Kansas. Both "town" people, they settled at the Wise ranch in Greenwood County, Kansas where Bob and Cissy tried their hands at farming, which produced many amusing memories. His country called him back to service during the Korean War as captain of a medical ship serving in the Japanese Islands. After his military duty Bob returned to Kansas and he and Cissy settled in Wichita. Bob joined his father's distribution company and within a few years set out on his own in the agricultural chemical business. Bob was the consummate entrepreneur and throughout his long career successfully bought and built businesses involved in agriculture, home gardening and consumer products. He was instrumental in creating national trade organizations and won many industry awards for his efforts and leadership. Civically active, Bob served in leadership positions with the Masons, the Boy Scouts, Rotary, and the Wichita Chamber. His wife Cissy preceded him in death, and in 1990 Bob married the former Barbara Gill Lee of Orinda. Bob embraced the California way of life and quickly made a large group of new friends. He and Barbara loved socializing and together they played tennis and bridge with gusto. Bob was a wonderful husband for Barbara and they enjoyed 23 very happy years together. Bob is survived by his wife Barbara; his sister Jean Springfield; his sons Stephen (Robin), Marc, Scott (Jennifer); and Barbara's children Randy Lee, Elizabeth (John) Delahaye, and Tom (Kathy) Lee. Bob is also survived by ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation in his name be made to the Orinda Rotary Club, a cause near and dear to his heart.