Robert Emil Currie

1937 - 2022

October 10, 1937 - October 21, 2022 Robert Emil Currie, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2022 in Newport Beach, CA.
Growing up in Springfield, Tennessee, Bob, an Eagle Scout, was an accomplished debater in high school, where he was voted 'Most Studious'. He went from there to the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Naval Engineering with Distinction in 1959. Bob served as a Naval Aviator in active service and as an Intelligence Officer in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a Captain in 1983. After completing his active military service, Bob attended Harvard Law School, where his team was the 1967 winner of the prestigious Ames Moot Court Competition.
Upon graduating from Harvard Law School, Bob, Brenda, and family moved to Los Angeles, where he joined Latham and Watkins. He quickly established himself as a tough litigator with tremendous courtroom instincts. He represented a broad range of clients from local developers to public companies in high profile, complex matters in both state and federal courts across the United States. Leadership was a hallmark of Bob's career, and his impact extended far beyond Latham even after retiring in 2005. In addition to serving as the Orange County Office Managing Partner (1993-1995), Bob was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a former Lawyer Representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Council, among numerous other leadership roles. Bob was one of the most experienced trial lawyers of his generation, a tireless and generous mentor, a dynamic leader, and a good friend to many.
An enthusiastic and accomplished gourmet and oenophile, Bob was a Judge at the Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition and a member of the Hollywood Wine & Food Society and Orange County Wine & Food Society. Bob and Brenda travelled extensively in their tireless search for the finest restaurants and vineyards, making friends all over the globe in the process. Bob loved to play bridge and was a voracious reader of history, politics, and the classics.
Longtime residents of Newport Beach, CA, Bob and Brenda have been active members of Big Canyon Country Club and the Pacific Club, where Bob chaired the committee overseeing the extensive renovations which resulted in the present facility. Bob served for many years as Secretary of the Foundation for the Great Park and was past president of Defense Orientation Conference Association (DOCA). He also taught Ethics at Chapman University's Fowler Law School for several years.
Even more important than his innumerable life accomplishments though were Bob's fundamental personal characteristics: integrity, good humor, moral principles, and generosity. His wisdom, love, and insight will be deeply missed.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Elizabeth Nuckolls and Forrest Edward Currie. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Brenda Eddings Currie, brother Bill Currie (Doris), daughters Cheryl Currie Dill (Kenneth) and Emil Currie McCulloch (Jim), son Forrest Clayton Currie (Rachelle), adoring grandchildren Allyson Dill, Lara Poirier (Tristan), Brendan de Kenessey (Dee Dee), Kaitlyn Currie, Brady Dill (Cielo), Max McCulloch, Jessica Currie, Margaret McCulloch, Mia McCulloch and great-grandchildren Elsa Sedam, Arden Poirier and Linnaea Poirier.
A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, November 6 at 2:00 PM at the Pacific Club, located at 4110 MacArthur Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Orange County Community Foundation. In the Memo field of the check, please write: Pacific Club / Currie. Checks can be mailed to:
The Pacific Club
Attn. Nancy Clayfield
4110 MacArthur Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92660