Robert (Bob) Michael Bahne

Robert (Bob) Michael Bahne, 74, of Vista, passed away unexpectedly on December 20, 2022, in Escondido, CA. at Palomar Medical Center. A beloved father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, colleague, and significant other. He will forever be missed. Gone but never forgotten.

A private service will be held at Allen Brothers Mortuary-Vista Chapel 1315 S Santa Fe Ave. Vista, CA. 92083. Burial service will follow at El Camino Memorial-Sorrento Valley 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd. San Diego, CA. 92121. Reception to follow at Double Peak Brewing Co. 1801 Diamond St. Ste. 101 San Marcos, CA. 92078.

Bob was born in Rockford, Illinois to William Lyle and Olive C. Bahne on March 11, 1948. He grew up in San Diego and went to school at the University of San Diego High. He married Julie Feuling (Bahne) in his early 20's in which they had 2 children together Kristin and Todd Bahne. He graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He then became a business owner with his brother Bill at Bahne & Company/Fins Unlimited also known as "The Hill" in 1970. Their business has been an affluent part of the surf & skate industry for over 50 years, and his legacy will continue on through his family.

Bob was the rock of the Bahne family, and the solid foundation which held us all together. His love in life was his family (especially his grandkids), Leslie & her family, and all his lifelong friends both old and new. However, we all agree that being a football official was his number one passion. He began his referee career in the early 1970's and moved his way up through the high school circuit to become a college football official. In the 2000 season, he was given an opportunity to officiate the Division 1 level for the Mountain West Conference (MWC) and in 2010, he transitioned to the replay booth for SFO West. During his Division 1 career, Bob officiated at the Cotton, Alamo, Hawaii and Compass Bowls and worked the Orange Bowl in 2021. Prior to his passing, he was set to work the Citrus Bowl as Replay Communicator on January 2, 2023. There is no doubt that he was there with them in spirit.

He loved to travel with all his MW buddies to officiate the games, spending time together telling stories and creating memories to last a lifetime. Bob was an honest, hardworking man, had a heart of gold and would give the shirt off his back. He had the gentlest soul and deeply cared for all who came across his path. He carried numerous lifelong best friends from back in his childhood days and loved every single one of them unconditionally. It is truly amazing to see the camaraderie between all of them. They have all been such an important part of his life.

Bob received numerous awards and recognition throughout his lifetime both in the surf & skate industry and as a football official. In 2013, he was inducted into the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame and into the San Diego County Sports Official Hall of Fame. In 2018, he and his brother Bill were inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame for the original Bahne Skateboard. Between Bill's engineering genius and Bob's financial acumen, they did a lot to reanimate skateboarding in the 1970's. To say the least, Bob is an icon and legend in both industries and will forever be honored and remembered by all who knew him.

"In revealing and in reliving on earth the very fatherhood of God, a man is called upon to ensure the harmonious and united development of all the members of the family." - St. John Paul II

Bob is preceded in death by his father William Lyle Bahne, mother Olive C. Bahne, and ex-wife Julie Bahne (mother to their 2 children Kristin & Todd).

Bob is survived by daughter Kristin Bahne & son Todd Bahne and their spouses, son-in-law Joe Castillo & daughter-in-law Shelly Bahne, brother Bill Bahne, grandchildren Kharis Wright, Kylie Bahne, Nate Bahne, Kamille Bahne, significant other Leslie Lawing and her family.

The Bahne family is deeply saddened by their loss, but carry with them so many wonderful memories and stories of their dad. Annual camping & hiking trips to Mt. Whitney, ski trips to Mammoth, road trips and singing all the John Denver songs over and over, going to every John Denver concert, going to Padre games, annual Spring Training trips with the guys, playing Scattergories every holiday get together and laughing at all the funny crazy answers, annual celebrations for his birthday and Fathers Day at Duke's in La Jolla, our childhood home in Vista and all the amazing cherished times we had growing up, working together at the family business Bahne & Co, and just being able to sit and talk and being a family. The list goes on and on. He was the most amazing Papa to his 4 grandchildren and would do anything for them. They each hold a special story of their time with him and their journey in this life they got to experience together. His love and laughter lives on through all.

Bob and Leslie were together for 32 years in which they created a happy abundant and loving life together which also included her family. So many wonderful memories they shared with each other and our blended family. They were and always will be each other's special someone and their hearts will forever be entwined. Leslie's family consists of daughter Jen & son-in-law Mark, grandchildren Will, Kate, Olivia, Kaleb, and great granddaughter Emma.

The family of Bob wishes to extend their sincere thanks to everyone, for your love, support, and patience through this very difficult time.

If you would like to donate, please send donations to Venmo @Kristin-Bahne or @todd-bahne. Please email us at bob@finsunlimited.com if you prefer to donate using another method of payment. Donations will be used for flowers, assorted charities that Bob supported, small funeral costs, and his upcoming Celebration of Life (TBA). Thank you!