Robert Thomas Fuchs

Bob left us unexpectedly. The loss of this well-loved, widely respected and "really good man" is shared by a large community of family, co-workers, friends, and neighbors. Thirty-eight-year Carmel Valley resident, Commercial Real Estate executive, U.S. Air Force pilot, community activist, Rotarian, husband, father, 'dog father', and grandfather-he lived these roles as only "a really good man" does-with joy, love, unwavering devotion, steadfastness, utmost integrity, and often, robust humor.

Born to German immigrant parents Robert T. Fuchs, M.D. and Nora Benndorf Fuchs, Bob was raised in an isolated rural homestead in Leonardtown, Maryland with 2 older siblings, Peter and Margaret. Parochial-schooled and lacking typical childhood social outlets, Bob filled the void with sailing, swimming, crabbing, and exploring his Potomac River backyard.

Academically advanced, he skipped two lower grades, so, in 1961, at barely 16, the University of Maryland college freshman endured the friendly persuasion of classmates to induct him into the dizzying blur of intramural sports and coed partying. The skinny, socially challenged freshman ultimately blossomed as a senior, athletic, president of his dorm, and partier extraordinaire. That was the Bob Jan Banks met!

Bob graduated with highest honors and was deciding between a full-ride scholarship in chemistry to M.I.T. or immediate Peace Corps training at UCLA to teach in Ecuador in three months. Unpredictably, he chose door #3, a writing/editing job at Chemical and Engineering News in Washington D.C. to pursue the fledgling relationship.

The soon-engaged couple planned an August 1965 wedding, but Uncle Sam had other plans: Despite enrolling in graduate school for an MBA, Bob was drafted into immediate U.S. Army service three weeks before their scheduled wedding. In a convoluted maneuver, he first side-stepped to the U.S. Navy, which delayed his military commitment so the wedding could take place. Shortly after, faced with the financial realities of their first child's anticipated arrival, he successfully applied to the USAF Officer Training program.

Upon completing Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, Bob proceeded to undergo pilot training at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, TX. Over the subsequent 6 1/2 years, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and earned accolades within the military, serving as Squadron Commander of his OTC class, and achieving the second-highest ranking in his graduating pilot training class (68-D). His exemplary performance led to a rare assignment to F-100 school in Clovis, NM. Subsequently, stationed at his base in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam, Bob assumed the role of scheduling officer. His outstanding service earned him a commission to the "Regular Air Force," as well as numerous commendations, including multiple "Air Medal" awards for meritorious service during over a year of combat missions and the prestigious Presidential "Distinguished Flying Cross." Pilot training classmate Don Breen shares that "Bob was a true American hero who put his life on the line many times for our country...as an F-100 fighter pilot, he was the real deal..."

Despite the accolades and the camaraderie, Bob's focus remained with his growing family. With two young children and a beloved pet, he and Jan opted for a more stable family life than the military could offer. Between flying missions during his last tour in Charleston, SC, Bob earned an MBA, and in 1972, he accepted a mortgage banking job at The Bank of Denver. The family settled at the foothills of the Rockies in nearby Boulder, enjoying camping, skiing, and children's activities, which thrilled the father who had missed out on much of the first seven years of family life.

In 1974, they relocating to Portland, Oregon, drawn by the opportunity for career advancement and the desire to be near family. Settling in nearby Lake Oswego, on an acre of forested land with horses and paddocks, they immersed themselves in various activities, including amateur farming, community activism, exploring mountains, and camping. Bob held leadership roles in the "Y Indian Guides" with son, Brady, coached daughter Mary Anne's softball, and played guitar in their church folk group. The couple played pivotal roles in creating a land use plan for Lake Oswego, laying the groundwork for their future involvement in community planning in San Diego's Carmel Valley. Bob transitioned from Colombia Mortgage Co, distinguished himself as the head of the Orbanco (Oregon Bank) Real Estate Dept. and received the prestigious title of "Oregon Mortgage Banker of the Year."

In 1985, San Diego beckoned when Bob was recruited to create and preside over Torrey Pines Bank's commercial real estate department. As part of his long and reputable career in commercial real estate, he formed Mission Pacific Mortgage Co., transitioned into an executive position with GMAC Commercial Mortgage, managed the San Diego office of Westcap Real Estate, and finally worked as an independent contractor with that company, a move that allowed more time for friends, tennis, and an easier lifestyle! Bob officially retired last year at the age of 78.

A Carmel Valley resident for almost four decades, Bob embraced the San Diego lifestyle, hosting frequent beach parties and poolside cookouts, engaging in incessant home and property "improvements", sailing, playing tennis several times a week, and forming many social connections with fellow dog walkers. Above all he became an integral part of his two grown children's and his two grandchildren's lives. He and Jan helped raise their grandchildren, Andrew and Elena, including hosting weekend sleepovers, carpooling, attending sports and activities. Bob assistant coached their grandson's soccer team and was both grandchildren's "parent" for "Y Indian Guides" and "Princesses." 'Bobba', as he was affectionately called, far preferred grandchildren-friendly vacations, for him, the ultimate pleasure.

Belief in community service was fundamental to Bob's values. As a nearly 30-year member of the Del Mar Rotary Club, he not only served as president, but also played a pivotal role in the creation and success of the chapter's most prominent annual fundraisers, the family-friendly "Chili and Quackers" contest and the Del Mar Beach "Ducky Derby", as well as the "Sunset Soiree" charity auction --events that not only fostered community spirit but also contributed to philanthropic endeavors. He pointed "Rotarians at Work" efforts towards preserving the San Dieguito River Valley Open Space Park, a cause close to his and Jan's heart. Bob's dedication extended to grassroots activism, where he passionately led opposition to a proposed large-scale mixed-use project in Carmel Valley, ultimately reducing its scope and mitigating its negative impacts on traffic and land use. As former resident and planning board member Laura Eidelson lamented, "What a loss for the community. Carmel Valley owes him a debt it can never repay!"

Bob Fuchs, remembered as a "really good man" by all who knew him, leaves behind a profound legacy of integrity, service, and love for his family and community. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit of kindness and generosity will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, brother Dr. Peter Fuchs, sister Margaret Tappert, and niece Alicia Fuchs. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jan Fuchs, daughter Dr. Mary Anne Fuchs, son Brady Fuchs, son-in-law Dr. Gustavo Lugo, grandson Andrew Lugo, granddaughter Elena Lugo, nephews John, Carl, and Peter Tappert and their families, nephews Mark and Christopher Fuchs and families, niece Teresa Engel (Fuchs) and family, and cousins Tilly Fuchs and Monica Gottstein and families.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, February 23 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Del Mar. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to one of the following: "Rotary Club of Del Mar Foundation Trust" (mail to PO Box 552 Del Mar, CA 92014) or "Paws for Purple Hearts" (pawsforpurplehearts.org).