Robert Sakkestad

1933 - 2016

Robert Sakkestad
August 24, 1933 - January 3, 2016
Resident of San Mateo
Robert "Bob" Sakkestad, with deep sadness we announce Bob's passing after a short illness, but in our grief we share a few highlights of his remarkably joyful life.
Born to George and Eleanor (Helgesen) Sakkestad in Haugesund, Norway, Bob moved with his family to Brooklyn, NY, at the age of 5. Quickly mastering English, he enjoyed fishing and making new friends, two hobbies he continued throughout his life. As a young man he enrolled in the Navy, and while attending a USO dance in San Francisco he met the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, Olga Marin. They married after a 6-month courtship, during which time Bob wooed Olga with loving correspondence and poetry. His warm and compassionate heart was always on his sleeve, even if that sleeve was being rolled up so he could show off his muscles!
Starting in San Francisco, later moving to Colma and then settling down in San Mateo, Bob and Olga raised four lovely children together: Michael, Karen Smyrl (William, deceased), Ellen Thomas (Brad), and George (Susie). Bob worked his way up from bank teller to manager and still had energy to make supper for the kids each evening. He knew the importance of a genuine relationship with his family and always made sure they knew how very much they were loved. As time went on, Bob was blessed with seven grandchildren who adored him as much as he adored them: Krista (Derek), Max, Megan, Westin, Tiffany, Summer and Tyler.
Bob's great humor, twinkling blue eyes and dance moves made him not just the life of the party, but the party itself. You could always expect music requests for the Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart - his energy was boundless! He was a faithful 49er fan, an avid reader and an even more avid listener and caring friend. He loved vacationing in Tahoe with family, enjoyed many cruises, and in recent years had visited relatives in Norway for an unforgettable reunion.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, his brother Carl (Eileen), his brothers-in-law Charles Marin, John Marin (Mely), Russell Archer (Linda) and Chris Marin (Ruth). Along with his loving wife of 59 ½ years, adoring children and grandchildren, he leaves behind his beloved sisters-in-law, many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever hold him in their hearts. A Rosary will be held Thursday, January 7, 7 p.m. at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church (600 Columbia Drive, San Mateo), with a funeral service on Friday, January 8, 1 p.m. at Skylawn Memorial Park (Hwy. 92 at Skyline Blvd., San Mateo).


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