Bob Biddle

Bob Deane Biddle

June 1, 1928 - May 8, 2023

Santa Maria - Bob Biddle, beloved father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, coach and mentor, passed away on May 8, 2023. Born on June 1, 1928 in Fort Morgan, Colorado to Ira Clarence Biddle and Georgia Fern (Florey) Biddle, Bob was raised in Downey, California where he graduated from Downey High School in 1947. After high school, Bob attended University of California, Santa Barbara where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1953 while in the ROTC Program. In addition to his studies, Bob played for the UCSB Gauchos Football Team as a running back. After graduation from UCSB, Bob entered the Army in 1954.

In addition to his Bachelor's Degree, Bob attended California Polytechnic State University for his Master's Degree in Education where he graduated in 1960. It was at UCSB that he met and married his wife, Nancy Sue Mathews with whom he had four children, Doug Biddle, Debby Delaney, Dianne Foster, and Dona Biddle-Hinchliff. He eventually settled in Santa Maria, CA where he taught school in Lompoc, CA and Nipomo, CA before settling in at Santa Maria High School where he taught P.E. and coached multiple sports in the early years with Football and Track his focus until his retirement in 1983. He truly respected and thoroughly enjoyed his colleagues, his students, and his many years of coaching; many of his previous students became friends, colleagues, and hunting/fishing friends.

Later in life, Bob met and became partners with Mary Milo, who has four children: Karen Porter, Connie Allen, Kathy Milo and Carla Minor. He leaves behind Mary, her four children, sister Jeane Raine of Kihei, Maui, and her children Randy Coleman, Danny Coleman, and Carrie Williams. In addition to his children, he leaves behind 18 grandchildren, and 34 (and counting) great-grandchildren he shared between the blended families.

It must be noted that Bob will be remembered fondly by all who knew him: for his ability to make others smile, belly laugh, scream with delight when he came out of nowhere to scare the kids, tease with regularity, hug us fiercely, listen with both ears, and always be present when needed. We will always remember his singing in the shower, his humming and whistling, which past students have shared prevented Coach from ever sneaking up on them while they cut class and hid in the locker room. His jokes will be missed, his radiant smile with the twinkle in his eye will never be forgotten, his infectious personality forever cherished, and his quiet presence will forever leave a hole.

Bob requested no service, so we instead ask those who knew and loved him to raise your glass in a toast to a life well lived, to a man who loved and was loved, and to treasure the memory of a kind, humble and caring man who touched countless lives in a way we will forever hold dear.