Robert G. Bonde

On August 5, 2025 Bob went to heaven to be with our Lord and his loving wife, Joanne. He often joked that they were “newlyweds” so it would give him the chance to boast that he and Joanne had really been married 73 years - plus 5 years of dating prior to that! In truth, they were side by side, supporting one another for 78 years! When Joanne passed away on June 3, 2025, life without her was unimaginable for Bob. He always thought he would be the first to go. Though he wasn’t first, he wasn’t far behind. After only 2 months apart Bob and Joanne were reunited in the presence of God.

Bob and Joanne met in study hall when they were 15 years old and were married in 1952 in Carmel, California. Bob got his undergraduate degree in Industrial Arts at San Jose State and served in Korea with the Marine Corp. Together they raised three children - Michael, Jennifer and James - while Bob pursued a career in higher education. He served as an Industrial Arts professor at Humboldt State University and Long Beach State University. After earning his Doctorate of Education degree at Colorado State College, he went on to serve as Executive Dean of Facility Planning at California State Polytechnic University, retiring at age 50.

It was 1981 when Bob and Joanne moved from Upland to the beach house they built by hand in Cardiff by the Sea. They quickly became active members of the community. With Bob’s background in facility planning and his volunteer experience on the City of Upland Architectural Commission and the Chaffey Union High School Board, he dedicated decades to civic involvement. He was instrumental in the defeat of the high-speed Bullet Train project that was proposed from San Diego to Los Angeles and earned the title “Father of Encinitas” for his pivotal role in the incorporation of the City of Encinitas.

During this time, Bob and Joanne hosted flower and garden tours around the world, for 11 years. Despite their busy schedule, Bob was always ready to help a friend, family member, or neighbor - offering advice, sharing his tools or lending a skilled hand from his well-equipped workshop.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His generosity, wisdom, and steady presence will be deeply missed.