Robert Lee Fields

The Bob Fields story began in June of 1927 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he was born and raised. Bob's family ran a small grocery store and Bob attributes his lifelong charitable spirit and love for community to his father, who he watched regularly give groceries to people in need during the Depression. As a teenager, Bob became an accomplished drummer and worked in jazz bands. At 19, he enlisted in the Army and became a member of the first Integrated Army Swing Band, playing for Officers and Servicemen throughout World War II.

After the Army, Bob moved to Los Angeles where he went to Business School at Woodbury University and took a job as an accountant at a jewelry store. It was at this job that Bob decided to become a jeweler, but the glitz and glamour of LA was not Bob's scene. He was a small-town guy at heart and soon opened jewelry stores in San Luis Obispo and Porterville.

Bob's boundless energy went to running his Porterville store full time in 1955. It was there that one day, a beautiful young woman came into the store to get a pearl ring fixed. Bob said that "poorly set, missing pearl may have been the best thing that ever happened in my life." Bob would marry Diane in 1965 and enthusiastically entered a magical partnership that would last over 50 years. With Diane's help, Bob built a successful jewelry store and together, they raised five kids: Brian, David, Kelly, Jeffery, and Robert.

Bob always liked to say he worked hard to build his business, but he never let earning money get in the way of enjoying life. From hosting his infamous wine tastings at "Bob's Place," in the basement cellar under Bob Fields Jewelers, to dancing and dinners at the Dutch Frontier and traveling the world with Diane, Bob was a master at living life to the fullest.

To Bob, friendships were the best investment you could make. He loved people and he valued his family and friends above everything. He built lifelong bonds with friends in Porterville. Bob was quick to say that Porterville gave him his greatest gifts in life: his lovely wife, his beautiful family and a successful business. Bob and Diane gave back by contributing to many community projects such as The Family Crisis Center and The Porterville Public Library to name a few. Bob was also very proud to be an early founder of the Bank of Sierra, which is now one of the largest independent banks in California.

Bob and Diane moved from Porterville to Carmel Valley to be closer to family, but Bob stayed connected to his many friends in Porterville. In classic Bob fashion, at his new home at Carmel Valley Ranch, Bob did what he does best - he made new connections and built a community of supportive friendships. He will be sorely missed at the Clubhouse morning coffee round table.

As an avid wine enthusiast, Bob liked to say, "a good collector finishes the last bottle in his collection on the day he dies." Bob achieved this goal. He enjoyed every drop of life right up to the very end and, in parting, he would say, "I had a ball, thanks for everything. I love you all."

Per Bob's wishes, the family will attend a private, graveside ceremony.

To share a memory, or express condolences to the family, please visit the obituaries section of our website at www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries <http://www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries>. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.