Thomas Robert "Bob" Chute Jr.

Thomas Robert "Bob" Chute Jr., beloved publisher, entrepreneur and longtime Paso Robles community leader, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at his home in Paso Robles. He was 77. Born in San Diego to Thomas Robert and Wilma Colleen Chute, Bob was raised in Riverside, California, and graduated from Ramona High School in 1965. He attended community college in Riverside and Monterey before serving nearly four years in the United States Air Force, stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. After military service, Bob launched a 45-year career in the newspaper and publishing industry, where his passion for local journalism was an integral part of his life. He worked for the Monterey Peninsula Herald, San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune, 5 Cities Times-Press-Recorder, Senior Times, Country News, Santa Maria Homes Magazine, Paso Robles Press, Paso Robles Gazette and Valley Voice, eventually owning or managing several publications. In 2001, with the support of his late wife Karen, he founded Paso Robles Magazine (later rebranded as PASO Magazine). The first monthly issue was mailed to homes and businesses from San Miguel to Templeton in May 2001. For 16 years, Bob cultivated the magazine's growth, publishing feature stories that celebrated the individuals and organizations who made Paso Robles and North San Luis Obispo County a special place to live and work. In addition to regular distribution, Bob was often seen jumping in and out of his Bullitt-edition Mustang, hand-delivering early copies to advertisers and sponsors, taking time to personally check in and nurture the lasting relationships that were at the heart of his business. He retired in 2017 after selling the magazine to local owners and devoted more time to family. His wife Rhoda, his children, and his grandchildren were the center of his life, and he cherished the time spent with them. Throughout his publishing career, Bob had a gift for bringing people together. He opened doors for both established professionals and those just beginning to develop their craft, providing opportunities for writers, designers, photographers and advertisers to grow and thrive. His steady encouragement and support allowed many to build careers that flourished in the community for years to come. Bob's service to the community extended well beyond publishing. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, recognizing a need for local youth services, Bob played a pivotal role in establishing what would become the North San Luis Obispo County Boys and Girls Club. Working closely with local officials and volunteers, he secured city funding and helped establish the club's first programs at Flamson Middle School. He later led efforts to secure a permanent home at the former Boatman's Furniture building. Over time, the club continued to thrive, and in 2022, a new state-of-the-art facility opened in Paso Robles, doubling its capacity to serve youth across the region. In recognition of his vision and commitment to young people, Bob was named Roblan of the Month by the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce in September 1991. His strong faith was central to his life, often crediting "the Lord" for opening doors throughout his career. Among family and friends, he was known for his favorite phrases, including "The printed word cannot be cut out with an ax" and "Fantasmagorical." Bob was married to Leslie for 13 years, with whom he raised his three children, Benjamin, Annie and Kelly. After Leslie, he married Karen, who sadly passed away in 2004. Several years later, Bob found love again and married his wife, Rhoda, who remained by his side for 19 years until his passing. He is survived by his children Benjamin Chute (Alissa), Annie Van Zante (Beau) and Kelly Lear (Brad); his brothers Rick Chute and Jeffrey Chute; and grandchildren Isaac, Adam, Dustin, Riley, Mallory, William and Emily. He was preceded in death by his parents and former wife Karen. Outside of work, Bob cherished time with his family and close friends, enjoyed the music of Crosby, Stills and Nash, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton and the Beach Boys. Most especially, he reveled in every win of Dodgers baseball. A small, private family celebration of life will be held, and his ashes will be laid to rest at Paso Robles Cemetery. The family extends its deepest gratitude to all who walked beside Bob, both personally and professionally, throughout his remarkable life.