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BORN
1930
DIED
2022
Robert Hestand Obituary
Bob taught for 28 years, his last 20 at Aptos High School. His former students regularly stopped him in the grocery store or around town to say 'hi' and to thank him for the impact he had on their lives. After retiring from teaching, Bob continued to serve others by volunteering as a Blue Knight at Watsonville Community Hospital for 24 years, and then as a Hospice Volunteer Visitor for an additional 8 years, until he was 91 years old. Full of love, fiercely loyal to his family and friends, compassionate to a fault, and tirelessly working to make the world better for others, he will be missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held on December 10, 2022 from 1-4 pm, weather permitting. Please RSVP to Ann Hestand by December 7th, at [email protected] for information about the gathering.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to any of the organizations that his philanthropy supported: Hospice of Santa Cruz County, Dientes Community Dental, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, or Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hestand
Jason
November 24, 2024
Bob you're still with me. Your voice still guides me to always try to walk wise and value the wonderful.
Mercedes Garcia
November 23, 2024
Dear Ann, as time goes by, it seems that the memories of Bob´s life become more cherished. I remain grateful for all the meals together and hearing him speak with knowledge, wisdom and humility. I can still see him working in the apple orchard where he spent hours lovingly keeping it in pristine condition-a mini paradise in Corralitos. I look forward to seeing you and sharing memories of the years you had together.
Rudy Pedulla
December 12, 2023
I feel most privileged to hor my colleague, friend, and mentor. Bob Hestand. An exemplary man throughout
.
Duncan McPherson
November 23, 2023
Bob had a way to teaching that you understood how you could use it in life, like being on a jury or how you use certain offices in a government office by taking your class there
Judy
November 23, 2023
Dear Ann,
Yes, yesterday I remembered Bob´s passing. Being with you and him and others that morning was truly a blessing. Your love for each other was deep and kind. Bob along with you made the perfect team as Hospice Volunteers. Bringing the love, support, kindness and compassion that was also a reflection of your relationship. Bob, you are missed yet many sweet memories are with so very many this day and always. Rest well dear friend.
Mercedes Garcia
November 23, 2023
I can´t believe it´s been a year since Bob´s passing. I miss having breakfast at the Red Apple and then Cadillac Cafe. Bob was always a great listener and such a generous, sincere, genuine friend and a model human being. He will always be missed.
carol pirkle
January 8, 2023
Bob was a family friend back in the early seventies. He taught me to sail back then at Huntington Lake, CA. A time that I'm so grateful for and will never forget.
Susan Cabral
January 5, 2023
Bob was such a gentleman. I always looked forward to our chats in the hospital halls. So sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers are with you and your family
Tiina Sell
December 8, 2022
Bob was my teacher over 40 years ago when I was an exchange student in Aptos. He was great teacher. I got some tutoring being a foreigner of the American society and the political system. The class I attended was very interesting. I also got to meet Ann back then. A few years after 1976 Bob and Ann visited Finland and met my husband and the kids. The pictures from that visit make me very happy. Also I visited the US a few times and we were able to meet. The times we spent together with Bob and Ann were very special, and stay in my heart always. I was so sad to hear that he had passed away and I'll miss him. Today my thoughts are with Ann and I wish to send my condolences to her.
Rudy Pedulla
December 4, 2022
Bob was a dear friend and colleague. During my first year if teaching at Watsonville High. He served as a valuable mentor. To use the German term, he was real mensch. Bob was one of the kindest, fairest, and most compassionate people I have known.
As a frequent patient at our local hospital, I was pleased to meet him, there, after we were both retired from teaching. He shall be missed by many whose lives have been touched by him.
I would also like to add that he was most fortunate to be married to Ann
The Lopez Family
December 3, 2022
Our deepest prayers & condolences being sent your way. It´s been such a joy watching your beautiful story together throughout the years. Your Angel will always be by your side & in your heart until you meet again.
Michael Kretsch
December 2, 2022
What a great person. Held me most accountable for honest work in high school. Mr. Hestand inspired me to be a better person. God bless.
Heathyr Gonzalez
December 2, 2022
Bob and Ann both set a wonderful example of what a kind and compassionate human being looks like. I aspire to be like them. The community will forever be reminded of the impact and legacy Bob has left behind. Plus,Bob had the best mustache in town.
Thank you for your kindness my friend
David McCabe
December 1, 2022
Dear Ann:
Please accept the prayers and condolences of the David McCabe Family on the loss of your beloved Bob.
Jim and Mona MacDonald
December 1, 2022
Anne,. We are so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was such a kind man. We remember when you and Bob were visiting Minnesota and Bob was so happy he could get a pair of Red Wing boots. Love, Jim and Mona
Duncan McPherson
December 1, 2022
What a Great Friend, Teacher and Mentor
Kathy Long-Weiscopf
December 1, 2022
Mr.Hestand was a wonderful teacher. I learned so much from him. He made Federal and Local Government interesting. My condolences go out to all his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Ralph Battels
November 30, 2022
Uncle Bob had a profound effect on my life he encouraged me to go to college when others told me not to. I was lucky enough to see and thank him just before I graduated medical school. He was a kind and special person as well as a truly gifted teacher
Lorena DeWild
November 30, 2022
Robert was my teacher in high school. He was my favorite teacher and I learned so much from him. He was always smiling, always caring about his students. He will be greatly missed, but Heaven is rejoicing with his presence.
Jon Fiorovich
November 30, 2022
Some of my fondest memories of Aptos high school involve "Mr Hestand" as either my teacher or my freshman football coach. As a coach, "kind and gentle" don't come to mind, but still this man made you want to perform probably because you knew he was working hard and serious about his coaching and teaching. I also had the preveledge to see Bob locally around town, I think typically at the local watsonville coffee shop, where he always remembered me and greeted me with warmth.
Kimberly Fennell Gafford
November 29, 2022
This is my 27th year teaching history/govt. Your dad is one of the reasons that I became a teacher. He had the perfect blend of humor, friendliness and firmness in the classroom. And he had an amazing twinkle in his eye. Always made you feel like he knew something. I will keep your family in my thoughts.
Kim Retez Solano
November 29, 2022
My condolences to Anne and family. I loved Bob as a teacher and cherished friend. One of nicest people I have ever known.
Marilynn Foree
November 29, 2022
Yours was always a cheerful presence in the Service League coffee shop, where your usual request was a BLT. Fond memories, Bob!
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