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BORN
1944
DIED
2019
Robert Kiel Obituary
1944 - 2019
Bobby Kiel passed away on January 23, 2019 after a battle with MSA. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 1, 1944. Bobby lived his early years in Los Angeles, summers in Yosemite, but lived most of his adult life in San Francisco. He spent a few years in Mammoth Lakes as well as living in Scottsdale and Miami Beach, but he always came back to his favorite city in the world, San Francisco. Bobby graduated from California State University at Northridge with a degree in History. Bobby served in both The California Army National Guard and The United States Army Reserve from 1965-1970. Bobby was an accomplished restaurateur for most of his life. He opened several restaurants for others as well as four restaurants of his own. He was also a Commercial Real Estate Broker specializing in Retail Leasing. Bobby spent many great years drinking great wines and dining out with his beautiful wife of 18 years, Char. They met and married in St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Bobby loved going to the wine country, he was a foodie, and very social. But most of all he was so proud of his son, Taylor. They shared a love of all things military, airplanes, helicopters…and tinkering in the garage with his cars and gadgets.
Bobby and Char decided to move from The Marina District in San Francisco and buy a small vineyard near Historic Sonoma. The Rocking 'K' Vineyard harvested its' first Pinot Noir in October 2010 winning a gold metal in 2013 from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Bobby is survived by his wife Char, son Taylor, a U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot that served in Afghanistan in 2013, daughter in-law Courtney, granddaughter Lorelei Autumn, brother Marty, sister in-law Sharon, niece Sarah, and first wife Judi Kiel. Predeceasing Bobby were his father, Eddie Kiel, mother Dorothy Lyon, and step father Phillip Lyon.
Gifts in Bobby's honor may be made by sending wildflower seeds to: Rocking K Vineyard - PO Box 1663 Sonoma, CA 95476.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Kiel
Stephanie
February 12, 2019
Hearing of Bob's passing broke my heart. He was just one in a million, so talented, funny, generous and kind. He leaves so many wonderful memories of a wonderful person. My sincerest condolences to his beloved son Taylor and his loving family.
Gil Padia
February 11, 2019
Dear Bobby,
You will be greatly missed... You have been a dear friend of almost 20 years. Your spirit will live on as we reflect on all of our good times from South Bach to the Bay Area. Both you and Char are like members of our family. And, Char, Kyle and I will continue to make new memories, too, of course they wont be the same without your flair and humor. But, I'm sure you'll be smiling and laughing from up above. Best, Gil
F.D.
February 10, 2019
I am sorry for your loss. It is always hard to lose a loved one in death. Our heavenly Father is very aware and understands the pain you feel. He will give you comfort. (Psalms 86:6,7) Your family has my deepest sympathy.
James Toland
February 10, 2019
Oh I am sorry to hear this news. I always enjoyed his company. Great guy.
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Brendan Card
February 10, 2019
The Marina never was the same when you two left. Such good people and so much fun. RIP my brother, you will be missed.
Love you Char
Brendan C
Kelly Long Rotstein
February 10, 2019
I'll never forget the first day I met Bobby at the little wine bar in the marina where I bartended during college. He seemed like a movie star, handsome, larger than life, a giant smile and easy to laugh. He made me feel like family immediately ... He is a big part of those happy, golden-days memories at the wine merchant. The world is a little less bright without him. Sending all my love to Char and the rest of the Kiel family.
February 10, 2019
Taylor
I was very sorry to hear of your father's passing. Many years ago I'd hired him to join us at Victoria Station. He was a great guy and a great help.
As a former Army Caribou pilot in Vietnam in 1966, I'd also like to thank your for your service.
Fred Parkin
Dick & Lucy
February 9, 2019
So very sorry to hear of Bobby's passing.
Dick and I have many good memoriesespecially his artwork, the classic cars, and his kind gestures.
Special memories of a special person.
Linda Mc
February 7, 2019
May the found memories of your loved one sustain your family at this time. May you also receive comfort from what is stated at 1 Peter 5:6,7.
RK
February 7, 2019
Please accept my dearest and heartfelt sympathy; I am so sorry for your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1,2
February 7, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to the family. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn," strengthen you during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1, 2. And May the beautiful hope of everlasting life give you comfort. -1 John 17:30
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times that you shared together. May our loving Heavenly Father provide you with the comfort and support that you need during this difficult time. (Psalm 145:18, 19) Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences goes out to the family.
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