Robert Clarence "Bob" Standish

1942 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Clarence Standish
July 24, 1942 - October 9, 2025
Bob Standish died peacefully on October 9th, surrounded by family and friends after facing cancer with courage through the summer. His real story, though, is everything he built and everyone he loved along the way.
Bob was a kind, thoughtful man who loved his family deeply. He knew what he liked: a hot cup of black coffee, navy blue shirts, a well-organized file cabinet, a jubilant 49er's win, and a chat with neighbors over a bowl of ice cream.
Born in San Francisco to Clarence ("Red") and Marguerite ("Marge") Standish, Bob grew up in Guerneville along the Russian River after his family moved there on V-J Day. When his father passed away at 15, those early lessons became the foundation of his empathy and independence.
Bob graduated from Montgomery High School, earned a degree from the University of San Francisco, and studied at Hastings College of the Law. He built a long career with the Internal Revenue Service as an Estate and Gift Tax Attorney.
In 1969 Bob married Ellen Davenport. They raised children Megan and Ben in Novato. Though the couple divorced, they remained lifelong friends, celebrating holidays together with their partners, kids and grandchildren. Bob became a hands-on single father before it was common, balancing work, dinner duty, and raising kids who knew they could count on him.
In 1981 he married Deborah Lawlor, and together they built a joyful life with daughters Jessica and Caitlin. He was the dad who read bedtime stories, rode roller coasters, and joined his teenagers for weekly Gilmore Girls nights.
After retiring in 2003 Bob faced the loss of both his mother and Deborah within two years. His Monday morning calls to his family from his desk became a cherished ritual.
In 2007 Bob met his partner, Ilene Genet, with whom he shared nearly two decades of travel, dinners, and cherished companionship. Their blended circle of family and friends enriched his life deeply.
Bob's happiness had an easy tell-when he was excited about news he would always say: "Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful."
Bob is survived by his partner Ilene; his children, Megan Standish Reeves (sons Oscar and Henry), Ben Standish (wife Ji; children Kaela, Kaden, and Avery), Jessica Standish (husband Adrian; children Luca and Luna), Caitlin Standish (partner Lawrence and "therapy dog" to us all this summer, Puff), and extended family members across the US, Canada, France, and New Zealand.
Even though he's no longer here to call us on Mondays, the influence of his life and character continues to ripple outward - in his grandchildren heading off to college, in his kids trying hard to do the right thing, and in his newest granddaughter, born in July, whom he held as closely as he could with the time he had.
Thank you, Dad. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.