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BORN
1938
DIED
2009
FUNERAL HOME
Robert McAlear Obituary
After a courageous battle against cancer he passed August 16, 2009 at his home in Nice with his family around him.
Robert attended schools in Berkeley. He received his BA from UC Berkeley; went on to do graduate work at University of Washington. He received his MRE at Golden Gate Baptist Seminary in Mill Valley and earned his teaching credential at San Jose State.
In 1962 he married Debbie Perez and they moved to Lake County in 1965. Robert taught in the Lakeport Unified School District for 35 years and taught part time for Mendocino College for 30 years.
Together Robert and Debbie owned Main Street Jewelers in Lakeport for 16 years. Robert also worked as a supervisor in the Players Club at Robinson Casino up until his poor health forced his resignation. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Upper Lake and editor of "The Seeker Corner", the Church newsletter.
Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Debbie McAlear with whom he recently celebrated their 47th Wedding Anniversary; son, John (Sonia) McAlear of Upper Lake; grandson, Stephen McAlear of Lakeport; sister, Vicki (John) Oberg of Oregon. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Naomi (Richard) McMurray of Kelseyville and Orpha (Larry) Gunn of Kelseyville; brother-in-law, Ike (Linda) Perez of Tennessee and numerous nieces and nephews.
Both parents and a brother predeceased him.
Robert was a life member of the Lake County Genealogical Society and one of the founding members of the Silver Circle Volkswagon Club also treasurer and editor of the club newsletter.
A Celebration of Life will be held. Friends and family of "Mr. Mac" are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Clearlake High School Gym on Saturday, August 29th at 2 p.m.
For further information call Chapel of he Lakes Mortuary 263-0357 or 994-5611 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com
Please share your memories by signing the guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert McAlear
Buddy Wallat
September 7, 2009
Debbie, I'm sorry for your loss, Robert will be missed, you and your family are in my thought and preayers.
Bryon Carlson
September 5, 2009
Dear McAlear family,
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Mac. He was my favorite teacher in school- hands down. He will be missed by many but it must be a comfort to know how loved he was and what a contribution he made in others' lives. May God give you peace and comfort your hearts during this sad time. Psalm 94: 17-19, 22.
September 3, 2009
Dear McAlear Family,
I will always remember taking Spanish with Mr Mac at Terrace School in 7th and 8th grade.. his "white-knuckle flight" quizzes kept us on edge..what a brilliant and wonderful teacher and such a blessing to so many..I know he is enjoying his eternity with our precious Lord, and how awesome to know we will see him again! May the Lord give you much comfort..Linda Ridgel Lakeport, California
August 31, 2009
My prayers are with you Debbie and Family.
Regards,
Christopher Griego
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Tamara Newby
August 31, 2009
Debbie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tamara (used to live @ 3270 Lakeview Dr.-Nice, Ca)
Bill & Sheryl Holben
August 29, 2009
Debbie: Bill and I are sadden by the news of your loss. We will always have such fond memories of Bob and you and your bravery for taking our Clearlake High kids out into the world and showing them the possibilities in life. Please know that you both are loved and Bob's love of life and adventure will be missed.
Our sympathy to you and your family.
Leslie Thomas
August 29, 2009
My dearest Debbie and John;
Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of yours and Bob's lives over the past 22 years. I will miss Bob and his wonderful ways. What a smart and talented man he was, a man that touched so many lives in so many positive ways - mine especially!
Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal,
But loves leaves a memory that no one can steal.
We will always have our memories that will help carry us through these hard times.
Debbie and John, I love you both and my thoughts are with you - always. God bless and please take care.
Tim Ramos
August 28, 2009
Debbie and John,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you for the loss of your husband and father. I always remember Mr. Mac saying that Tuesday was his favorite day because it was the furthest day from Monday. He was a great teacher and a greater man. Take care.
Tim
Sean Shryock
August 28, 2009
Debbie,
I wanted to take this opportunity to express my sincerest gratitude to you and Mr. Mac for your investment in my life. Just the idea of taking a dozen children to one of the largest cities in the world, and in a foreign country no less, would frighten the average person. Thankfully, the two of you are exceptional people. I remember that trip to Mexico City often and with great fondness. Thank You.
David Holben
August 28, 2009
Debbie, I consider Robert to be one the greatest teachers, one of the best friends, and one of the finest people I have ever known. I cannot get together with former classmates without stories of Aunt Debbie and Uncle Bob and trips to Mexico coming up in conversation. You both have had a tremendous, positive influence on my life, and he will certainly be missed. I am truly saddened by Robert's passing and my deepest sympathies are with you and your family.
August 28, 2009
Thank you all for your nice word. Mr Mac will be missed he touched many lives. His Memorial service will be Sat. Aug. 29,2009 a the Clear Lake High School Gym. at 2:00PM
Thank you all
Mrs. Mac
Anita & Barney Moran
August 27, 2009
Debbie, we are sorry to hear of Bob's death. He and you were great to talk to. He will be missed. Hopefully you are doing well.
August 27, 2009
Debbie,
Bob always had a smile on his face and I loved his laugh. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by a lot of people.
Sharon Sessions Lake Community Bank
Retired
Dave Gebhard
August 27, 2009
He was a ray of sunshine at college, his classes were the only ones that I looked forward to attending. He made school fun. God bless you all, his memory will be your blessing throughout your life. Sincerely,
Donna Rose
August 27, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I'll alway remember Bob fondly and especially how he'd always tell us how many days were left until Monday! He was a great man who will be missed.
Marilyn Guenther/ Frank Munos
August 25, 2009
Dear Debbie and family,
Though I taught in the same district with Bob, I got to know him best at your Main Street Jewelry store.
Frank and I send our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Malissa Skrastins
August 25, 2009
McAlear Family,
I was a student of Mr. Mac's in the 80's and was lucky enough to have traveled with he and Debbie and members of my class. To this day...they are some of my favorite memories. Mr. McAlear has always been and always will be my favorite teacher. I have traveled extensively in Latin America and credit Mr. McAlear for lighting that fire within me.
My thoughts a prayers are with you all
Todd Hultquist
August 25, 2009
Debbie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family over this difficult time. Bob was a wonderful teacher & friend and will truely be missed.
August 25, 2009
Dear Debbie, John and Stephen,
Please accept our sincere sympathy. I know this has been a long hard road. We wish you peaceful hearts. Sincerely, Joan and Ray Cox
Robin Ruddock Borre
August 25, 2009
My deepest condolences. I remember the trips to Mexico with Mr. Mac, Debbie and my friends. He was a great teacher and will be thought of often.
Dixie
August 24, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of this..he was always one of my favorite teachers and his lessons have stayed with me to this day. RIP Mr. McAlear, and thoughts and prayers to you, Debbie..he was a wonderful man.
Russ Erickson
August 24, 2009
Mr. Mac,
You will truly be missed on this earth. I know that they are enjoying your wonderful personality in the heavens! Thank you for teaching me a new culture in high school. Thank you for taking us to Mexico City and Oaxaca in the late 80's. Thanks for being a great friend me and my family.
Debbie, my condolences to you and family.
August 23, 2009
Debbie and John
What I remember about Bob,Good man,Good teacher and friend, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom Ramey
Andrew Britton
August 22, 2009
My sincere condolences. Bob was a wonderful teacher and a very nice man away from the classroom too.
Linda Banfill
August 22, 2009
Debbie,
My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. May your memories of your wonderful life together help you through this tough time. Love to you and your family, Linda
Katherine Lindsley
August 22, 2009
So sorry to hear that Mr. Mac has left this earth. He was a wonderful man and a gifted teacher. I took Spanish from him at Mendocino College and both my kids were his students. He served the children and his community for many years and was a Lake County treasure. I miss him already.
Charley Stephanski
August 22, 2009
Dear Debbie:
I think fondly of Bob and you when I look at Pauline's OVERSIZED wrist watch her 1st husband made from a standard office wall clock from the 1950's.
Bob's conversion from the burned out electric motor to a modern battery device is amazing.
I didn't think it could be done, but BOB proved me wrong.
THANKS BOB.
Charley Stephanski
Founder of DART Couriers
Terri Stuart
August 21, 2009
Dear Debbie and Family;
Even tho I knew Bob was very sick I always hoped somehow he would make it anyway. He was a very dear person and when you all would come into Marylou's it was always wonderful to see him. When i worked with him at the Casino, I found him to be a warm and kind yet professional supervisor and I liked him instantly. I shall pray for you and for his wonderful spirit. May he fly free. Stay well, call if I can do anything and I sincerely mean this. Having lost my child I can only say that it takes time, go at your speed and remember all you've been to each other. God Bless you and your family.
Most Sincerely,
Terri and Ralph at Marylou's in Lucerne
August 21, 2009
HE WAS A GOOD MAN AND A MAN I AM SURE THAT GOD WAS VERY PROUD OF. HE IS IN GOOD COMPANY NOW, GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND FAMILY AT THIS TIME, HELEN
August 21, 2009
Debbie and family, I share in your sorrow with the loss of Bob, a very fine man and example to the younger generation to follow..... AvgJohn
Cinamon Vann
August 21, 2009
Dear "Tia" Debbie and the McAlear family--
My condolences to you during this sad and difficult time.
Very few teachers are so talented and amazing that they leave an impression that lasts a lifetime. I still think of Mr. Mac very often, and I treasure the lessons from his Spanish classes in 8th Grade and through high school. His energy and inspiration for teaching were legendary at CLHS.
I especially will carry with me the memories of the trip that Tio Bob and Tia Debbie took us on to Mexico (1983? 1984?). You were both so *brave* to take a bunch of wild kids with you to introduce us to a new country and a different culture.
Mr. Mac had such an lasting influence on so many of us. I, for one, will always feel grateful to him.
Ellen Hall
August 21, 2009
Dear Debbie,
Bob was a very respected colleague of mine, and helped me to make my own Spanish class a lot better. I especially enjoyed using his video finals idea. My own kids loved his class and had a great time making the videos. He will be missed.
Ellen Hall, Retired Spanish teacher from Upper Lake High
Melissa
August 21, 2009
I have wonderful memories of Mr. Mac in highschool and to this day I still say some of his funny spanish sayings. :) He is definitely missed.
Traci Tupper (Davis)
August 21, 2009
I wasn't aware of Mr. Macs illness and was so sad to hear the news. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. I truly enjoyed Spanish class even though I didn't do so hot. LOL Mr. Mac never gave up on me. My fond memory is his singing " La Coucaracha" in the halls. He will be deeply missed by many! Traci T. (Davis, Ca)
Erica Torrey
August 21, 2009
Debbie and family,
Not only was Mr Mac my teacher, but he was a great family friend. I feel so blessed to have had him in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Ron Stone
August 20, 2009
Dear Debbie and Family,
As we go through life, there are certain people who touch our lives and leave everlasting memories. These people have a strong charisma and loving personality. Bob was one of those kind of people. He made so many of us so very happy. I believe Bob is watching over you with his big smile.
I remember when Bob bought my 1954 VW.
He was like a kid in a candy store around Volkswagons! I enjoyed visiting you and Bob so much in your jewelry store. I know you have many cherished memories. Keep those memories in your heart and mind. Please let me know if I can ever be of help to you. God Bless you Debbie and know that I am just one of many who was touched by Bob.
Ron Stone
Lakeport
Will Fritsch
August 20, 2009
Debbie and family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. From the first day of my Freshman year, Mr. Mac touched my life. He continued to be in my thoughts for many years after. I spent a lot of time in your store with him, just taling about life. I feel so very fortunate to have known him, he will be greatly missed. Mr. Mac I'm sorry I never took the time to let you know in person but you were a great teacher, friend and human being you have touched so many lives. I thank you.
Aimie K.
August 20, 2009
Mr. Mac,
Fifteen years after graduating high school, I still think back to your classes sometimes and laugh. You knew how to help us learn and laugh at the same time. You had the best spirit inside the classroom and out. It was so nice to see you at the casino again, and you actually remembered me, and were so sweet. You lived a full and inspiring life Mr. Mac and you will be missed in this world. God Bless you and those you've left behind.
Robet Flores
August 20, 2009
Dear Debbie & Family,
Sorry to hear about Bob. Chuck Hackbarth called us in Alabama where we now live. We have many memories with you & Bob with the VW's. Guess what Bob is restoring here in Alabama a '64 VW something to keep him busy now that he is retired. Think of you when I look at the ring you fixed for me. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you and your famiy.
Your Silver Circle VW Friends
Bob & Maxine Flores
August 20, 2009
Debbie and John -
We send you our sincere sympathy for the loss of your beloved husband and father. My first meeting with your family was when you lived down Fifth Street from us and I used to babysit when John was just a little guy — then 3 years of high school Spanish class with "Mr. Mac" — later conferring about Volkswagen issues — and visiting your wonderful store . . . we have some great memories over the years of a truly kind and thoughtful man. You are in our thoughts.
Pam (Surber) & Marty Klier
Jim Balanesi
August 20, 2009
My wife introduced me to "Miracle" Bob, who became my own "Tuesdays with Morrie", even though (unfortunately), I didn't have the years or the time with him, as many were blessed to have had. I met him and his courageous and beautiful wife several years ago. The three of us would meet for coffee and tea. I too, am battling the same cancers which gave us lots to talk about. Bob was a GIANT inspiration! The Good, out of this sorrow, for me, is being able to look up to the Heavens and tip a cup of coffee, anytime and chat. I can see his wonderful smile and the twinkle in his eyes. Oh Yes, now I have a copy of that handsome photo to keep close by.
August 20, 2009
My deepest sympathy to you and family.
Marlene Fielding, Lakeport
August 20, 2009
Dear Debbie, Rick and I send you our love and thoughts. Please know you can call us any time you need. We are there for you, miss you much. Rich & Norine Hudgins
Roger Swidan
August 20, 2009
Dear Debbie,
My deepest sympathy and heartfelt thought for your loss. I always, and will always think of you and Bob when I look at the antique 365 day clock he repaired for me.
Roger Swidan
Teresa Gibson
August 20, 2009
Debbie & John,
My thoughts are with you both. Mr. Mac was a fun teacher and very nice man. I feel lucky to have had him in school and to have known him as an individual outside of the classroom.
August 20, 2009
Debbie and family,
thoughts and prayer go out to you,,,,we are thinking of you
Terry Phelps and Auxiliary members
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
Melody Whipple-Cecil
August 20, 2009
Mr. Mac was an incredibly teacher and friend. He will be missed. But know, that he touched many people's lives and made a lasting impression that will never be forgotten. Thanks for being a devoted teacher and great person.
Gloria,John Maia
August 20, 2009
Just wanted to sent our condolences to his family and share a memory with you. My son John (who is phyically challenged) and I used to go to Robinson Casino and Robert was always very nice to my son. He would give him little gifts everytime. He was very important to my son. He treated him like his best friend. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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