Robert William "Bob" Maxey

Robert "Bob" William Maxey

Redding, CA

June 19, 1938 - August 28, 2015

Robert William Maxey was born to George and Harriett Maxey on June 19, 1938 in Tulare, California. At age fourteen, in 1950, the family moved to the Bay Area, and eventually settled in Redding in 1951.

Bob had the distinction of being in the very first graduating class of the (then) new Enterprise High School in 1957.

As a young man, Bob worked multiple odd jobs, and in 1958, he was offered the opportunity to work in the Division of Forestry as a firefighter. While climbing the ranks in forestry, Bob also worked for ComConEx, which eventually became TriState Utility, Incorporated. During that time, he traveled the United States, doing communication construction and excavation work. Bob worked for the Division of Forestry from May, 1958 until his retirement as Captain in December, 1986. In 1990, during his "retirement," Bob accepted a managerial position at Stumpy's Liquors. In fact, many patrons believed he was "Stumpy," for whom the store was named.

Bob was a member of the Masonic Lodge #254, and a past Master (1974), receiving the Hiram Award for Service in 2011. He was a member of the Shriner's Club, and attended weekly luncheons for the organization. He was also a proud member of E CLAMPUS VITUS (The Clampers).

Raised an only child, Bob quickly gained a large extended family, the Beldens, when he married Grace (Babe), the youngest of ten children. While Bob was attending Shasta College, the two met in what was then Memorial Hospital, where Grace was employed as a nurse. They met in March, 1960 and were married August 6th of the same year. Thus, the Maxey legacy began.

As so eloquently stated by sister-in-law, Nina Jackson, "Bob became another brother (we already had six) to our Belden family when he married our baby sister, Grace 55 years ago. He was raised as an only child and married into our huge family, immediately embraced by all. For many years he starred at our family Christmas parties, always new children as the generations expanded, excited to know Santa would arrive with presents for all. So many happy memories we have of laughing children eagerly awaiting his appearance. Bob, we older 'kids' looked forward to seeing your bigger than life greeting too, as you entered the room. You will always be a presence in our hearts. God speed..."

Bob enjoyed tinkering in his shop, taking their beloved basset hound, Toby for outings in the sailboat, and digging on his backhoe when the need arose. He was the consummate storyteller, and always the life of the party. Bob never met a stranger, never failed to share a compliment, or to offer a helping hand.

Above and beyond his varied interests, Bob's greatest passion was that for FAMILY. He is survived by his wife, Grace, their chocolate lab Maddie, sons Bill (Christina) of San Jose, CA, Brian (Cindie), Ed (Sue) of Redding, CA and Paul (Tammy) of Palo Cedro, CA and daughter Mary (Liam) of Camptonville, CA, twenty-one grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, as well as many extended family and friends.

Bob left this earth after a valiant struggle with heart disease, Grace still holding his hand, and surrounded by family, very peacefully. There's a hole in this family that will never be filled, but we will carry on, as he would have wanted. We'll probably never open a bottle of Burnsini wine without thinking of him. Never make a pot o' Maxey beans without wishing he were here to tell us how to do it. Never a day will pass that we don't miss your humor, your infectious laugh, or your hilarious T-shirts. Godspeed…Rest in Peace…go join your precious Toby, and family and friends...until we meet again...

Services are scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2015 at 1 pm at Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel 9100 Deschutes Rd. Palo Cedro, CA with a Celebration of Life following at the Masonic Lodge 195 Masonic Ave. Redding, CA.

The family asks that lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Red Cross of Redding, CA.

Please sign the guestbook at http://obits.redding.com