Robert R. Bob' Smith October 16, 1942 - February 5, 2020 San Diego Bob, 77, lost his battle with metastatic throat cancer. Born in North Island, he graduated from Crawford HS in 1960, went on to SDSU and graduated in 1970 from UCSD with a PhD in Math. He spent his entire career at the Navy Lab in Pt. Loma at first doing math modeling then moving on to something he loved more: managing the building of and taking to sea towed array sonar surveillance systems. A hunter most of his life, after retiring in 1995, he took up bird hunting and acquired the first of his four beloved hunting dogs. He subsequently became active in and took on leadership roles in the San Diego Chapter of NAVHDA, the San Diego County Wildlife Federation, the Jr. Pheasant Hunt, and the San Diego Chapter of the Safari Club. He loved hunting, being outdoors, and viewing wildlife, and worked tirelessly until his death for the conservation of wildlife and protection of hunting rights. He was loved and respected by his family and many friends, and by those who had the privilege of working with him. He will be missed. Bob was preceded in death by his son Aaron, and is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jacqueline, sons Robert Jr. and Spencer (Christina), grandson Robert III, step-grandson Jarrett, step-great-granddaughter Natalia, and sister Patti, all of San Diego, and his brother Barry (Barbara) of Sparks, NV. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 8, at 1 PM at the Thursday Club, 1224 Santa Barbara St., San Diego.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Feb. 11, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Smith

6 Entries

vickie flood

February 14, 2020

I met Bob at the Naval Lab in Point Loma when I received an Upward Mobility position in his Division. This gave me an opportunity to develop a new career on the technical side of underwater research and development. I'm still very grateful for having received this opportunity. Bob was a great boss, he always showed the quality of fairness in his leadership. It was a great pleasure to work for Bob.

Another employee and I were speaking of Bob one time and her words, "He just makes you feel like you want to do a good job", best express the inspiration we felt to be our best. I'm sure many others who worked for him felt the same way.

My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one.

Vickie Flood

Dan Bodell

February 13, 2020

Bob was exceedingly kind to me and generous with his time. I started hunting late in life and he was always ready with an encouraging word and some gentle advice. He had a great sense of humor. What stands out to me most about Bob is the very real sense of decency that he had and which was immediately evident when you first met him. Bob, you will be missed, and have fun walking the dogs in Heaven.

February 11, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Gary Brennan presenting Bob a recognition award for being past president of the Federation.

Gary Brennan

February 11, 2020

Bob was a good friend and a very active member of the San Diego COunty Wildlife Federation where he served as secretary and president. He was a voice of reason who was always ready to spellcheck my comments to the meeting minutes and remind me, as the current president, of the correct way to do things to make the Federation what it is today. Bob will be missed by me and the member organizations of the Federation.

Jeff Carle

February 11, 2020

I met Bob as a member of the San Diego County Fish and Wildlife Advisory Commission when he represented the Wildlife Federation. He immediately impressed me with his candor and passion for habitat and wildlife preservation, and the County will miss his dedication and concern. My condolences to his family.