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Bob McQuade Obituary

Bob McQuade graced this earth in November 1946, and was transformed into peace and light Friday, Sept. 17, 2010. Bob served this world as a loving husband of 40 years to his beloved Rosalyn, inspired father to his children, clinical psychologist and healer to his community, visionary artist and compassionate friend. He was a Renaissance man, a humanist, always marching to his own beat. After surviving a debilitating stroke, he courageously faced each day''s challenges and met them with patience and acceptance. Bob was a brave model for living with a disability. A wise man who lived life to its fullest. Bob was born in Pittsburgh, Calif. His spirited youth was spent swimming, skiing and roaming the hills of Lafayette, Calif. He earned his BA at UC Berkeley and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Bob and Ros were married December 1970. Together they built a home in San Luis Obispo and he established his practice on the Central Coast. He will be remembered as the person with a spark in his eye, always ready for adventure.  The McQuade family sends a heartfelt thanks to his caregiver, Rita Harrigan, for her exceptional assistance for five years. His loving wife, Rosalyn; daughter, Lena; son, Todd; mother, Edith; sisters Mahalia and Carol; brother, Stuart; and entire family circle and dear friends live on to honor and remember his life. A celebration of Bob''s life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, at the Steynberg Gallery, 1531 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo. Everyone is welcome to come and share their stories about Bob.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Sep. 26, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Bob McQuade

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Rita Harrigan

November 28, 2020

Bob was a Wonderful man ! So very kind to everyone ! He could only say a couple of words coherently but he always got his point across.
It was a pleasure for me to serve this man who had helped so very many people for so many years ! It couldn’t of been easy listening to everyone’s problems day in and day out !
You did well Bob ! Rest In Peace dear friend.
Love always
Rita Harrigan

October 8, 2010

"There is music in a well-lived life." Bob was his own director and led his band from symphony through cacophony and back to sweet refrains. "Fair winds and following seas, Bob."
Marna and Sam Larkin

October 3, 2010

I was Bobs caregiver for the last 5 yrs.
This was a brilliant multi talented man. He was also the kindest most gracious person ever !! We laughed and
sang often on our way to his favorite
places. I respected and admired this
man and am ever so glad that I told him
this. Bob endured quite a bit to keep his independence. It was my good fortune to assist this man.
Rest easy my dear dear friend. You
fought a good fight !

Love,
Rita

William schanberger

October 3, 2010

Carolyn and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to the McQuade family. We remember him at Sinsheimer pool as he worked valiantly to come back from his stroke.Just a very wonderful guy.
Bill and Carolyn Schanberger

Toni Wynn

October 3, 2010

I loved working with Bob. I always called him "B-oh-B." He and Kimberly Rosa and I often met in Cayucos where we planned the program that became Conflict Management and Esteem-Building Training for youth offenders. How resourceful, hopeful, pragmatic, and insightful Bob was. I so enjoyed developing and co-leading that program (1995 - 1997). And his sardonic humor! Such a cool guy. I'm so fortunate to have known him. Blessings to all.

Pat Malone

October 1, 2010

My wife, Barb, and I had the good fortune to meet and know Bob over a year ago through his wife, Ros. Within the past year, Bob and I became friends and we would meet early afternoon for camaraderie and coffee at The Black Horse and Higher Grounds. Our time for friendship was short, but I feel so fortunate to have known this man; words were not needed to express his kindness and good heart.

Thoughts and support to Ros and family from Barbara and I.

Mary Kopecky

September 30, 2010

My favorite memory of Bob is the day Todd was born. We were watching Lena while Ros was in labor. Lena and our daughter, Melissa, were good buddies and played quietly all day. In the early afternoon there was a soft knock at the door and there stood Bob with a huge grin on his face. He smiled and said, "It's a boy! Come on Lena, lets go meet your brother!"

Steve (& Cathy) Brody

September 29, 2010

As young psychologists new to SLO back in the day, we would lunch and share cases (anonymously, of course). Bob's intelligence, humor, compassion, and ethic were comforting and encouraging.

Once we went camping together, our two young families. I vividly remember Bob's heron-like stealth as he stalked trout fly fishing. He was a man of many talents.

You will be missed, by old friend. God speed. And much love to Ros and the family.

Barbara Todd

September 28, 2010

Had the good fortune to meet Bob outside Peet's a few years ago. He approached me to call his wife for a ride home. From then on, we always shared a table. I was amazed at his courage, enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. We shall miss him and send our condolences to his family.
Barbara and Bill Todd

The Augusta Street Gang

Judy Davis

September 28, 2010

Bob McQuade, our long time neighbor, a gentle, wonderful man who, with lovely Roz made the little 'Augusta Street Gang' a magical place for our children to grow up. Bob, whose sculpture, placed in the front garden, gave me the courage to sculpt. When we heard drums softly of an evening, we understood that Bob was looking further and deeper and his life would share the results. Over fourteen years and never an unkindness, always a smile from our good good neighbor. We have often thought and spoken of you and all those times meant to us. We will remember you always with the love that grew over years. Judy (Geftakys) Davis

September 28, 2010

Lena and Todd,
One of the things I remember about your days at Laguna Jr. High is the strong family bond you had. I regret the loss of your Dad, but know you will bond together and rely on the wonderful qualities/memories of your Dad. Thinking of you.
Mrs. K/Laguna P.E.

Rebecca Geftakys

September 28, 2010

Bob, you were a huge part of my childhood. Your family was a second family to me. When I think of you it’s always you working on your sculptures in the garage. Or the bongo drums every afternoon. To a girl being raised in an ultra conservative Christian family, you and your family were “the crazy neighbors” (although now I know, we were the crazy ones) you were a safe person in my mind. A calm and peaceful presence in my hectic world. You were a kind father to your kids and a kind man to me. Thank you for the influence you have been. Although it’s been years since I saw you last, I will miss you.

September 27, 2010

Dear Roz and Family, Jerry and I send our condolences to you. The Kamls have a long history with you as Teri was a babysitter for Todd and Lena as well as our connections at school, PAC ushers and your neighborhood walks. We will pray for understanding and transition. Sherry Kaml

Kimberly Dutra

September 26, 2010

Robert, You were my friend, my Doctor and, SPIRITUAL GUIDE. You gave me the tools that I needed then and now to self actualize and become who I am. I will always treasure the sculpture I have of yours (I call "Animus"). You were way ahead of your time as a Doctor, Artist and, Psycho-mythologist. I really hoped to be reading your books,,,You could have written after you were retired.... Life is too short!. My condolences to your wife and family..... "You can't have the light without the dark" ~Robert McQuade

Rosemary Donnell

September 26, 2010

Many thanks to Bob for his generosity. In the fall of 1995, the White Heron Sangha was a fledgling Buddhist group--not yet the strong organization it has become. We were looking for a site to meet weekly but couldn't find the right place. Bob allowed us to meet rent-free at his office until we could find a more permanent space. What was the most amazing part is that he wasn't, at that time, actually a member of our group. He believed in the power of meditation and wanted to help a meditation group in San Luis Obispo County. As it turned out, we only needed to take advantage of his help for a few weeks, but it was none-the-less a huge act of generosity in our book. As someone who has been with the Sangha from the start, I never forgot what he did to help our group at a time it was very needed.

Happiness...Bob and one of his sculptures

Shevon Sullivan

September 26, 2010

Oh Bob how we miss you here in the pottery studio. Your dance and song always brought laughter to all of us!Your ability to sculpt such beautiful work one handed brought inspiration to so many. You blessed my life with each encounter we had. We had a special way of understanding each other even with your limited speach.
Bob was a gentleman, kind and one who really was patient. This obituary describes him so well and the man he was. There was a way he said goodbye to everyone in the room when he was done for the day. "ooohhh ooohh, bye bye" as he waved to all, Bye Bob

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