Robert Rob Hall Jones

Robert Rob Hall Jones
Ageless
Los Gatos
How do I write concerning the most remarkable, brilliant, kind hearted, dignified, caring, charitable, Renaissance man I have known, and called, with pride, my husband? The world is not a better place without him.
Robert was born in Whittier. He was spoiled by his Mother and Grandmother while Dad was in the Pacific Front during WW2.
When Dad came home four years later, all moved to San Mateo for Dad's work at Standard Oil in San Francisco.
Robert was in the Seabees, until their boat sank.........
Robert attended San Mateo High School......."Orange and Black We Honor"............ Very hard to believe he was shy, considering his wit, and humor, especially in Spanish class.
Robert was in the Marines, stationed at Pendleton in San Diego. He ended Bootcamp as a leader and Sargent. The next 5 years he was a weekend warrior, Marine Corps Reserves, contracting poison oak numerous times. He lamented years later, he wished he had gone to Vietnam. I am personally happy, he did not serve in Vietnam.
Robert attended San Jose State University, with Dean's Honors, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He continued his education in Nuclear Engineering. While working for General Electric Nuclear in San Jose, he attended Santa Clara University for his Masters in Business Administration.
While at GE Nuclear, Robert designed the IF300 rod spent fuel cask for storage.
After GE terminated his sector of the business, Robert started his consulting company, R. H. Jones, P. E. Consulting. He consulted to many government entities, and foreign governments (not Russia or Japan), concerning transportation of the IF300 cask via train and barges. One of his most interesting contracts was public hearings in Nevada by Indian Tribes that wanted the fuel rods buried five miles down in salt, on their land. The two concerns were; Sovereign land cannot be removed and sent to a hazardous waste dump, because the land is Sovereign, and what should be done for future signage. Should there be a sect such as the Druids to pass down the information on the burial site. What type of signage should be used, etc.
We had years of fun participating with the Pantera Club and the Ferrari Club. Our longest and best group of friends, is through the 45 year friendships with people in these car clubs. Being a mechanical engineer, Robert repaired everything needed on the Pantera, except new tires. Robert purchased a 1972 Dino Ferrari, a wreck. The prior owner had placed a turbo on the car. The engine blew, the car wrecked. He built the car from the ground, taking 3 years of weekends, and evenings. His project took an amazing amount of patience, ability, and muffled swear words. The finished product was stunning!!! We raced the car a number of years, intraclub, gentleman racing, wreaks not allowed. One year Robert won "The Most Consistent Times", up the hill, at the Virginia City Hill Climb for the weekend.
While at GE, Robert an a few hard working souls brought "The Kennedy Foundation Special Olympics" to Santa Clara County. Special Olympics is still thriving, due to the hard work of a core group. Robert was the President for many years. At one point Robert with great help, held a 10K race in San Jose for proceeds to be given to Special Olympics.
Robert was a born leader.
Robert started running in 1979. Running remained his passion. He ran hundreds of 10k (6.2 mile) races. He "placed" in most of his races. He won hundreds of plaques, ribbons, cups, many types of trophies. He started running marathons; San Francisco, Napa Valley, and The Big Sur. Later he started participating in triathlons. He usually placed in his age group! The man was a running machine! He was 6' 2', and had the best looking running legs in Los Gatos!! Robert trained at "The Fitness Clinic" and "Los Gatos Swim and Racket Club" for 40 years. He loved the gym! Robert ran 5 miles a day until a few months before his passing.
When we moved to the Santa Cruz Mts. in 1984. Robert with a neighbor, started the events to have the water company under the wings of the PUC. It took 14 years of very hard work, public meetings, arbitrations, to have the existing water company become a public water company under PUC heath regulations with water from San Jose Water Works. Robert continued as the President of the newly named, Summit West Water Company until his death. The water supply is continuous, clean, potable, and guaranteed because of Robert Jones.
Robert was one of the people in the beginning of the "Rail Trail" fight in Aptos to have the defunct rail line changed for usage of bikes, walkers, runners etc. Recently, the Board of Supervisors voted to use the defunct rail line for a Rail Trail!!!!
Robert joined the Silicon Valley Triathlon Club. Of course, he was President for a few years. In 2002 he became the Race Director of "The Silicon Valley Kids Triathlon". He was the race director for 11 years. The Kids Tri became the largest type of event, in the country. At the end of 11 years, the event had over 1,000 participants between the ages of 3 and 15 years. The race was based on empowerment. Many of the kids wore their tee-shirts and metals to bed the night of the triathlon.
Within the last 5 years, Rob became an integral part of an organization to free the Iranian people of the Mulas brutal regime. He became one of the spokespersons between the "Free Iran" group and elected officials. Unfortunately, his work was not finished at the time of his passing.
Truly, the man was a one person powerhouse!! It is almost impossible to believe he has passed. Rob was a very humble man. He would be extremely embarrassed by my writing of his obituary.
Theresa MartinelliJones (wife), Mitra Yazdi (best friend)
Chris Jones, (brother) and family
Robert (Rita) Palma, cousin
Donations:
PAWS ( Preforming Animal Welfare Society), P.O. Box 849, Galt, CA 95632
U.S. Foundation for Liberty and Human Rights, P.O. Box 1737, El Cerrito, CA 94530


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