Robert H. Ludlow Jr.

1938 - 2022

Robert H. Ludlow Jr.
December 9, 1938 - April 14, 2022
Santa Cruz
The remarkable life of Robert H. Ludlow Jr., ended peacefully, at his home in Santa Cruz, California on April 14th at the age of 83. He fought hard and planned to outlive us all! Bob is survived by his son Spencer T. Ludlow, his daughter, Justine E. Lagerwey, his grandchildren Sophia A. Delponte, Corey A. Ludlow, Katin W. Ludlow, and James H. Lagerwey. His nephew Derek Ludlow and his niece Karen Ludlow Hayward. Lisa Ludlow and Geneviev Heth.
Bob moved to Boulder Creek when he was nine with his older brother, Richard "Kent" Ludlow and his parents Robert H. Ludlow Sr. and Mildred Elizabeth McClenaghan Ludlow all deceased. He has also lived in Aptos, Capitola, Santa Cruz and Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii.
In 1952, at Forest Pool, in Boulder Creek, CA, Bob fractured his neck becoming a quadriplegic. Here began the extraordinary journey that left an incredible legacy of firsts and an indelible impact on those who knew him. In the 72 years Bob was wheelchair bond he never stopped blazing literal trails. If his injury could be quantified, he would be the longest-lived quadriplegic. Multiple experimental and groundbreaking surgeries allowed him the use of his arms and partial use of his hands. Which meant Ludlow could drive and boy did he.
Bob graduated from San Lorenzo Valley HS, the first quad ever, which later dedicated a building honoring his achievements. After a short time at Hartnell College, Bob received a full academic scholarship to Stanford graduating with a BA in History in 1961, the first quadriplegic to do so. He then received is J.d. from University of California Law School, Hastings, in San Francisco, becoming the first quad to pass the California State Bar in 1964. He began his law career as an associate at the firm of Lucas, Wyckoff, Miller, Stanley & Scott.
Bob later went on to start a more than 50-year law practice in downtown Santa Cruz and later at the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor, becoming a fixture in the community and a trail blazer in spinal cord and brain injury advocacy and instrumental in laying the foundation for what later became the Americans with Disabilities Act. He mentored newly injured spinal cord patients and won large settlements for others, he was sought after for his unique circumstance and studied and brilliant perspective. In the 1980's he passed the Hawaii State Bar, again the first quad, and opened a practice there, building and maintaining lifelong connections and relationships.
Bob married Sherrel Lynn Burwell in 1965, adopting two children Spencer and Justine. He later married Sandy Olson, Genevieve Heth, Kathryn Oxman and ultimately his love, Lisa Ludlow. He worked hard and was successful to provide a good life for his family, children and grandchildren, whom he loved greatly.
Bob loved the Opera and was involved in many philanthropic endeavors. A voracious reader, dog lover, avid movie goer, Stanford Super Fan, state fair attendee, jazz festival lover and card-carrying museum supporter of all. Velveeta cheese and spam eater, carrot cake connoisseur. Sun worshiper, Buddhist, Collector, advice giver, storyteller, generous, resolute and obstinate, madly brilliant and brilliantly mad. Vexatious and loved. He was a larger-than-life, charismatic character that occupied a lot of marvelous space. He will be remembered for so much and by so many.
A celebration of life for Bob will be held Saturday, May 21st from 2pm-5pm, at Rancho Soquel, 1461 Old San Jose Rd, Soquel, CA. In lieu of flowers, donation information for Bob's charity of choice will be available.


View the online memorial for Robert H. Ludlow Jr.