Robert Alvarez Obituary

ROBERT ALVAREZ 80, beloved husband, father, teacher and principal died suddenly on March 25, 2007. He was born in Colton, CA to Jennie and Manuel Alvarez on August 13, 1926. He attended Colton schools and was an outstanding athlete earning many awards. He entered the Army in 1945 and served in the Philippines as a Staff Sgt. in the military police. Upon his return home, he attended San Bernardino Valley College where he starred in football and also met his wife, Doris. They were married in 1948. He went on to the University of Redlands, where he again lettered in varsity football and track. Upon graduation, he began teaching seventh grade in Bloomington in 1951. He served as Director of Recreation in Bloomington for three years. He was named principal of the Crestmore Elementary School in 195 7. In 1969, he was transferred to the William McKinley School in Colton where he served nine years. He was then transferred back to Crestmore School until he retired in 1987. He received many accolades for his dedicated service to children including being listed in the San Bernardino County Educators Hall of fame, recognized as one of the first Mexican-American school principals in San Bernardino County, honored by the PTA for continuing service and honored by the Boy Scouts for his many years of dedicated service to the organization. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Doris, and two of his four sons, Donald of Grand Terrace & Wayne of Northridge; 4 grandsons, Steven, Ryan, Brennan & Connor; his brother & wife, Ernie & Loretta; sisters, Natalie Lofy and Belia Barthol & their husbands, Max & Jim; 4 nieces; 3 nephews. Bob loved little children and engaged them wherever he encountered them. In honor of that love, in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Robert, Steven and Kenneth Alvarez Memorial Sc holarship Fund at Bloomington High School, 10750 Laurel Ave, Bloomington, CA 92316. Viewing: Friday, March 30, 2007 from 4-7PM with Rosary at 6PM, AARON/Mark B. Shaw Chapel, 1525 N. Waterman Ave., San Bernardino. Funeral Mass: 10AM Saturday, March 31, 2007, Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral Church at 25th St. & Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino. Committal to follow at Mt. View Cemetery, Highland & Waterman Aves., San Bernardino.

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

Published by San Bernardino County Sun on Mar. 29, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Alvarez

9 Entries

Danette Buoye

March 23, 2022

Fifteen years since I heard Bob call me every year on my birthday where he sang Happy Birthday to me!
I loved him and his sons and think of them often.
May they all rest peacefully in God´s loving arms.

Star Swallow-Rhodes

April 5, 2007

God blessed many lives with such a kind and gentle man as Robert Alvarez. I friend of my family's since before I was born, he was a true leader of children and a friend to all who came in contact with. As many of look back on our days of school in Bloomington, we were very fortunate to have such a role model. Although it has been many years since I've seen him (my own father's funeral), he pops into my mind once in a while. He his wife Doris and their sons are the epitomy of what we should all aspire to be. See you in heaven Mr. Alvarez.

Nancy Gordon

April 1, 2007

Dear Doris, Donny, Wayne, and family,
I have always felt you were part of my family, and my children do as well. We will miss Bob and the joy he always brought with him. My Dad was inconsolable at the loss of his best friend. I love you all, and look forward to good times yet to come. Love, Nancy.

jenee marron (orr)

March 31, 2007

Iam sorry to hear of your loss.Bob was a great Principal! I went to Crestmore from 1969-1976 and my mom went to school with him and family

Danette Miranda Buoye

March 30, 2007

Thirty one years ago when Bob and Doris's son Steven passed away, I felt my life would never be the same. At nineteen years of age, how would I get through this? Would I ever understand why? Bob and Doris embraced me with their whole hearts. They showed me how to go on with life. Today I am a wife and mother of two. Bob and Doris have embraced my family, and made us all feel like we are part of their family. They have been to my children's baptisms, birthday parties, football games, they visited me in the hospital when I had surgery and would often call me on my birthday and sing happy birthday over the phone to me. They took this great sadness of losing a son, and turned it around, they modeled for me how to go on. They are to me, a second set of parents. I have learned so much watching them. I will forever love and admire how they faced so much with faith, great strength and love for others.
May God bless Mr. Alvarez and reunite him with his beloved sons.

Kathy Chesebrough

March 30, 2007

My heart goes out to Doris and the boys. I was the flower girl at their wedding and have only wonderful childhood memories of how much fun Bob was. I always knew he would have a successful life. He left a legacy of which his family can be more than proud; he shaped the minds and hearts of thousands, brought joy and encouragement to all.
He defined his generation, was the vanguard for social change, while remaining steadfast to his values, not an easy accomplishment in those tremulousness times.
Bob will be remembered by all who knew and loved him for his kindness, laughter, and impact on their lives.
I am so glad I knew him and could call him friend. My deepest sympathies to Doris and their sons. He was so proud of them and Doris was the light of his life.

Jerilynn Smith Crivello

March 30, 2007

Dear Doris, Don, Wayne, the Alvarez Family and Friends,
I will miss Bob for the rest of my life. He was the best friend anyone could have and my father, Gerald Smith appreciated his 50+ years of true friendship. Bob was a big part of our family life as well as my father's professional colleague. He never failed to attend and contribute to our special family events. He and Doris were there for all of our celebrations and losses. They attended our weddings over the years as well as my mothers 90th birthday party. Bob visited and encouraged my father during the last weeks of his life and he spoke at both my father's and mother's memorial services. I remember his dedication to the San Bernardino County Museum Association Board of Directors and the University of Redlands. I remember his interest in children, his warm concern for all of us, and his dedication to good work that benefited his local community. Bob gave of himself 100% in everything he did. We will always miss him.

Dorothy Koch

March 29, 2007

Bob has been a dear friend since 1937 when we moved to Colton. We attended Lincoln Elementary school, Roosevelt Junior High and Colton High school together. We have kept in contact ever since. I shall miss him. He was one of Colton High School's sucesses.

Mark Smith

March 29, 2007

The true legacy of a man is that which he leaves behind. Bob leaves this world a better place than it would be without his many contributions. He lived a wonderful life, achieved so much, and influenced countless people to reach beyond their insecurities to become more than they believed possible. Bob Alvarez was a gifted educator and athlete, father and friend. I will always remember him as a dedicated friend to my father and mother, a mentor, a man whose positive spirit and faith helped me and others to have faith in the future.

In August Bob and Doris made a huge investment in time and effort to be a part of our wedding. His presence bridged a gap, provided continuity between my parents generation (both deceased) and the future. It was hard for Bob to attend the wedding, but his presence meant so very much to me and my new family. Thank you Bob, and congratulations to you and your family for a life very well lived.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results