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ROBERT BATINOVICH Obituary

Robert George
Batinovich
July 13, 1936 - Sept. 11, 2012
Robert "Bat" Batinovich of Hillsborough, CA passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loved ones on September 11, 2012 on the Big Island of Hawaii. He is survived by his wife Garnet, son Andy (Debbie), daughter Angela and grandchildren Kyle Cotchett, Kelly Cotchett, Alexa Batinovich and Avery Bysouth, brother Ken (Annette) and many wonderful cousins.
Bat was born on July 13th, 1936 in Long Beach, CA to Matthew and Margaret Batinovich. He attended St. Anthony's High School and worked as a tuna fisherman (longshoreman) in South America.
Bat was the founder of Glenborough Corporation based in San Mateo, CA and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Glenborough Realty Trust Inc. a Real Estate Investment Trust through his retirement.
In addition to Mr. Batinovich's real estate experience he also had a broad background in both business and government, as well as charitable activities. His business background included seven years as an executive with Norris Industries, after which the bulk of his business life was devoted to entrepreneurial and venture capital activities, primarily through the start-up or acquisition, operation, and ultimate sale, of a variety of businesses.
During the period 1976-1980, Mr. Batinovich served on the California Public Utilities Commission, the last two years as its President. During this time, Mr. Batinovich also served on a number of governmental commissions and participated in a variety of policy research efforts sponsored by government bodies and universities. These included the California State Board of Transportation (1977) and the Health Facilities Authority (1981). In carrying out these responsibilities, he forged many strong and lasting relationships in both business and government. He served on the Board of Farr Company (a manufacturer of filters - NASDAQ, sold in 2000) and the Advisory Board of Greater Bay Bank Corp., Palo Alto, California. His many charitable affiliations included Community Gatepath, Georgetown University, The Samaritan House and Catholic Charities.
Bat loved the outdoors and some of his favorite pastimes included deep sea fishing, golf and water volleyball. He enjoyed and actively followed professional sports.
A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, September 17th at 1:00 pm at Our Lady Of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, CA. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Community Gatepath, PO Box 5480, San Mateo, CA 94402 or you may donate online at www.gatepath.org

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 14 to Sep. 16, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT BATINOVICH

Sponsored by Angela Batinovich.

19 Entries

Esde PIPER

November 12, 2024

Dearest Bob, if I never stopped to say "I love you" then I was entirely remiss . You have been such a unique friend and you brought enchantment to some degree whenever I was in your presence. You were naturally gifted in so many areas of life and you didn't spare anything as you infused your ideas with reality. I admire you perhaps because you usually chose laughter....no matter how difficult the situation. Thank you for reminding me how important our Catholic faith was to our long-term wellbeing. And, thank you for always taking my hand as you opened the church door. You were so many things to so many. Thank you for the very human man you were and thank you for your humanity expressed in so many ways. God bless you, and Gid give you eternal peace.

Nancy Faram

December 12, 2020

I worked for Robert in the late 90’s. First in San Diego at Shadowridge Woodbend then at the Overlook in Scottsdale AZ. He made work so much fun. I remember him asking me if I liked the term “corporate office” and when I told him no, he asked, “what about “home office” and I said that just sounded better. He said from here on out that was the term we’d use. I also remember him coming to Arizona and I was asked to pick him up at the airport so we could look at some properties there. I got scolded my the attendant at the airport for not driving my car out to the plane and was so embarrassed that I didn’t know I was supposed to do that. We climbed into my car and he sees my Dallas Cowboy emblem and asks, “Do you know what my favorite team is” and I said the 49ers? and his reply was “any team playing the Cowboys”. We had a great day. He wanted greasy Mexican food so I found the best of the worst. He would send me out to look at other properties after that and I’d give my thumbs up or down. I’ll always think of Bat as someone who gave me the confidence to go in the direction of my dreams and to this day, still in the apartment industry, I’ve never worked with an owner I liked more. I hope Andrew and the family are doing well. I just saw that he had passed and wanted to share my memories with Angela and family. God Bless

July 17, 2014

Through a series of recent coincidences, I just learned of Bat's passing.
My deepest and profound condolences to Bat's family, friends and anyone fortunate enough to have known him.
His life story was just as amazing as he was.
Cary Guide
Chicago

frances

May 25, 2014

I was just looking through some of my old photos from the time I was a chef on a yacht in Monaco when Bat chartered the boat for three weeks back in 1997. We had a fantastic time while he was on board and although I was working as part of the crew Bat made sure that we enjoyed the time as much as he and his guests.
I looked him up on google out of curiosity and I'm so sorry to hear that he has passed away.
I still tell people a very funny story that he told us from his days on the tuna boats.
He had some very nice friends who came with him, including his son Andy. I'm very sorry for your loss. He was a very warm, generous and funny man and I can only imagine how much you must miss him..

Kathy Barron-Brainard

May 10, 2014

Wow - I was perusing the internet and just came across the notice of Bat's passing. I worked for Glenborough for ten years and left to move to Portland, Oregon. The time I spent working for Glenborough was transformative for me. Bat taught me a great deal about responsible leadership and how to care for employees in the time I worked there. His charismatic presence was remarkable. My deepest condolences to Andy and Angela - you are his gift to the world. Live well.

Nikolina Erakovic

October 8, 2012

Dear Mr.B., you always will be in my thoughts and memories. I was very lucky person because I have had opportunity to meet you since you are one of a kind. You have come in my life when it was difficult but you have made many things possible and unforgettable (some kid from Croatia to meet president Clinton?! Yes it's me!).I am inspired by you for good actions and once you have told me that I never should forget where I am coming from – I promise I will not! My condolences to Andy, Angela and the whole family. With love, Nikolina.

Adrienne and Jeffrey Schubiner

October 2, 2012

We have enjoyed being at many of your lawn parties where you included us along with your other neighbors. Many thanks over all these years to you and your family for delighting us with your beautiful tree lights over the holidays. For these and many more reasons you will be missed by all of us on Roehampton Road.

Deborah Davis

September 23, 2012

Fondly I remember and will never forget the adventure working for Glenborough and later being offered (on my birthday) the opportunity of a lifetime as Bat's personal assistant so many years ago. The most charming, charismatic and professional businessman I've ever known who silenced a room when he entered, all eyes on him. Thanks for the memories Bat, I'll never forget you. Rest in Peace kind gentleman.
May comforting angels be with the Batinovich family.

Deborah (Debby) Davis
(formerly McGivern)

GLB Tampa Team

September 19, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Stephanie Schwing

September 17, 2012

I remember all the wonderful late night Italian dinners with Bat at Joes or similar establishments. The stories were wonderful and the food fabulous. My husband, Gary, would call me to drive up from Atherton to join them for dinner. The parties at their lovely home and Niners games with Bat's political groupings were always interesting. Bat had a knack for bringing the best and brightest together in an eclectic mix of minds, personalities, and unique discussions. He will be remembered and missed by so many.
Love to all his beautiful family,
Stephanie

Kevin Kingsmore

September 17, 2012

Bat. You will be missed by many. I enjoyed so much the time I worked and spent with you. You were and are one of a kind. I will cherish all the old storys you told me of you growing up. They were so inspiring to me. Bat you are the best. It was an honor to be part of your life. I will have a cocktail and a cigar in your name just do me a favor and save some for me up there. My thoughts and prayers go to you and the Batinovich family.

Deanne Wilsted

September 16, 2012

I felt so very fortunate to be part of the Batinovich family during my awkward teenage years while babysitting Angela. Mr. B (as he was known to me) was always kind and inclusive and I grew up admiring the active role he took in government and charities (not to mention his style in real estate!) My sympathies go out to the entire Batinovich family.

Michael Webber

September 15, 2012

Felt honored to work at his company!

Mike Scanlon

September 15, 2012

I was deeply saddened to hear of Bat's passing. He was an incredible human being, one of a kind for sure!!
I regret that I failed to make time to visit him and that I will be unable to attend his service.
He did so much for so many people and will be sorely missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this most difficult time.

Becky Wignall

September 15, 2012

Rest in peace Bat. We will carry on at Glemborough, just as you would have wanted. What a wonderful man to work for! Thank you Bat.

Kimberly Lemon

September 14, 2012

Glenborough was my home away from home for 10 years. Although, I did not work directly with Bat, I had the pleasure of seeing him in the office on a daily basis, and remembering his energy and passion. I am also fortunate, to have had the pleasure to accompany Bat on chartered fishing excursions, which made evident, his love for fishing (still ever the fisherman).

A generous and charitable man, who never lost sight, pitched in, and got his hands dirty re-landscaping alongside the rest of us, all the while supporting Rebuilding Peninsula. A very memorable day, and he sure had a keen liking for that edger~

Our memories of your infectious smile will never be lost, nor forgotten!

My heart and condolences, go out to the family.

Piera Torres

September 14, 2012

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Anastasia Deveaux

September 14, 2012

Truly a great man and I'm thankful to have known him for a short period of his life.My warmest and sincere thoughts go out to his friends and family.

Leanne

September 14, 2012

You will be missed by many. Rest in peace Bat. <3

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