Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Robert Emerson Obituary
Beloved son of Kary Cadmus (K.C.) Emerson and Mary Rebecca Emerson (nee Williams) both deceased, brother of James (deceased) and William, sister-in-law Marcie and uncle to Rebecca and Phillip, passed away quietly and unexpectedly on February 2nd. Born in Texas and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Bob moved to San Francisco in the mid-70's.
Bob was a graduate of MIT and Stanford University with an MS in Mechanical Engineering. His career included employment at Stanford Research Institute (SRI), Impell, and recently retired as the Assistant Division Director for Business and Planning Services for the Administrative Office of the Courts for the State of California.
Bob was a true intellectual, ever curious and analytical with a very wry sense of humor. Bob was an avid patron of the arts enjoying the ballet, opera and the city's museums. He was also a voracious reader evidenced by the extensive collection of books and magazines throughout his home. He also enjoyed world travel, favoring London, Paris, and Barcelona with repeat visits. Bob was an impeccable dresser with a collection of exotic, eclectic cufflinks.
He was an adoring and responsible guardian to his canine companions. Bob also volunteered his time and energy serving on the Board of Positive Resource during the height of the AIDS epidemic.
Bob is loved and mourned by his family and leaves a close circle of long-time friends.
A memorial service is planned for 2pm on Saturday, March 22nd at Grace Cathedral.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Emerson
Jim Taul
March 24, 2014
Bob & I went to Yorktown and MIT together. At each, he was the leader of his service club - Key Club & ATO. I left Yorktown for Kenyon and then transferred to MIT rather than getting into it the real way, like Bob did. When I did get there, Bob was generous beyond the call in sheltering me - making sure I had friends and a place to live - ATO. I'll be forever in his debt for that, and I never repaid him in kind.
Bob & I shared other history, too. We both were dealing in one way or another with coming out at MIT ATO. We both dated some of the same people in the '70s. We both were in Ph.D. programs in Stanford Engineering, although his was the real stuff and mine was not, just like at MIT. And I was in the same department at Sohio with Roy; for a few months, our offices adjoined.
The amount that Bob & I shared in history, and the distance to which we drifted in the last fifteen years bring tears to my eyes. Keep close those who do you good.
Thank you, Bob, for your generous soul.
Zenaida Mananquil
March 24, 2014
I enjoyed working with Bob and enjoyed our conversations about his trips to Europe and Dogs. He will be missed.
Z
Steve Benne
March 24, 2014
My deepest sympathy to your family for your loss. Bob was a kind soul & we truly go back so many years being in San Francisco together with many mutual friends. My thoughts are with him. Steve Benne
Gary Virginia
March 22, 2014
I offer condolences to all of Bob's family and many friends. I met and befriended Bob through our volunteer service on the board of Positive Resource Center in the late nineties. He was a smart, funny, effective leader who lent considerable skills to the agency during very turbulent times. He mentored me when he stepped down as board president and I took the helm. I could have never done it without him. Bob loved his friends and canine companions, and had very close friendships with people like James Carlson, Susan Fahey & many others. On behalf of all of us who knew him through PRC, and the thousands of lives he impacted through his selfless service, I thank you. We were all fortunate to know and love him. Godspeed dear friend.
Deb Denison
March 21, 2014
Bob always made me feel that I was someone special. I always felt he was from a different era, of more courtly and gracious people.
March 11, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dianna Billman
February 24, 2014
I knew Bob long ago, when I was a friend to his brother Jim. They had the same sense of humor and we're very generous and caring. Bob made sure that I received Jim's new car after Jim's passing. My deepest sympathy to the family, you have lost a truly wonderful person.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Emerson's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Emerson
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Emerson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
