Robert Frick

Robert (Bob) Peter Frick Robert P. Frick passed away peacefully June 2, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. He was a sprite 94 years old. Bob was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on January 25, 1917 to Walter P. Frick and Helen Fay Frick. He lived most of his life here in the Bay Area spending the last 45 years as a resident of Tiburon. A graduate of San Ramon High School, he set a track and field record at the 1935 California State Meet in Fresno blazing in at an incredible 9.6 only two tenths of a second off Jesse Owens world record of 9.4. Even today, 76 years later, his record remains untouched in the 100 yard dash and 220 at San Ramon High. He attended UC Berkeley on an athletic scholarship where he continued to compete in track. He graduated in 1939. He enjoyed some fame reliving his track and field days through news articles highlighting his accomplishments. He was even invited to appear on the Jay Leno show at age 90. He spent 4 years in Europe during WWII as a First Lieutenant of an antiaircraft battalion. He and his battalion got their first taste of war on Utah Beach-D Day plus one. He fought in the 1944 Battle of the Bulge. Early in his career, he taught industrial arts at Oakland Tech High. He later fell into Real Estate where he spent most of his career-first as a Broker and later as successful developer and investor. Throughout Bob's life, he was most at home on the water. At the age of 16, he traveled the world as a deck hand aboard a freight ship. His happiest moments were spent sailing the San Francisco Bay or simply rowing the quiet waters of Drake's Estero. He shared his love of the water and the outdoors with his children who will be forever grateful for all the wonderful childhood adventures. He was passionate about politics and was a devoted Lefty. He loved Jazz and played the piano his entire life. An avid reader, he stayed sharp as a tack to the very end. He was a loving and devoted family man. Bob will be missed for his gentle and kind nature and his fascinating life stories. At 94, he had much to share with all of us and left us truly in admiration of what and incredible man he was. He was inspirational. Preceded in death by parents Walter P. Frick and Helen Fay Frick; brother Walter P. Frick Jr.; sister Helen Jane di Martini. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Ada Maria Frick; his loving children Anna Frick Millard (Patrick) of Brentwood, Alexandra Frick Hess (Jonathan) of Mill Valley, Bobby Frick Jr. of Tiburon; his grandchildren, Steve Millard and Lyla Hess. He is also survived by his loving daughter Juli Ann Olate (Richard) of San Rafael from a previous marriage. All of us will miss him each day. The family will observe a private memorial service.