Robert Hamer

Robert "Bob" Charles Hamer III

Sept.22,1958–Jan.29,2014

Brilliant mind, compassionate heart, and generous soul - Robert Charles Hamer III left this life after a determined eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer. The disease eventually overwhelmed his body, but never Bob's spirit. His characteristic graciousness and concern for others prevailed through his last days; and - as with everything Bob did in life - he left it on his own terms with grace and dignity. After a family evening with his beloved wife and partner of 24 years, Jill Reber Hamer, son Dillon and daughter Kyle, Bob died in the early hours of January 29th. 

Bob was born on September 22, 1958 in Queens Cambria Heights, NY to parents Robert C. Hamer, Jr. and Barbara Tully Hamer - the second of six siblings. He grew up in Freeport and Baldwin, NY, and later Mendham, NJ. He worked for Beneficial Data Processing Corp. and RCA [Solid State Division] during his early employment years. His job took him from New York to San Francisco in 1978 when he was 20 years old, and he fell in love with the Bay Area. There his technological savvy continued to expand while working in various positions for Bank of America and Wells Fargo Bank, as did his intuitive foresight as to what was needed in the ever evolving field of technology. In answer to that need, Bob founded Primitive Logic, Inc. in 1984, serving as Chairman and CEO until 2009, and remained an integral Board Member until the time of his death.   Bob also served on the Board of Directors of Restoration Hardware as a member of the Audit Committee from 2005 to 2008. 

Bob became friendly with people everywhere he traveled, including his beloved Los Cabos, Mexico where the family maintained a home. To Bob a stranger was just another friend who he had not yet met. His amazing intellect and engaging personality made it easy for all who met him to love him. Bob's mind was always creating. He was passionate about architecture, curious about other cultures, thoughtful about global issues, and always caring about people. 

Following a whirlwind courtship, Bob and Jill married in 1990, continuing their romance and creating a solid partnership. First and foremost, they've been attentive partners in parenting their three children, with family always taking priority. Together they built Primitive Logic into a successful, growing company that reflected their values of respect, integrity and balance. Always supportive of San Francisco Arts, they were founding members of San Francisco Opera's Bravo Club, whose mission is to expand multi-generational interest. They were actively involved in environmental issues and in supporting and mentoring at-risk youth. 

Bob will be dearly missed and is survived by his wife and partner, Jill, son Dillon, and daughter Kyle. He was a loving son to his mother, Barbara, and a loving brother to his siblings Regina Epperly (Kenny), Brendan (Nettie), Andrew (Maureen), Gregory (JinSun), and Sean (Kirsten).  He also was especially close to his brother-in-law, Greg Reber.  Bob was pre-deceased by his father, Robert Charles Hamer, Jr. and his son, Robert Charles Hamer IV. Bob leaves behind a network of dear friends and extended family.

A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on Sunday, March 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hunters Point Family, in Memory of Bob Hamer, 1800 Oakdale Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124.

www.hunterspointfamily.org