Age 78, passed away peacefully at his Berkeley, CA home on February 3, 2014. Bob was born August 23, 1935 in Evanston, IL to Catherine L. and Robert S. Kelling, Sr. He was a gifted student who attended Loyola Academy in Chicago, earned a BS. degree from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He earned his J. D. from Georgetown University Law School in Washington, and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1962.

Bob began his career in Chicago as a practicing attorney with Hinshaw & Culbertson Law Firm, specializing in corporate and securities law. He then joined John Nuveen & Co., a national investment banking firm, serving as financial advisor to the firm's many public agency clients, eventually moving to San Francisco to manage Nuveen's office there. Later, he became Founder and President of Kelling, Northcross and Nobriga, Inc., a San Francisco firm furnishing independent financial advice to California school districts, cities and other public agencies. The firm grew to become the #1 ranked financial advisor in California. A widely recognized expert in finance and investment strategy, Bob taught a graduate course in financial management at the University of California Berkeley and lectured extensively to industry and academic professionals nationwide. In 1992, Bob became a Certified Financial Planning Professional, and founded Kelling Investment Advisors in Berkeley, a "fee-only" investment management firm, through which he offered his extensive financial advisory experience to individuals, corporations, and trusts.

In the beginning, Bob struggled with the idea of becoming a financial planner because he was not comfortable with the idea of simply helping people accumulate large amounts of money. He sought to understand the relationship between money and the soul, and eventually reached the conclusion that he wanted to help people know when they had "enough money", so they could feel comfortable using their extra money to do something really important with their lives, to make a mark, make the world a better place in a way that was meaningful to them. Bob accomplished that for so many of his clients, who loved, trusted and respected him. He felt strongly about the magic of giving. "It's really true", he said. "The more you give, the more it comes back to you - it's a wonder." Bob was very modest, making it difficult to know how and when he was awarded recognition for his many charitable activities. He was named San Francisco Volunteer of the Year in 1998 for his work as Chairman of the Board of the San Francisco YMCA. He was also Board Vice President for the Crescent Porter Hale Foundation, a private family foundation supporting communities in five Bay Area counties through grants.

He was deeply interested in the lives and experiences of others and spent his life seeking new perspectives and building new relationships. He was a lifelong learner and voracious reader, always looking for ways to develop knowledge, understanding and deeper spirituality. He was very funny and fun loving, enjoying cycling in northern CA, Italy and France with friends and family. He traveled all over the world experiencing a range of activities including fishing, scuba diving and enjoying great wine & food. He loved the arts including playing jazz and classical piano, art & photography and theater at the Berkeley Rep.

Bob had many close friends and family members who will miss him dearly. Fondest memories of laughing and relaxing on his back deck, enjoying the view of the bay, long conversations over breakfast at Fat Apples, days working out, biking or sitting by the pool at the Claremont Club, pork chop dinners at Mustards in Napa, watching football, basketball or the Tour.

He is survived by his brothers Peter Kelling of Frederick, MD, and Michael Kelling and wife Mary of Burr Ridge IL, in addition to his many nieces & nephews and their children, and many, many dear friends.

If you wish, you may make a Memorial Donation to either of the following charities in his name:

Crescent Porter Hale Foundation http://www.crescentporterhale.org/policy/policy.htm or

YMCA of San Francisco http://www.ymcasf.org/give

A Celebration of Bob's Life will be planned for early May in Berkeley.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 12 to Feb. 13, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Kelling

15 Entries

walter bermingham

February 28, 2014

Bob, you will be in my daily Mass prayers,with the

you will be in my Mass ,Stations,Rosary

every day.

Paul Wagler McCormick

February 20, 2014

My condolences to Mike and Pete and all the Kellings. A few years ago now Bob came to visit Tucson where both our mothers were visiting their (our) cousin Fr. Walt Somerville. Bob stayed at Walt's but while Walt was working I acted as Bob's chauffeur and we went out to eat and reminisced about his Grandpa and my Grand Uncle Max and he shared a lot about how happy he was, his bicycling and many friends. We had a great time with all. Walt reminded me that Bob was the last in the family to hold the Somerville name. Our gradnmother's maiden names. My sisters and I have good memories of him and his kindness.

George Kearney

February 19, 2014

Bob and I were great friends. We met in grade school and remained friends for the next 70+ years. He was a great friend and a great man. Julie and I will miss our frequent visits and conversations with him.

G.R. Kearney

February 19, 2014

Bob will be missed. He was a giant of a man in my childhood. He was my godfather and I can remember how excited I'd be when he was in town and would make time to come to a baseball game. As I grew older and learned about all that he did with his life, he became no less of a giant. He will be missed.

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Paul Williams

February 18, 2014

My thoughts and sympathy to Bob's family.
This sad moment prompts me to reflect on my good fortune to have known and worked with Bob during the first years of my career at Nuveen. At that time, Bob was the firm's leading “originator” standing as our model of how to develop and close new financing business. Like all fishermen, he relished starting each day early, even at the crack of dawn, casting for the next deal, always sure to focus on the design of the hook and lure that might bring in a fresh catch. His curiosity and enthusiasm for new ideas to make a needed public project financeable or to find opportunity in a growing market niche was boundless, an object lesson for new bankers like myself, and indeed key to his continued business success after moving to San Francisco. As a boss, Bob was more like a big brother - but, he was the one older sibling you were certain to listen to because you knew his thoughts and concerns were truly genuine. My gratitude for his insights, enthusiasm, and encouragement is deep and timeless.

Robert Serafini

February 18, 2014

Bob was one of the kindest, most generous men I have ever known. We haven't spoken in 25 years, but I will never forget him.

Mick Hughes

February 17, 2014

Bob was such a great guy. Always happy to see you and always present in the conversation. He was one of those people that when your conversation with him ended you always were inspired and had a smile on your face. He was a wonderful Board Chair at the Shih Yu-Lang Central Y. He really had a positive impact on the world.

Roxanne A Richards

February 16, 2014

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Bob's family and friends. We hope that time is kind to your heart, bringing sweet memories in place of sadness. As current Board Chair of the Y in San Francisco, I honor Bob for his passionate support of the Y's work in our community. We continue Bob's legacy, and are grateful to him as a visionary partner in the cause.

James Gratehouse

February 15, 2014

My condolences to the entire Kelling family in their loss.
To know Bob was to know kindness and consideration. To know a man of many talents and interests. To know a guy who was always a great joy to spend time with.
I owe a large debt of gratitude o Bob. He was responsible for recruiting me to join John Nuveen & co.-Where I spent the remaining 30 years of my working life.
I was fortunate to own a home in Northern California these past ten years and would meet Bob in Berkeley. We'd then take The Bart into th city for the day.
I, and your army of friends will miss you and think of you often. Rest in a well deserved peace.

Jim & Rosemarie Gratehouse

Mary McNeill

February 14, 2014

I knew Bob for many years as he studied piano with my mom. One incident in our driveway, when he was coming for a lesson, sums up Bob's spirit. Mom was 80 at the time, and nearing the end of her teaching career, as her dementia became more pronounced. I asked Bob with concern, “How are the lessons going?” He replied, “Well, sometimes she'll ask me to play the same song that we just finished, but each time I play it, she points out something new - another improvement I can make. So I still learn from her.” Bob was a man who clearly knew how to seek the positives in life – to use them appreciatively, and enrich the lives of others as he did so. On behalf of my mom, I thank Bob for sharing his many gifts and kindness with her over so many years.

Kathy Chase

February 14, 2014

There will never be anyone like Bob -- he was one of a kind, and I'm so grateful to have had his presence in my life. We will all miss him -- his smile, his laughter, his wise counsel, his generous soul and always kind sprit. He was a jewel who will be missed by all who knew him.

Ginny McNeill Cebe

February 14, 2014

To the entire Kelling family, I send you condolences for the loss you are feeling. Bob's obituary was beautifully written and even though we were friends for many years, my mother taught him piano, I had no idea of great parts of his life. Perhaps that's because he was a good listener and always sought to draw me out. Bob was a wonderful and loyal friend to our family, a happy spirit at all of our gatherings and someone I enjoyed and cared for. I shall miss him but am glad he no longer has to battle for his life.

Ofra Dose

February 13, 2014

Bob was a people person, very friendly and caring. He loved his cycling and traveling with friends and he enjoyed so many interests. His passing is a terrible loss.

Linda White

February 13, 2014

I well remember the laughter at dinner and the Stride piano concert Bob so willingly offered us tickets to attend. I have a mutual friend, Jan, who included me and that's how I got to meet Bob. Sharing with others was his joy in life.

February 13, 2014

Bob was a caring and supportive friend for many years and I cherish the memories of times we spent together and the friends and family that I was privileged to meet through him. He will be missed by all.

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