On May 14, 2017 long time California resident Robert "Bob" Arthur Sayles passed away peacefully after a brief illness. Bob was born in Stockton, CA on September 13, 1931 to Arthur Ledbetter and Rena Passavoy Sayles. He grew up in Stockton, attended Stockton High School and graduated in 1948. While in high school, he met his wife, Judith Ann Alles. Bob and Judy attended UC Berkeley, and graduated 1952. They married June 29, 1952 and enjoyed nearly 65 years of marriage. Bob served active duty in the US Marines 1952 to 1954 and several years of reserve duty. He started his career with IBM, working for 22 years. Bob then launched his own consulting company, Robert A. Sayles Associates, Inc., which he managed for almost 30 years, primarily in the telecommunication industry. His passion project of the last 12 years was the restoration and reestablishment of the historic Bowles Hall Residential College at UC Berkeley. His desire to improve the student experience at UCB lead to the formation of the Bowles Hall Foundation and restoration of historic Bowles Hall, which re-opened fall of 2016. It was his experience as a Bowlesman that shaped his life's aspirations, career, and desire to provide future generations with the same experiences. Bob and Judy enjoyed many wonderful travel experiences to Israel, South Africa, New Zealand, Hawaii, but his favorite retreat was 25 years of family reunions at UC Berkeley's Camp Blue. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, his step mother, Marie Brown Sayles, his sister Vera, brother Roy, step-sister Nadyne, and cousins Terry and Mike Sayles. He is survived by his wife Judy, children Pat (Jon), Cathy (Bryan), Kim (Steve), Jeff (Mary Kay), Nancy (Steve), grandchildren Jon (Monica), Steve (Theresa), Breanne, Shawna, Travis, Jason, Andrew (Courtney), Daniel, Erin and Joe, and great grandchildren Melissa, Anthony, Jessica, Darren, Haley, Grace and Collin. Memorial service will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 11 am at Oak Hills Church, 1100 Blue Ravine Rd, Folsom, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Bowles Hall Foundation (11230 Gold Express Drive, Ste. 310-363, Gold River, CA 95670) or charity of choice.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 17 to May 20, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Sayles

5 Entries

Jessica Spytek

May 28, 2025

I was saddened to hear about Bob´s passing. I remember fondly the time we worked together during his consulting at Quotron and in the years that followed. He was wise, thoughtful, and always generous with his insights. I also appreciated the many family memories he shared-it was clear how much he cherished you all. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

julie honeycutt

May 11, 2022

anniversary of your dad's passing. I remember like it was yesterday. what a wonderful man he was. He will always be remembered.

julie honeycutt

May 11, 2019

remembering such a great man. such fond memories of spending time with him and his wife and daugther cathy.

May 19, 2017

I have met bob sayles through their daughter cathy sayles carpenter. Also met his wonderful wife back during my high school days at fremont church. Every time I saw him and his wife they treated me so kind. His wife did meet mom elly rogers. I will always remember the kindness you both showed me and my mom rest in peace. He will be missed by so many people including myself. R.I.P Bob sayles..We will see you again....

Garry Holman

May 18, 2017

As a fellow Bowlesman (1971-74), I had the pleasure and privilege to serve for a time on the board of the Bowles Hall Alumni Association that preceded the Bowles Hall Foundation. Aside from his congeniality, Bob's singularity of purpose in establishing the Bowles Hall Residential College was beyond admirable. I am saddened to hear of his passing, but take solace in his having been able to see his efforts and the efforts of the many he inspired come to fruition. RIP, my friend, your memory will be honored anew every year that Cal students matriculate through the BHRC.

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