Robert "Bob" Edward Talbot
September 29, 1940 - June 17, 2022
A father, a scholar, a performer, a coach and most notably a beloved husband was lost June 17 with the passing of Robert "Bob" Edward Talbot, 81, of Mill Valley, California.
Bob is survived by his wife Ramona Burich, brother William Silver, daughter Ashley Dean, son-in-law
Patrick Dean, sons David Blum, Lorenzo Henderson and Max Rosen; 3 grandchildren: Jack Blum, Jordyn Dean, Logan Dean; nephew Brett Silver, sister and brother-in-law Georgia and Larry Thacker, and his adorable grand-dog George.
Born and raised in Sunnyside Queens, New York, Talbot spent his childhood playing in the city streets after school and spent his summers at Sand Lake with his parents and brother. As he grew, he excelled at academics and athletics. He attended Stuyvesant High School in New York City where he achieved varsity athletic status in baseball, swimming and football earning All City Athletic Achievement as the quarterback.
Robert's academic achievements led him to a Regents Scholarship at Columbia University in New York, where he also played football, later earning an academic scholarship to Columbia School of Law.
This man of many talents did not stop there. His love of theatre and dancing led him to summer jobs at resorts in the Catskills where he performed dance numbers at night and gave dance lessons during the day. It was during these times that Bob forged a life-long friendship with his mentor Michael Terrace who was an inspiration for the movie Dirty Dancing.
Conflicted by a love of law and teaching, Robert's passions led him to his 50-year career as a Law Professor at the University of San Francisco where he was awarded the Sarlo Prize in 2018 and appointed as Barnett Chair. Talbot continued to serve as Professor Emeritus until his passing.
As an educator, Robert believed in hands-on learning for law students, which lead to the formation of many community relationships where his students could get practical legal experience supporting agencies such as the San Francisco Public Defenders Office and mediations throughout Marin County. Additionally, his belief in practical relationships extended into volunteerism having served from 1970 to 2022 on the Advisory Board of Global Garden Projects Inc., Summer of Love International and Hope and Beyond.
Throughout Roberts Law School career, he never lost his love for performance. He participated in community theatre and starred in shows such as Annie, 42nd Street, Sound of Music, Show Boat, My Fair Lady, Most Happy Fella, and the Fantasticks, in which he played the lead at USF and Ghirardelli Square Theatre. For Bob, the realms of theatre and law were not far apart. They were both acts of communication with audiences, which is why he worked with director Arther Meyer to form the free City Students Introduction to Theatre.
Despite his busy career, Robert always made time to share his passions with his family. He played, practiced and coached his children in sports and theatre. As a coach, he helped his daughter's 5th grade basketball team achieve a championship season. And as an actor, he directed his son, David, in Guys and Dolls.
Robert Talbot was a brilliant, creative, talented, loyal and bigger-than-life character who captured everyone's hearts. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Robert passed away from complications from Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Systems Atrophy. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Robert Talbot Scholarship at USF School of Law or MSA Coalition.
A memorial service will be held Sept. 24, 2022 at St. Ignatius Church San Francisco.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 2 to Aug. 5, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Talbot

3 Entries

Ron Frazier

June 18, 2023

1960´s PIONEERS´ Robert "Bob" Talbot, and Arthur Meyer director of THE FANTASTICKS bridged Students awareness from classroom for their introduction to Live Music Theater, for most City students a first-time experience.

Forwarding student prospects, Bob as an innovative Law School Professor brought students beyond the classroom onsite to Courtroom experiences and beyond to interviewing face-to-face Case participants.

My shared experiences with Bob are fond memories, introducing Bob to Arthur and the FANTASTICK´s, and then Bob repeatedly introducing me to his Moot Court classroom as a volunteer victim, a witness, and defendant.

Bob worked with an artist´s visionary heart, one who helped in developing Global Garden Projects with Hope and Beyond Student Service and Learning Projects along with the public benefiting Summer of Love International´s edutainment events.

Bob, We can sincerely say Thank You knowing that your works have lasting positive influences.

Ron Frazier
http://www.hopeandbeyond.org

Patrick Riggs

September 22, 2022

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Talbot. I loved his advanced evidence class and The Brennan Trial Advocate of the Year Competition where he personally coached me and gave his time. He was the main reason I became a Deputy Public Defender for San Diego County, and then Solano County, and then private practice in criminal defense; trying cases. I learned many techniques from him.... and his saying, "Act as if you have already achieved it, " which I called, "The Talbot Technique" carried me thorough my trial career especially in the tougher moments. May he rest in peace. Patrick Riggs USF Class of 90

Carlos Rincon

August 18, 2022

To the family and friends of Professor Robert Talbot and to the USF Law School family

My deepest sympathies and condolences. Professor Talbot was my evidence professor at USF including a course in Advanced Evidence. He inspired me to become a trial lawyer which I have done now for 33+ years. Professor Talbot took me under his wing and taught me legal writing and test taking skills. The patience and interest he showed during long grueling sessions in his office are memorable. Its remarkable that despite how busy he was, Professor Talbot found and made the time. I truly appreciate it.

I mentioned to my family that in life we have teachers, mentors and persons who inspire you but rarely do we find all those traits in one person. Professor Talbot was all 3 for me and always with a smile and a terrific sense of humor and optimism.

I know I speak for scores of USF law alumni in saying that Professor Talbot was instrumental in getting us to transform our thinking into that which is necessary to function as a lawyer. To be Ethical and Dedicated to our clients and the profession.

Beyond the law Professor Talbot was a Renaissance Man. Worldly and extremely funny.

I am eternally grateful for his steady guidance and support during my years at USF. Professor Talbot in my case made an extraordinary contribution to my ability to become a lawyer and practice law.

God Speed

Carlos Rincon
915.740.9093
[email protected]
Class of 1988

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