Robert F. West

Robert F. West
August 13, 2023
Robert "Bob" West, 73, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2023 at his home in Santa Rosa. He was born to parents Gene and Dee West on October 30, 1949 in San Francisco. Bob is survived by his brother Steve, sister Nancy West, sister-in-law Roz Nice, nephews Chris (Emily), Scott (Lindsey), and Pat (Tori), great nieces and nephews Sam, Cara, Jack, Evelyn, Graham, and Arden, and his partner Doug Stinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Rosie West, and partner Buzz Bense.
Bob graduated from Riordan high school in 1968 and then went to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, earning a degree in City and Regional Planning in 1973. He obtained a master's degree in Higher Education at Southern Illinois University in 1975. After college, Bob worked as a traveling secretary for AEPi fraternity for several years. He returned to San Francisco and worked for Colton Bernard Inc. in executive search and recruitment. In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, Bob was at the forefront of HIV education and prevention, founding and operating EROS with Buzz Bense. Later, he had his own landscaping business. He designed, installed, and maintained gardens throughout the Bay Area.
Bob's passions included gardening, music and musical theater, travel, scuba diving, and swimming with the whales.
We will remember Bob's bright blue mischievous eyes, warm smile and playful spirit.
There will be an informal celebration of Bob's life at his home on Saturday October 14.
Memorial donations may be made to the Robert F West Student Life & Leadership Endowment , Cal Poly Foundation (foundation.calpoly.edu) or to Horizons Foundation (horizonsfoundation.org).