Robert Whitsitt

Robert Melvin Whitsitt Sept. 17, 1955 - Aug. 22, 2010 Robert Melvin Whitsitt, aged 54, died in Byron, California in a tragic skydiving accident. An experienced skydiver, Whitsitt pursued his passion for 30 years. In addition to skydiving, Bob was a certified scuba diver, a member of USPA and an avid weight lifter. Born in Oakland, CA, Bob was a proud graduate of the Class of '74 of Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward where he was captain of the football team. Bob also completed a bachelor's degree in IT Management with the Jesuit University of San Francisco. He met his future wife of 30 years on Dec. 20th 1975. They were married on May 3rd 1980. Together, they enjoyed: hiking, kayaking, working out, the Ashland Shakespeare Festival in Oregon, the Marin Shakespeare Festival, Cal Shakes and Woodminster Theater in Oakland. Some of their favorite spots to take their two girls, Jennifer (25) and Stephanie (21) were Tahoe, Twain Harte, Bodega Bay and Russian River. Their favorite pastime was spending time with their daughters. Bob was a member of the SF Chapter of the Project Management Institute and had worked at Southern Pacific, Kaiser Permanente, UCSF, World Savings and Telecare. Colleagues and supervisors alike have all commented on Bob's sterling work ethic, kindness and leadership: many commenting on his character as a "gentleman." He is survived by his wife and best friend of 30 years, Michelle Whitsitt, his college-age daughters, Jennifer Whitsitt Franklin and Stephanie Whitsitt and son-in-law, Greg Franklin. He leaves behind his mother, Nancy Isler, his father, Mel Tito Whitsitt and M.E., along with his sister, Debbie Pombo. He was preceded in death by his brother, Randy Whitsitt, and his maternal grandparents, Slim and Marie Swenson. Other survivors include: Toni , Christopher and Caitlin Whitsitt, Kathleen Archambeau and Marlene Barneveld, Robert Archambeau, Jr., Annette Archambeau and Aaron Daniels, Lili, Bob and Chrissie Rollins, Nora Archambeau and numerous friends, relatives and colleagues. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Robert M. Whitsitt's memory to: Moreau Catholic High School, 27170 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94544 or the University of San Francisco, File 30761, POB 60000, San Francisco, CA 94160-0001. Friends may also post condolences to: http://www.oakparkhillschapel.com A celebration of Robert M. Whitsitt's life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 29th 2010, 1 p.m., Bay Area Skydiving, 505 Eagle Court, Main Airport Office, Byron, CA 94514, www.bayareaskydiving.com