Robert Woolley Obituary

Robert Woolley
11/19/1949 - 05/30/2025
Robert Woolley, a prominent Central Valley nurseryman, passed away on May 30, 2025, after a long illness.
Robert was born in Stockton, CA in 1949. As a member of a Naval officer's family, he moved frequently throughout his childhood, living in California, Japan, New York, Virginia and Maryland. Robert's family eventually returned to both his parents' home state of California. Robert graduated from high school in Modesto in 1967.
Robert graduated from San Francisco State University and enjoyed pointing out he was there during the student strike riots of 1968-69. While there, Robert studied traditional and artistic woodworking and later became not only a cabinet maker but an award-winning furniture designer. His projects included rocking chairs and tables- and many did not rely on nails or glue. Among the pieces he designed, an award-winning sewing and rocking chair remained a favorite. After graduation, Robert and his wife Jane Wynne Woolley enjoyed living in the Bay Area in San Francisco, Fairfax, and Canyon.
Robert, his wife and their daughter then lived in the Central Valley, where in 1980 Robert joined his father-in-law John Wynne in managing the Dave Wilson Nursery. He and Jane then purchased DWN in 1989, and Robert spent many years passionately developing this industry-leading enterprise. Robert generously shared his knowledge of the selection and development of new fruit and nut varieties, their propagation and commercial distribution, and their eventual cultivation by farmers and gardeners and enjoyment by consumers. He also took a special interest in supporting the preservation of non-commercial heirloom apple varieties. Among his many activities in support of the fruit and nut growing industry, Robert headed the Improvement Advisory Board, which informed the California Department of Agriculture in their registration and certification program. He was also active in representing the interests of the nursery industry at the national level. Robert enjoyed traveling for work, not only all over California, the Northwest and Canada but in Iran (in the early 70's), Mexico, Spain and Australia.
Robert moved to Belmont Senior Living in the East Bay two years ago, after living in Oakmont Village in Santa Rosa for several years. Although he always treasured his years living in the Central Valley, Robert enjoyed once again living in the heart of the stimulating Bay Area.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jun. 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Woolley

2 Entries

Linnet

July 13, 2025

I can only say I knew Robert through my work, framing art. But he was far and away one of my favorite customers in my career. As the junior half of a long standing small framing operation, it was always special to have a customer respectfully and enthusiastically respond to my services. Robert and I always had a wonderful time designing framing for his beautiful collection of artwork.

He had an incredibly joyful sense of design and love of color, texture, and playfulness. It never failed to brighten my day for him to bring something in to work on. He was a clever, funny, charming man whom I was honored to have a rapport with. We would design something beautiful and mildly outrageous, and he´d say "now, what´s wrong with that?"

About 2 years ago we designed one last framing job together, and he´s been on my mind ever since, as the framed print remains uncollected. I´m immensely sorry to his loved ones to finally know that he is gone. He was simply a great guy. It was a honor and a pleasure to know him in the small capacity that I did.

Below I´ve attached a picture of a small item of Robert´s own making that we framed together several years ago. My sincerest best wishes to his friends and family.

Robinson Woolley

June 22, 2025

Robert was my cousin and almost namesake. We were also born within a month of each other and attended the same high school. His passing and life have been on my mind ever since I was informed. From my earliest memories Robert was a unique, independent, and talented person with a very kind and charismatic personality. Partly because of his early experiences of living in several parts of the world, he often had a different take on what we were living through. Like many Robert faced challenges and adversity and showed resilience along with a dazzling smile and twinkle in his eyes.

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