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Robert Dobie Obituary
A resident of American Canyon, fourth generation San Franciscan, member of the S.F. pioneer LeMar family, proud to be a Robertson Clan of Scotland member, long time resident of South San Francisco. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean; son, William (Carol); daughters, Barbara Leonard (Lawrence), Arlene Balestreri (James) and Carole Guzman (Benjamin). His grandchildren are: Regina Reyes, Christine Lucas (Bobby), Dawn Camacho (John), Jennifer Porter (Carl), Nicole and Vanessa Leonard, Agnna and Tanya Guzman, Paul Dutch and Brian Villaflor. There are 14 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, their children and grandchildren, and the many friends like family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George E. Dobie, Sr. and Margaret M. Healy Dobie; brother, George E. Dobie, Jr.; and sister, Marion M. Dobie Rains.
He graduated from George Washington High School, enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Neosho, a fueling-at-sea tanker which served the 7th fleet during World War II. As a quartermaster, he surveyed the Bikini Atoll prior to the testing of the H-Bomb. His career was as a S.F. Letter Carrier for the US Post Office and was a member of NALC Branch 214 for over 50 years. Louis Lurie called him "Uncle Sam."
He will be remembered as a fine and decent man with a keen sense of humor and a gift of gab.
He spent many happy boyhood summers ranching with his second family, the Domenichelli's, in Geyserville, Calif. Attained Life Scout, volunteered in Cub and Boy Scouting as an adult. The El Camino High School press box was constructed under his leadership as the Booster Club President. He and long time friend Frank Feno, now deceased, spent many an evening ogling the Qantas stewardesses at the South San Francisco Int'l Inn. He was an avid 49er fan from the very beginning, ushering at Kezar Stadium. A fan of the SF Giants and of all the golf greats. Played baseball and basketball in his younger days, golf in his retirement years. Now, the family TV will have to be programmed to show other things besides sports.
In American Canyon, he helped establish American Canyon as a City and the founding of Rent Control. He was the fourth president of the World Marine Homeowners Association and GSMOL chapter. With many others, helped to establish his mobile home park as a resident-owned park.
Known as Buffalo Bob, he traveled many miles RVing with friends and Good Sam Chapter members Camino Cavaliers. Many fond memories of camping with family and friends. Escorted his father-in-law, Lil Joe Basile almost monthly to Reno and Boomtown.
Member of Elks Vallejo Lodge 559, Vallejo Moose Lodge 465.
A celebration of life will be held from noon until 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, at the World Marine Clubhouse, 2555 Flosden Road, American Canyon.
His ashes will join his beloved Pacific at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Elks CA-Hawaii Major Projects, 5450 East Lamona Ave., Fresno CA 93727; Moose Int'l, Charity Dept., Mooseheart, IL 60539-1173; Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Dobie
Barbara (Babs) Leonard
March 2, 2007
It's now over a month, and it's still very hard to believe that you're not here with us! A day never goes by that I don't think of you Daddy! I miss you terribly and still expect to hear your voice when I call or see your smiling face when I walk in the door. I know you're in a peaceful place now, probably frolicking about with Frank, and enjoying time again with Nana, Grandpa, Aunt Marion and Uncle Vern and I'm sure you've got a few rounds of golf under your belt with Uncle George. Seeing what you experienced in the last 6 weeks of your life, has made me not fear death, but look forward to seeing you and all our loves ones that have gone before us. Most importantly I know you're out of pain Daddy. The guys started up the poker league again tonight and Larry is hosting. They've left a chair open in your honor, and hopefully you'll be the big winner just like you always were Pops! I love you and miss you.
Lawrence Leonard
February 9, 2007
Hi! Bob,My life has been truly blessed,having known you all these years.You've touched the lives of so many people in your long life.I have no regrets about what could have been.You loved and live your life to the fullest,And that shows with what you left behind,your spirit will always be in my heart.There is one thing I do feel sad about,is that we are no longer are going to have that contagious smile that you share with us no matter how bad you where feeling.Bob,I will always remember you as the Father I never had.I am so grateful I was able to express that to you in your final days.Until we meet again my friend.Love ya! Your Son in-law,Larry
Alejandro and Evelyn Pacheco
February 7, 2007
Dearest Papa Dobie:
Thank you for all the sweet memories, for the love that you always had ready to give. Thank you for looking at us as one of your own. Thank you for all the good examples you gave us, all your teachings. Thank you for giving us your good humor and making us laugh. But most of all Thank you for being you. Your over flow of love and caring will be our inheritance. The love of Family shall be our marching orders coming from you and we will obey your wishes. We will always love you.
Alejandro, Evelyn and Sons
AJ and Becky Pacheco
February 7, 2007
Bob,
Thank you for the many memories we shared, my childhood was even better because of you and Jean. Thank you for the blessing of your children and grandchildren, they have enriched my life with their love and friendship. You were golden, may you shine on in the presence of the Lord.
Karen and Jerry Buckley
February 3, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers always.
Tanya Guzman
February 2, 2007
Grandpa Bob,
Until you came along I didn't know how special having a grandfather was and it is safe to say you exceeded any expectations I may have had. You are a funny & giving person loved by many as was evidenced at your 80th birthday party last year. I remember my dad telling me at your party he hoped so many people would have as many nice things to say about him when he got older. I know he admired you greatly & so did I. You will be missed by so many especially the Guzman part of your family. Thanks for being my only "true" grandfather. Hugs & Kisses from Cirelle & Rosie,too!
Vanessa Leonard
February 1, 2007
Dearest Grandpa,
The first thing I have to tell you is that I miss you very much and I always will. When I walk into your house I expect to smell your colonge and see you in the living room watching T.V. waiting for me to come give you a kiss and a hug. It's hard to know that you won't be there anymore. But I do know you are in a better and peaceful place. I just wish you could live in immortality so we never have to say goodbye, but that is a battle we will always lose. I love you very much and I admire you for fighting for so long in that hospital bed. I thank you for letting us say our last goodbyes to you and I also thank you and grandma for staring the most loving and caring family anyone could ask for. I know everyone is already telling you this but we are taking great care of Grandma. I will see you again and be able to kiss and hug you whenever I want. Rest in Peace Grandpa. I love you with all my heart. Love your youngest granddaughter
Nessa
mari haughey
February 1, 2007
Bob
was the best uncle a proud Dobie niece could ever ask for. (as well as a nephew
in-law) He was always welcoming and hospitable. From my early childhood,
through the present, I always looked forward to our get togethers. Uncle
Bob had a way of making you feel like you were the only one in a room that
he was interested in. Obviously, his warmth and caring attitude has been
passed on to his wonderful family. This is his legacy. He always said to
us, at gatherings, "This is what it's all about, FAMILY". Even though, at
our last meeting, he could not speak, due to the breathing tube, we communicated
quite well, through his baby blue eyes, body language, and expressions. For
once, I did ALL the talking! May he rest in peace, and be welcomed and comforted,
by all of those that have gone before. May he be there to welcome all of
us, someday. Our love to all of the family --Mari & Dennis Haughey &
Family
Marian Gan
February 1, 2007
My last toast to a memorable, loving and compassionate Man. Uncle Bob~ I was blessed to meet you and your family since 1971. I still feel the glow of your kindess and friendship. We will never forget your warmth, laughter and love. Heaven is bless to have your company.
Chrissy Lucas
February 1, 2007
Grandpa,
You are at peace. We tried really hard to play doctor and fix you but in the end we could not come up with the diagnosis to cure you. It was amazing to see you fight after the initial surgery and I really thought you were going to pull through. I never experienced talking to someone who was intubated. You floored me on how strong you were to communicate with your hands, spelling words with your fingers and speaking with your beautiful blue eyes. I never realized how much my patients depend on me and other family members when they are stuck in bed and unable to do the things that come naturally. And yes the patient call light is extremely important in the ICU!!!! Grandpa, you have fallen many times, but each time you got up and faught. This time your body was tired. We will take care of Grandma. She will have her hands full with all of us and the kids. Fly with the angels and swim with the fishies- Until we meet again, I love you with all my heart, Your "MOST BEAUTIFUL GRANDDAUGHTER"- Chrissy
love and kisses from Bobby, Carissa, Julian, and Allie.
Carole Guzman
January 31, 2007
Daddy - we just weren't ready for your departure as we continued to hope and pray that a miracle would happen. We wanted to keep you here with all of us so we could enjoy your smile, your humor and spirited discussions. I love you and miss you! You can count on all of us to help Mom until she is called to join you by your side.
Your baby,
Gary & Terri Rago
January 31, 2007
Bob, You will be sorely missed. We know you are now in a better place and some day, we will all be together again doing what we do best....poker. We now have a special angel to look down on all of us and keep us safe. Thank you for always opening your arms out to us and making us feel a part of your wonderful family. We will always be forever greatful to you and Jean for all the love.
Ana Iris Gomez
January 31, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
mary lucas
January 31, 2007
We are sorry for your loss. We will
all miss Grandpa (Bob). Love Bob and Mary
John Camacho
January 31, 2007
Grandpa Bob, It's been a great honor to have had the opportunity to know you. I truely valued all the family gatherings and special moments we were able to experience with you. Your memory to me will always be an example of what a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and just a great man should be. Thank you for that and I could only hope someday that I could be the same. I regret that I never got the chance to play a round of golf with you and I will definitely miss you at the poker table. I know you're in a better place now, so rest easy and enjoy playing those golf courses up in heaven. Love you always, your grandson-inlaw John
Jennifer Leonard
January 31, 2007
Hi Grandpa! I miss you very much....I actually started missing you last Thursday. I'm going to miss getting the big hugs and kisses from you. I'm going to miss seeing you sitting in your chair at home. I'll really miss you at our family/friend get togethers. It was really wierd not being able to hug or see you last Saturday. We are all taking great care of Grandma and will continue to do so. You should be very proud of your daughters and son, they are staying strong for Grandma and haven't left her side since last Thursday. I love you very much Grandpa and I'll see you when I make my trip up to heaven.....just don't tell me the date!
Love,
Jenny
David Enos
January 31, 2007
Bob, We will miss you a lot you will always be a very good FRIEND. The club will not be the same with you, We love you a lot.
Dave & Mary Ann Enos
Dawn Camacho
January 31, 2007
Grand pa, I miss you very very much, but I know you are now in a much better place with no more suffering and no more hospitals. You were the best grandpa ever and you had the best pillow to sleep on. I will surely miss that. Just remember to look down on us every so often and point us in the right direction. I will miss you always and I will never forget what you taught us(to appreciate life and family daily), and how to cut waffles perfectly. We will keep a chair open for you at the poker table. Now you can play as much golf as you want. I love you and I will see you later. Rest now.
Arlene Balestreri
January 30, 2007
Daddy, I miss you terribly but know in my heart you are no longer suffering. We all are taking good care of Mom. Everyone keeps telling us what a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend you were. We never had a doubt in our mind because you were loved so very much by all of us.
Love,
Arlene (aka Barlene)
Arlene Balestreri
January 30, 2007
Daddy, I miss you terribly but know in my heart you are no longer suffering. We are all taking real good care of Mom. I love you.
Arlene
Cliff & Joyce Jeffery
January 30, 2007
We were sad to here of Bob's passing. He was a great friend and will be missed by us and we're sure by all that knew him.
Bonny Jean Meranda
January 30, 2007
Uncle Bob was the greatest man! He was warm, friendly, had a great sense of humor and was loved by all the Cull and Meranda families dearly. He will be sadly missed.
His legacy to love and live life to the fullest will live on forever in his memory.
Love, BJ
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