Robert Rorick

1925 - 2014

RORICK

Robert Baker Sr. "Bob"



Robert Baker "Bob" Rorick Sr. died at his home in Santa Rosa, CA on July 12, 2014, at the age of 89, in the company of Joan, his loving wife of 53 years.

Bob was known by all as a caring, vibrant and compassionate individual, who was interested in, encouraging and supporting to everyone he met in an ever widening circle of friends and family. His loss will be mourned by all who knew him.

Born in Toledo, Ohio on May 23, 1925, to Marvin H. and Genevieve B. Rorick, he spent his childhood growing up in Perrysburg, Ohio on the banks of the Maumee River with siblings Marvin, Richard and Sheila.

Graduating from Kent Prep School in CT, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became a bombardier, navigator, and trainer on B-17s during WWII. After an honorable discharge, he attended Kenyon College and graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. He was a fraternity brother in Delta Kappa Epsilon at both colleges.

After graduation he worked at the B.R. Baker Co. in Toledo, becoming Vice President of Sales and Purchasing at a young age. He then moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 60s and opened Games Imported, a unique toy store for all ages on Post Street near Union Square in San Francisco. Later he became a stockbroker and eventually an estate planner and financial consultant. Having lived in Ross, CA for 50 years, Bob and Joan moved to the Spring Lake Village in Santa Rosa, CA in 2010.

A lifetime supporter of The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Bob became an Executive Board Member of the San Francisco chapter, receiving their National Service to Youth Award, and was an active sponsor and trustee of the SFB & GC's Camp Mendocino, where inner-city children were given an outdoor experience away from the harshness and reality of city living. An active Rotarian in both San Francisco and Marin County chapters, he raised funds and had a passion to work tirelessly for the international service organization in order to help the less privileged.

In later years he came to know and became an integral member of The Men's Luncheon Group which met once a week at Auberge de Soleil for lunch and lively discussions. The group contained businessmen as well as some of the top growers and makers of Napa and Sonoma premiere wines. Great times were always had at the Wednesday meeting, and the laughter was contagious.

A fan of Jazz, Swing, Big Band and other music, he was a supporter of the arts and a Patron of the DeYoung Museum. Other interests included fowl hunting; fly fishing, camping, traveling, and family and friends. Later in life he was able to travel internationally, experiencing other cultures and engendering new understanding of the world around him.

Having held hands and made each other laugh every day for 53 years, Bob is survived by his loving wife, Joan, and his children, Robert B. Rorick Jr. (Betsy) of Woodstock, NY, Michael F. Rorick of Ross, CA, Genevieve B. Schlangen (Henry), and grandchildren, Julia and Grace of St. Helena, CA.

Donations should be made to the San Francisco Boys and Girls Club, 55 Hawthorne Street Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94105 in Bob's name.

A mass will be held at 11 a.m. August 23, at Star of the Valley Catholic Church in Oakmont, 495 White Oak Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95409.