Robert David Espinoza, passed away Friday, November 29, 2013, surrounded by his family. Over the past 30 years, he endured many illnesses that challenged his abilities, but he always had a positive attitude and outlook on life. Bob was born May 2, 1948, in Los Angeles, California to Robert and Anna Espinoza.

On July 26, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Donna Colleen Dolan. Bob attended and graduated from Cal State Long Beach in 1973, with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics. After graduating they moved to Ventura where he began his teaching career at Oxnard High School. There he would teach for twenty four years, loving what he did and inspiring many students in the process.

Due to health complications, he had to retire early from Oxnard High School. Bob endured many challenges, but the one that affected him the most was Multiple Sclerosis. Although this was very debilitating, he would often refer to the acronym MS as "Math Specialist." His ability to find the silver lining in any situation is something that he radiated with everyone he came in contact with.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Camie Granados and her husband Tony, their children, Alyssa, Jacob, Nathan, Joshua, and Jayden all of Orem, Utah; son, Brian Espinoza and his partner Ivan Serdar, their children, Amelia and Sam of Oakland, California ; daughter, Kelly Lowry and her husband Stephen, and their children Joseph and Mick Lowry of Ventura, California.

Bob loved the outdoors, he would roll around the neighborhood in his wheelchair greeting everyone he saw. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and taught them all by his example. Bob loved everyone and always had a smile on his face, no matter how he was feeling. It has often been repeated by many, that he did not have a mean bone in his body. "Heaven is lucky to have our dad and we will miss him greatly."

Services will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2013, 11 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints, 3501 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.

The family has set up The Robert D. Espinoza Memorial Fund with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In lieu of flowers, please help us continue the fight for others with MS. http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/RobertEspinoza

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.

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

Published by Ventura County Star from Dec. 4 to Dec. 7, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Espinoza

13 Entries

January 1, 2014

Condolences to the Espinoza family. Mr. Espinoza was my Algebra 2 teacher in 78'. I was a challenge for him because I struggled with his class but he was determined to teach me. He had a way of keeping your attention with his jokes. He was an inspirational person, may he rest in peace.

Gracie Reynoso

December 8, 2013

An amazing man. Made me believe in myself has a high school and I am eternally grateful to him for that. Always came to class with funny stories about his children. May he be smiling from the Heavans R. I. P.

Todd Barbour

December 5, 2013

Great teacher. R I P

David Magallanes

December 5, 2013

Espinoza Family

My sincere condolences to all the family members of this wonderful person who has now left our lives. Robert is no longer with us but all the fond memories he left behind will live on forever in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this most difficult time. May Robert now rest in peace free of pain and suffering with our Heavenly Father as he was an honorable and respected person while on earth.

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Angela Vitense

December 5, 2013

Mr Espinoza was such a wonderful teacher and an amazing man. His class was such a great part of our day. We were the class that bought him a new briefcase one year. His had been run over by a car (I think that was what happened) and he would still carry it around, not caring one bit that it was all busted up. He was a great man and I feel lucky to have had him as my teacher. God bless the Espinoza family.

Vickie Patton

December 5, 2013

Heaven was ready for a man with a heart made of sunshine and handful of jokes...
Bob is a man that I will always remember with fondness. He had such a positive outlook on life, what an example he was to others and to his loving family.
May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

December 5, 2013

Dear Donna and family, I remember Bob from High school and Jr. High. Graduated with Donna and remember the love they had as high school sweethearts. Sorry he suffered so much with MS now he can rest in peace. Looks like you had a wonderful family with children and grandchildren . I share the joy with you each and every day. Be strong and God will guide the way. Annette Dinolfo Bennett and Tom Bennett class of 68 Burbank CA

Carolyn Casas

December 5, 2013

Mr. Espinoza was a warm and wonderful Math Mentor and definitely someone who I will never forget. I hope his family takes comfort in the fact that so many positive memories of him, live through his OHS students. Thank you for sharing him with us, and may your hearts warm every time you think of him !

Sheri Edwards

December 4, 2013

I was a student of Mr Espinoza!! He was an awesome teacher!!
Class of 88

Jerri Kreutzer Adame

December 4, 2013

Mr Espinoza was my teacher in high school. He was the best ever. I can remember when he was potty training his child. He would sing a story and he would share it with us in class also. I really enjoyed having him in my high school life. He started wearing his eye patch my senior year and using the cane. Having he class on the 2nd floor was hard for him. But he never gave up! I am Class of 89. God bless

Susie Pridmore

December 4, 2013

I'm deeply sadden by the loss of Mr. Espinoza. My thoughts go out to Mrs. Espinoza, Camie, Brian and the entire Espinoza family. I spent many a childhood day playing with Camie at their house and because of that I am able to reflect on wonderful memories of Mr. Espinoza. You will be greatly missed.

Michael Eschenberg

December 4, 2013

Bob is a GREAT, GREAT man whom I have remembered regularly since my youth and whom I will always remember. I am grateful for his genuine love for all. A true disciple of Christ! He will be missed in mortality. My condolences to the Espinoza family. I am sorry I will miss the services where I am sure his life will be celebrated as he has touched many, many lives!

Meredith Alfaro

December 4, 2013

How grateful I am to have known Bob. His sense of humor puts everyone at ease. Though he suffered much, you hardly knew it because he never complained. He made me feel like a part of his family and for that I will be forever grateful.

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