Robert Hope "Bob" Tunis

1945 - 2008

1945 — 2008

A ray of sunlight

A fragrant flower

The surf at sunset

These and many other visions of natural beauty recall the true being of Robert Tunis. At 63, he was, himself, one of nature's most striking creations. Often mistaken for being many years younger, the fountain of youthful innocence and exuberance flowed within him, barely contained by his radiant Italian complexion. Yet, Robert lived in the service of bringing attention to the beauty of the world outside him. Through photography, his loving eye made these observations tangible. Through spirituality, his deeper vision inspired others to see beyond the tangible, and into the beauty of every moment.

Not merely an observer, however, most of Robert's time was spent improving the environments of others. As a master carpenter, his generous competence afforded every budget, large and small, more than it expected to receive. Ironically, his home life was very simple, despite the fact that he possessed the skills to build mansions and all the finest furniture inside them.

Born in 1945, Robert was just a teenager when he left his parents, Theresa Costa and Peter Tunis Sr., oldest brother, Frank, and an aging Pennsylvania farm home in Clarks Summit. Following his seven sisters, Roxanne, Catherine, Doe, Eleanor, Marie, Dorothy, Harriet, and his other older brother, Peter Jr., to Southern California, Robert made friends with people who would later employ his talents all over the West. And, in the decades ahead, many of Robert's siblings, and their families, would follow him, instead.

When Hollywood caught a glimpse of the attractive young Italian, they saw him fit to stand in for Jack Lemmon, and to actually "double" the stunningly-handsome Omar Sharif on film. But Robert longed for the country life again. With his brother, Peter, he pioneered a migration to the Pacific Northwest that half of his sisters would join. Deep in the Redwood Forest, the two brothers found a lodge for sale in Miranda, Calif., known as "The Forest Of Arden," which the family would rebuild, operate and maintain for years. Except for the occasional Big Foot lurking about, Robert felt a deep sense of harmony with the forest. From its inspiration was born the unique, artistic approach to wood-working he would become known for. Once again leading the family north, and leaving Hollywood farther behind, he settled in Eugene and later, Sisters, Ore. He was now working exclusively as a carpenter, honing his skills on jobs throughout Central Oregon. When he moved to the Rocky Mountains a few years later, he had already reached master-craftsman level.

The Colorado years added more loyal clients and soon, Robert's reputation as one of the West's finest woodsmiths allowed him to work and live wherever his wife, Shari, and two sons, Anthony and Andrew, preferred. Jobs took him to Houston, Honolulu, Prescott (Arizona), Palm Springs, San Diego, Oakland, and eventually, into the homes of Hollywood stardom again. In 2007, Robert's life came full circle when, four decades after working with Barbara Streisand in "Funny Girl" (1968), his expertise attained a place on a year-long contract to create and install custom furniture in her multi-million-dollar home in Malibu, Calif.

Photography was Robert's first art, however, and it brought more pleasure to him than woodworking. The lives of his two sons, Anthony and Andrew, were lovingly captured, as were countless weddings and events fortunate enough to hire his gifted eye. And, with many other young "disciples" in his life, Robert was always willing to share his unique photography and carpentry techniques. In fact, he gladly expanded his work force to include those eager to learn his crafts "on the job." His son Andrew and many nephews launched solo careers, thanks to Robert's guidance and support.

As for his own lifelong goals, Robert had finally brought them to the foreground: To indulge his love of horses, he secured work on a horse ranch in the coming year. To learn a second musical instrument, he acquired a drum set and asked one of his disciples to teach him for a change. To be a grandfather, it so happened that his son Anthony and wife Amy had a baby girl, Rhyan, in 2007. And finally, in a characteristic effort toward the benefit of others, Robert's unwavering dedication to his large and very-close family inspired his dream of an estate, where all his loved ones could live together. He had been scouting the ideal location over the last few years, intent on finding, building, and living there to direct the construction of their homes. Indeed, they expect he will continue to be an active force, guiding every step toward its completion.

All improvements in the lives of Robert's family will honor him. The tireless charity he gave, the spiritual core of this desire, and the way he inspired it in others, assure that this living legend is now eternal. His fountain will flow forever.

Heartfelt thanks to the loving staff at St. John's Hospital, in Camarillo and Oxnard: Dr. Walters, Nurse Imelda and Nurse Grace. Thank you for your warm treatment of Robert and his numerous visitors.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Sept. 20, at St. Mary Magdalen Chapel, 2532 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo.