FAMILY
Bob is survived by his wife, Beverly, sister Sherrie, brother and sister-in-law, Alan and Linda, Daniel Parsons, nieces and nephews Diana, Cynthia, Michael, Corey, Chelsea and Charysse and their extended families. "Little sister" Terry and Kandis are part of his "adopted" family.
In addition to family, Bob opened his home, heart, and support to Frank from Germany, David and Nadja from Slovenia, Musa from Turkey, and Augustus from Liberia.
LIFE AND CAREERS
Bob joined the Navy at age 17. His submarine service took him throughout the Pacific, Asia, and beyond. Once back in San Diego he continued to serve as an electronics instructor.
After 10 years in the military, Bob began a second career as yacht captain, traveling to Mexico, where he met Beverly. Together they chartered and worked aboard private yachts for 5 years along the West Coast. Later he accepted a position as Captain and navigator aboard a long range tuna boat.
The long separation proved to be too much and Bob joined Beverly at Fraser Yachts in 1980 as a yacht and insurance broker. He was the first in the company to purchase a computer and spent hours coaxing Beverly and other colleagues into the computer age. Bob and Bev were a successful team again, creating Interpac Yachts (under Fraser and Driscoll Yachts), and finally branched out on their own. Many of Bob's clients became lifelong friends, which pays tribute to the honesty and integrity he brought to the office each day.
VOLUNTEER AND PUBLIC SERVICE
In 1982, Bob attended the San Diego Police Academy, marking the start of more than 30 years of volunteer public service to the city. His walls, shelves, cupboards, and drawers are filled with awards, plaques, and certificates of appreciation recognizing his service with the SD Police Department, the SD Sheriff Department, Sheriff's Weapons Training Unit, SD Sheriff Museum, and as a SD county Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper.
Bob continued to work, study, learn and teach until dementia stole his knowledge from him.
LIFE TO THE FULLEST (by Beverly)
Throughout our marriage, Bob never lost his appetite for learning. Most early mornings would find him studying something totally boring (to my eyes) like insurance, law, electronics, mechanics. etc. He could fix anything -- even a camera I once dropped in a swimming pool! He built our first TV, upgraded our Sechelt home, and always had mechanical or electronic projects going. And, yet, this "man's man" could be found gently tending the dozen or so orchids he kept for years.
He enjoyed entertaining his guests with a flourish, whipping up tableside Caesar Salad or Bananas Flambe, and was known for special Margaritas and weekend frothy Cappuccinos from his beloved copper and brass espresso machine. He had a soft spot for all animals, was a great ski companion, and amazing ballroom and Latin dance partner. Summers in Sechelt fishing and exploring the Sunshine Coast in his 24' Trophy Bayliner with Canadian family were among his favorite memories.
He was a man who never stopped learning something new and always strove to do it right. And as a husband, he always encouraged and supported me to follow my dreams.
