Robert John Smith

Robert John Smith passed away peacefully, after a short illness, on the afternoon of September 4, 2014. He was 78. Bob was born in Napa and raised in Sonoma. He attended Sonoma Valley Grammar School and Sonoma Valley High School until the 10th grade. He then transferred to Eureka and graduated in 1954.

Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1954 and served in both Reserve and active duty assignments until his honorable discharge at Fort Lewis, Washington, in 1962. He started his 34-year career with ATT in 1956 as an installer/repairman in Eureka and later transferred to the San Francisco Bay Area. He worked in a number of cities around the Bay and the Pine Street office until his retirement.

Bob met the love of his life, Birgitta, in Sonoma at Little Switzerland in 1966. They were soon married and settled in a home in Mill Valley, where they lived until her death in 2000. Over the years, one of Bob’s favorite activities was his daily walks with his three boxers, Hampus, Hansemann and Mathilda. They hiked the trails of Marin and around the bay, and particularly enjoyed encounters with other hikers and their dogs.

Following his wife’s death, Bob remained in their Mill Valley home until moving to the Atria adult living center in Burlingame. In 2007, he returned to Sonoma and the care and comfort of the Merrill Gardens retirement community.

Bob is survived by his brother, Paul Smith; Paul’s wife, Roxanne; his nephews, Dana Smith and Brian Smith; and Brian’s family, Rose and sons Logan and Mateo.

Friends are invited to attend a graveside inurnment at Mountain Cemetery, 90 First Street West, Sonoma, CA 95476 on September 18, at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Duggan's Mission Chapel. Inquiries to (707) 996-3655, or www.duggansmissionchapel.com.