Bob Stevens Obituary

Robert Edward Stevens
August 12, 1922-June 11, 2010
Robert (Bob) was born in Santa Barbara, CA and raised on his family’s ranch in Goleta. Bob attended Oregon State University, where he met and married the love of his life, Barbara (Bobbie) Mattes. He went north to college on a football scholarship, which culminated in an appearance in the 1946 East West Shriner Game. Bob was an active member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and lettered in both Track & Field and Football. His major study was Education, with an emphasis in Industrial Arts. Additionally, he was involved in Student government- highlighted by his election to Student Body President in 1945.
Following his marriage to Bobbie in December of 1946 and graduation from Oregon State in June of 1947, the couple returned to the Bay Area, where Bobbie was born and raised. Bob’s first teaching position commenced in the fall of 1947 at Sunnyvale High School. In 1948, he started his career at Acalanes High School in Lafayette as an Industrial Arts teacher, football coach and assistant track coach. In 1964 he became Vice Principal / Dean of Boys and ultimately served as Principal up until his retirement in 1978. While raising his family in Lafayette he was a long standing member at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Lafayette Kiwanis Club, Reliez Valley 4-H Club, Lafayette Horseman’s Association and the cofounder of Springbrook Community Swim Club.
After completing his 30 year career at Acalanes High School, Bob and Bobbie retired to their ranch in Calistoga in 1979. He enjoyed his later years on the ranch, returning full circle back to the lifestyle he had missed so much in Goleta. He was constantly busy running his tractor, working in the shop or feeding the horses. Bob would always make time to admire the ridge top view of the Napa Valley as well as the peaceful sounds of nature by his reservoir. He also enjoyed many family gatherings and celebrations up on the ranch, cherishing what was most important to him, his family and friends. Bob & Bobbie were active members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Santa Rosa, supporters and volunteers of the Sharpstein Museum and active members of Mt St. Helena Golf Course in Calistoga.
As he lived his life, Bob was a man of upmost integrity. During his career he championed for all his students, both the mainstream kids as well as the kids with challenges, never giving up on anyone. He had an innate capacity to connect with and positively influence all types of individuals. This was most likely the product of his ability to command a presence, his sharp wit and keen sense of what was most important in live.
At two months shy of his 88th birthday, Bob was in good health. Then he was the victim of an unfortunate pedestrian auto accident as he was crossing the road to retrieve the morning newspaper. Bob is survived by his daughter, Caryl (David) Gibson of Eugene, Oregon, son, James (Jana) Stevens of Solana Beach, CA, and son, Thomas (Danita) Stevens of Orinda, CA; 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Stevens, and daughter Joanna Bowman.