Born: Tue., Nov. 11, 1947
Died: Mon., Mar. 3, 2014

Celebration of Life

11:00 AM Sat., Mar. 22, 2014
Location: Bridges Community Church

Surrounded by his family, Bob passed into the loving arms of Jesus, ending a valiant three-year struggle with Lou Gehrig's disease. He endured the indignities of ALS with his usual humor and amazing grace. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Shari, his daughter, Tiffany, son-in-law Mike, beloved granddaughters, Cassidy and Jessica, and many more family and friends, who will miss him dearly. Bob was born in Berkeley to Fred and Cecile Whitaker and attended CAL and UOP. He started his dental practice in Fremont in 1971, where his patients cherished his gentleness, kindness, and even his corny jokes. His laughter and his generosity came easy and often.

Bob had a passion for helping people. He loved working on projects with the Jaycees, and helping run the Bridges Food Pantry for many years, as well as volunteering at numerous free dental clinics. A perfect week for Bob would include a game of racquetball with his buds of 30+ years, and exact turkey count for the Thanksgiving baskets at church, an outing with his grandgirls to an A's game, and teasing his wife on their nightly walks. In addition, he would surely have to squeeze in a suspenseful page-turner or sci-fi move, playing a take-no-prisoners game of 500 with Mike and Tiff, bringing a smile to someone's face, and counting his blessings. We will miss his quick wit and kind heart.

Bring your memories to share at a celebration of his life to be held at Bridges Community church, 505 Driscoll Rd. in Fremont, on Saturday, March 22, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Bridges Food Pantry.