Whitefield, Robert

Robert “Bob” Dale Whitefield, Born December 24, 1936 Garden Grove, California passed away while surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

A longtime Groveland resident Bob will be forever remembered by his best friend and wife of 63 years, Nancy, his adoring daughters Lynda (Marc) Lombardi and Angela (Tom) Miller, his loving grandchildren Derrek Kelly, Caroline Lombardi, Joel, Tyler, and Dakota Miller, along with his large extended family and longtime friends. To many he was Captain Bob, others affectionately called him “the silver fox”, or just simply “Papa”.

A veteran of the USAF, Bob enlisted at the age of 18. He served 3 years, during which time he learned the dental technician trade, leading to a lifelong career and partnership in Lively Dental Laboratory in Oakland, California. During his life, Bob lived in many places across the U.S., but he always made his way back to California. Born in Garden Grove on December 24, 1936 to Fred and Lena Whitefield he would move to the Pacific Northwest as a young boy and settle with his bride in Tennessee after an honorable discharge from the service. His young family made their way to Florida in 1963, but eventually packed their bags and drove across the U.S to the Bay Area in 1972. After taking up residence in Dubuque, Iowa in 1994, Bob and Nancy finally retired to Pine Mountain Lake in 2002.

Bob loved many things in life – fishing, playing cards, cooking, and listening to music were among them. But his greatest passions were traveling and spending time with family. A gypsy at heart, Bob loved discovering new places and trying new cuisine and, he traveled extensively in his lifetime to 36 U.S. states and 25 countries, always planning the best of adventures with his wife, family, and friends. Although in the last five years his light had dimmed a little from illness, he was still quick to laugh among friends and family.

Bob was a man with a huge heart and a zest for life. He will be dearly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him. A celebration of his life is planned for a date TBD when friends and family can gather for his favorite BBQ, blues music; and storytelling; a final tribute to a life well-lived.

Terzich & Wilson Funeral Home in charge of Cremation arrangements.  Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

• Date of Death: 04/07/2021
• Age: 84
• Residence: Groveland, CA