LAKEPORT, Calif. – Robert “Bob” Hunter passed away on Feb. 24, 2017, from complications resulting from COPD.

Bob was 73 years old and was residing in Lakeport with his partner Patricia Cota when he took his last struggled breath.

Bob had four children - Tammy, Patty, Jefferson and Molly. From those children he had seven grandchildren, Amanda, Dalton, Caitlin, Dakota, Maele, Kekoa and Coralani. And from those grandchildren, one great grandchild, Knox.

He smiled first and asked questions later. He offered warm acceptance for anyone and everyone no matter who they were or where they were from. His optimistic laugh was contagious and irresistible. His propensities for kindness and joy were what made him the man he was. That kind of virtue has a lasting and positive effect on humanity. It helped make us who we are.

Bob was born in Maywood, Calif., on May 8, 1943, to James Robert Hunter and Helen Henrietta Nicholson.

Before he had turned 2, his mother had passed away and his father had run off never to be heard from again. This left him and his 7-year-old sister Sandra in a very rough situation until they were adopted by his Aunt Eva and her husband James W. Nickell.

After a few years in East LA, they migrated up north to Lake County, Calif. Although Bob (known as “Ivory Joe” among his friends) never finished school, he did go on to have a long and diligent career as a garbage man, a heavy equipment operator and a school bus driver.

His later years were spent farming, playing Frisbee and embracing his new found roll as a grandpa. His biggest accomplishment in life was the number of people he touched with his joy and kindness, and that positive impact is indelible and will not be forgotten.

Bob was laid to final rest at Kelseyville Cemetery next to his sister Sandra Noreen Jones on March 3, 2017. Forever in our Hearts.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .