Robert Grenfell Oliver's Obituary
Bob passed away in his apartment at Atria Valley View the morning of July 31, 2020. Due to Covid-19 restrictions at the facility, he could only be attended to by his caretaker. He was born on July 15, 1925, in Hobart Mills, California, where his father worked in the lumber business. His parents were George D. Oliver, Jr. and Lesla Grenfell Oliver. When he was about 1 year old, his family moved to Modesto, California, where his father went to work in the family business, Turner Hardware. Bob was a graduate of Modesto High School, attended Modesto Junior College, and served in the US Navy from 1944 – 1946. He graduated from Cal Berkeley with a business degree. He married the love of his life, Susan Maze (also from Modesto) on August 23, 1947.
Their marriage of 65 years was blessed with three sons, Mike, Steve and Pete, their wives, nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Bob worked extremely hard to provide for his family. He was active for many years at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian church where he served as Sunday school teacher, deacon and elder. After their children were grown, Bob and Suz moved from their home in Lafayette to Rossmoor where they lived for over 40 years. Bob served as a mutual director and as a member on several committees and truly gave back to the community in which he lived. Suz predeceased Bob in 2013, and at the end of 2018 Bob moved to Atria Valley View due to declining health. He loved to read, discuss politics, do genealogy research, and spend time with family and friends. His mind was sharp-as-a-tack up to the very end.
The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Atria Valley View and Hospice East Bay for the loving care and attention they extended to Bob, especially these last several months with the added stress of Covid-19 requirements. They are all truly remarkable human beings. His service will be private.
To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state and CDC officials. If you are planning on attending a service, please contact the funeral home in advance, so that we can plan accordingly.
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