Robert Fenton’s life was marked by a great dedication, drive, and devotion to his family, his country, and God. He was one of a kind. The world lost a great man on April 3, 2023, at the age of 89, from complications of cancer with his family by his side.
In his early years, his parents were hard at work, establishing Fenton’s Creamery off Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. After high school graduation, he learned the art of milk pasteurizing at the creamery. In time, he made himself an expert, as he did with most endeavors. Bob loved his country and was eager to enlist in the Marines at the start of the Korean War, though he was stopped by a heart murmur. A few months later, he was drafted into the Army (he always joked they didn’t care about the murmur) and eventually was sent to Salzburg, Austria to join the Mountain Climbing Division.
After returning home, while cashing his paycheck at the local Bank of America, he met the love of his life, Dianne. Shortly after, they married and ten months later they welcomed their first of five children. Bob and Dianne always worked hard for the betterment of their family. He always said it wasn’t how much you made but how much you saved, and Dianne knew how to stretch a penny. They invested their savings into Bob’s passion, real estate, always buying but never selling.
Retirement was not in his wheelhouse, still working until his passing. To Bob, real estate was his “golf.” He also loved to take trips to Hawaii, go on a cruise, or a family camping trip. His day started with coffee and ended with ice cream. In the evenings, he could often be found watching a good John Wayne western movie, or a war movie on the television.
Robert is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dianne, his children, Kathleen (Marshall), Steven, Joanne (Doug), Terri (Steve) and Ed (Jenny) and his brother Dean (Peggy). Bob was a proud Grandpa to many and a Great Grandpa to several. He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Lucille, his brothers Gene and Edward.
Arrangements are under the care of Hooper and Weaver. Rosary service Thursday April 13th at 5:00 pm at Hooper and Weaver Mortuary, Nevada City. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Grass Valley, on Friday April 14th at 1:00 pm. Internment and reception to follow.
His life was a blessed life. Enjoy a scoop of your favorite ice cream or a glass of chardonnay on ice and think of him.
