Dr. Robert Smith “Bob” OBITUARY

Dr Robert Smith, a highly respected urologist and community member, died peacefully at home on June 25. He was 85.Dr. Smith, who was affectionately known as Bob, was born to Sylvia and Louis Smith of Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois for three years, graduating early to attend U of I’s four-year medical school program, from which he graduated in 1964. At U of I, he was a member of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity where he made lifelong friends.After he graduated from medical school, Bob was drafted to the U.S. Navy. He spent the first year in Seattle and on an icebreaker in Alaska, and the second year in San Diego. In his later years, Bob would frequently recollect the beautiful Arctic wildlife and the harrowing act of performing surgery at sea. After his service, he did a rotation at Mt. Zion Hospital where he met his beloved wife of 56 years, Jackie.Bob spent his medical career in Oakland where he practiced for more than 40 years. He served as Chief of Urology at Summit-Providence Hospital, where he rarely took a vacation longer than a week, because he cared so much for his patients. He went into private practice in 1970.An avid golfer, Bob was one of the founding “Bandits” at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo and played weekly games for 51 years with close friends. At the club he acquired many nicknames, teased his friends by assigning them nicknames, and played a regular poker game after many rounds. Bob always said he wanted to “live where he played, not where he worked.”Bob will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He had a great sense of humor and cared deeply for his patients, friends and family. He had a big heart and especially loved his years as a “Papa.” Besides Jackie, Bob is survived by his devoted children Stacey Scott (Andy), Andrew Smith (Melissa), and grandchildren Audrey and Nathan Scott, and Noah and Sophia Smith. He is also survived by his loving sister Sharon Sheinkop (Mitchell) and his sister-in-law Sandy Alvord.Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life service at Round Hill Country Club on Sunday, Aug. 11 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to donate to a charity of your choice.