Robert Malcolm Packer

Dr. Robert “Bob” Malcolm Packer, born March 29, 1933 in Monrovia, California, passed away on February 9, 2023 in Grass Valley, California. Bob lived a rich and rewarding life growing up with close friends in Monrovia where he attended Monrovia Arcadia Duarte High. He met his wife Dorothy while attending MAD high school. He was a star athlete in football. He attended Occidental College where he played 4 years on the Occidental varsity football team where he was honored as the co-captain of the team in his senior year. Upon graduation he entered service in the United States Air Force where he started flight training. He was later assigned to Hamilton Air Force Base where he played on the base football team, which won the 1957 Service Trophy by beating the Quantico Marine team.

After completing his service obligation, Bob hired on with the La Puente High School District, where he became a teacher and coach. When Nogales High School opened in 1962, he joined the staff as the Athletic Director and Head Varsity Football Coach. In 1965 Bob joined the school’s administrative staff as the Vice Principal and then Principal of Nogales in 1970 to 1973. He then moved to Costa Mesa High School where he was the principal from 1973-1981. During his time at Costa Mesa HS, he completed a PhD degree as a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Human Behavior from the United States International University in San Diego. In 1981 he became the Deputy Superintendent in the Tustin Unified School District. Then in 1985 he returned to his childhood roots in the Monrovia-Duarte area by accepting the position of Superintendent of Duarte Unified School District. Bob retired in 1993.

Having been a player and coach of athletics, Bob became actively involved in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). He was president of the Southern Section of CIF from 1981 to 1986. From 1990 to 1992, Bob served as the President of the California State CIF.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy Gates Packer of 68 years, and their three sons, Ron, Rick, and Larry. He was the proud grandfather of Beth, Austen, West, Kip, Robin, and Riley. He was the great-grandfather of 7 boys and 1 girl.