Robert Hugh Doyle

June 9, 1928 to December 28, 2023

Born during the Great Depression, Bob lived a life of remarkable achievement and adventure.

A true Michigan native, he achieved a childhood dream by winning the Soap Box Derby at age 12, which remained a significant highlight in his life.

After serving in the Navy during the end of WWII, he utilized the GI bill to become the first in

his family to attend college, earning degrees in engineering, architecture, and city planning

from prestigious institutions such as Univ. of Kentucky, Clemson, and Georgia Tech. His professional journey led him to meet with Walt Disney in the early development of central Florida/Disneyworld, followed by a tenure at the Housing and Urban Department in Washington DC, and later as a partner at Peat Marwick in San Francisco, specializing in airport planning.

Through his experiences in his career as well as the navy, Bob traveled extensively around the world and the US. This led to a deep appreciation for history, baseball, westerns, and big band music. A passionate reader, golfer, and an avid fan of the Giants and Padres, he continued to teach and pursue his interests long after retirement. Bob ultimately settled in La Jolla with his wife Nelle and together they enjoyed life, their close friends, and their membership with La Jolla Country Club.

Bob enjoyed his friends at Atria and especially enjoyed his creation of the men’s discussion group, which focused on old movies and current events. He was always enthusiastic as he

described the many discussions that he had with his peers there, from world events to social

happenings.

Bob had close relationships with his many grandchildren. For those living close (San Diego) and far away (New Orleans, Philadelphia), he loved attending as many sports and school events, graduations, and weddings as he could. He loved volunteering his time with the San Diego Junior Golf Association as a walking scorer in junior golf tournaments and getting on the dance floor with his granddaughters well into his 90’s!

In his last few weeks, he found peace and comfort surrounded by loved ones. His legacy lives on through his children and numerous grandchildren, and he will be remembered for his unwavering pride in his family and his zest for life. He is survived by his wife Nelle, children Mark Doyle (Lenna) of La Jolla, Jon Doyle (Tammy) of San Diego, Dan Doyle (Maria) of Philadelphia; and daughter, Paula Zeanah (Charley) of New Orleans. In addition, Bob had treasured stepchildren, Vickie Eastman, Ross McConnell, Mark Bellamy, Anne Bellamy and Ned Bellamy. Grandchildren who loved him very much: Taylor Hilsman and Bennett Doyle, Sean, Jack, and Brynn Doyle, Eric Doyle, Emily Shelton and family, Katy Zeanah and family, and Melanie Zeanah.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Eileen Doyle, first wife Phyllis Cliver Doyle,

second wife, Beverly Clark Doyle, brother, Charles Richard Doyle.