Robert Ray Lopez Sr.

Bob was born in the town of Tulare, California on June 15th 1938. He was the oldest of three children of Ramiro C. and Betty Lopez.

Dad loved sharing stories about his youthful escapades while growing up in the small town of Tulare. He moved to Bakersfield in 1955, graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1956 and proudly recalled his many performances as a member of their award winning marching band. He completed two years of study at Bakersfield College and gained employment as a pharmacy assistant at Memorial Hospital. He later showcased his talent as a writer and photographer for KERO news. He loved people and was blessed by his clients and sales team while employed with The Prudential Insurance Company of America. He was a quick study, was a prudent financial planner and succeeded in sales and management for 31 years. He was a member of the National Association of Life Underwriters and Kern County Life Underwriting Association. After retirement, he achieved his lifelong dream and opened "Cordially Yours", one of the first specialty coffee and tea shops in Bakersfield.

Dad was known for his stories, never forgot a joke, and was a terrific prankster. He loved his community and was involved in many organizations including: Westchester Kiwanis Club; East Bakersfield High School Booster Club, president; Bobby Sox Softball, coach & president; JBA Baseball coach for many years; football announcer for EBHS for many years; Boy Scouts Order of the Arrow, advisor. He was an avid Dodger fan and loved our local football teams.

Survived by his Mother Betty Boshears, Sister and Brother in Law Geraldine & John Kauffman, Brother and Sister in Law Donald & Gail Lopez, Aunts Lois Lopez and Zelma Lopez, several cousins, nieces, nephews, Norma Herrera, wife of twenty-five years and mother of his six children: Cindy Norville, Laura Lopez, Michael Lopez, David Lopez, Robert R. Lopez Jr., and Paul Lopez, fifteen grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. God blessed him with many close friends and family.

His life will be memorialized on Friday, May 16th at 10:00am at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary. A graveside service will follow immediately after the memorial service.

Our family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to the Fresenius Dialysis staff for their care and support during the last 8 years. Our family is grateful for the physicians and nurses of Kaiser Permanente, especially Dr. Kevin Stiles and San Joaquin Hospital ICU and Step Down Unit for their compassionate care.

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