Robert George Breniff was born December 19, 1931 in Toledo, Ohio. He passed away May 13, 2013. He is survived by his sister, Susan Deacon (Glenn) of Chula Vista, CA and nephew, Russell Deacon. He is also survived by his wife Sue; three daughters Cheri Cooper (Darrell), Dawn Palazzola (John), Kim Shannon (Marc); daughter-in-law, Jenny Breniff (son William Robert, deceased 2007); 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He was a dedicated and high achieving person and had many friends. He attended Maumee High and was an outstanding athlete who played all sports and excelled in football. He was captain of an undefeated football team in high school and president of his class, a born leader. He later was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Maumee High School. He attended Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan where he played football under the exceptional coaching of Biggie Munn and Duffey Dougherty. MSU's undefeated football team (1951, 1952) went on to win the Rose Bowl defeating UCLA. Following graduating, he accepted a head football coaching position in Tecumseh, Michigan where he taught and coached High School for 3 years. In 1958 he joined his father and uncle to jointly run the family business, Goulden Seafoods, in Toledo until 1965. He was hired by Owens Corning Fiberglass Corporation in 1965 and worked for 15 years receiving many promotions and awards for performance. He resigned in 1980 to return to California to live closer to his children and grandchildren. Bob lived his entire life as an advocate for the underdog, He has a very strong faith and he loved Jesus Christ, working with several churches in different areas. He devoted much time to working with families affected by alcoholism and at one point using his home in Bear Valley Springs as a mountain retreat for people seeking recovery. He loved his home, family and working in his garden. Bob will be remembered by many people for his dedication to helping people succeed and achieve their potential and by his family as a loving, caring husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother and uncle. He had a wonderful sense of humor, keen insight and a hearty and unforgettable laugh which made a person feel appreciated and truly cared about. He was a special individual who will not be forgotten and will be greatly missed by many. A memorial service will be held at Hillcrest Park and Mortuary at 9101 Kern Canyon Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93306, phone (661) 366-5766 on Saturday, May 25 at 1:00 p.m. in Hillcrest Chapel. Visiting from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow at Riverlakes Community Church at 4301 Calloway dr., Bakersfield, CA 93312 in the community center cafe area (661-589-9733). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association ; Alzheimer's Disease Association Kern County (Day Care and family support groups) 550 Olive Dr. Bldg 1, Bakersfield, CA 93308 or Alzheimer's Association (Research) 1528 Chapala St. #204, Santa Barbara, CA. 93101.
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March 13, 2014
Dennis Beaman
Dear Sue, Please receive my prayers and deeply felt condolences for your loss. I had looked up Bob several times since leaving Temecula-Murrieta ... but did not find him via any of the avenues I pursued. That being said, I have spoken so often about Bob and all of the tremendous tools and gifts he gave me and so many others. I was just now speaking to my mother about one of the many times Bob taught me about surrendering to God. Our conversation is what brought me to look up Bob online today, only to find that he has left us to be with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I want to extend my condolences to you and yours ... and though I never met any of your children, I can recall the many times Bob spoke so lovingly about them--as I recall, they served as a catalyst for Bob's intro into the 12 Steps. As for you, Sue, I always remember your gentle, loving spirit and how it complemented Bob so well. I'm in tears right now ... some of these are in grief, but mostly these are tears of joy as I have a strong faith in God's love and promises to His children ... and I am confident Bob is numbered as one of His most precious. Affectionately, Dennis Beaman aka "the Beamer" (this is the nickname Bob gave me and the only nickname I've ever held dear to my heart) from the Temecula Al Anon and ACA Family! God bless! (P.S. I'm not sure where Susie is these days, but I know she would be saddened by your loss and would want you to be comforted by His love!)
June 8, 2013
Delia (Humphrey) & Gary Parker
We offer our deepest sympathies & condolences in the loss of your loved one, Bob. It's always hard to lose loved ones, no matter age or reasons. Susie, you are in our prayers, & may the God of all give you comfort in this difficult time.
June 8, 2013
Aaron Kerlin
My condolences and sympathy for your loss. I am saddened by Bob's passing, but my heart is warmed when I remember him from Toledo. Bob was truly "one of the good guys" and the world was better for his presence and has suffered a loss with his passing.
June 7, 2013
Theresa Natoli
Sue, I'm so sorry for your loss, a loss to so many. To put it simply, Bob was like a loving father to me. You and Bob changed my life.....I will never forget. All my love. Theresa Natoli
June 3, 2013
Michael Devany
My prayers are with your family. The kindness and generosity Of your family helped many in my circle through some serious growing pains. Toledo and many other areas are at a loss today.
June 3, 2013
Cathy Minard
Sue, You and Bob both were very instrumental in our lives when you lived here in Ohio. Bob was a fantastic mentor. He (and you)were loved and cherished by the both of us. Even though we haven't been able to see you for many years I think and pray about you and your family often. God bless and heal your heart after such a loss. Love and care, Cathy and Tom Minard
June 3, 2013
Sue, I'm so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a good man, a great mentor, and he will be sorely missed by all of us 'kids' from the program. I should have told him long ago, the positive effect he had on me. I have tried to emulate his sincere yet strong demeanor. We have used some of it raising our 4 children and Coaching Hundreds of other 'sons' and 'daughters.' I will have and will truly miss him. Thomas O'Shea and Family
May 26, 2013
Jackie Oaks Lyell
Susie, your brother accomplished so much in his life. Please accept my condolences.
May 25, 2013
Al Heilman
My condolences to you, Sue, and family.
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