Robert B. Phinizy
Barstow, Calif.
June 30, 1926 – Dec. 15, 2016
Robert B. Phinizy passed peacefully in the Veterans Home in Barstow, Calif. on Dec. 15, 2016 after an 11 year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born June 30, 1926 in Georgia to Paul Bryant and Nellie Gretna Phinizy. He called Willcox, Ariz. his hometown which he left to join the Navy in 1943.
After the war, he returned to Tucson and graduated from the University of Arizona Engineering School. After college, he and his wife, Grace, moved to Inglewood, Calif. where he worked for Hughes Aircraft and they raised three boys.
He remained in the Navy Reserves, attached to an aeronautical group and eventually retired in 1980 as a captain. Bob, as he was known, was a very productive, inspiring and successful corporate leader. He was President of American Electronics Corp. in the 60s and Chairman and CEO of Genisco Technology until 1986. After that, he did corporate consulting and served on the Boards of MicroSemi in Santa Ana, Calif. and BioSonics in Seattle, among others.
On the side, he served the Cal.ifornia State University Foundation and American Electronics Association. He loved business and loved to share with those who asked for his wisdom. He thrived on mentoring his children and others. In 1990, after marrying Barbara, they moved to Port Ludlow, Wash. where they enjoyed 22 years of semi-retirement.
His love for sailing resulted in being the Commodore of the Port Ludlow Yacht Club. His love for the Lord was manifested by serving Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. In later years, they traveled to Alaska and across the USA in their RV. In 2012, they downsized to The Groves in Irvine, Calif. and enjoyed being involved with community, church, American Legion and many friends. In May 2016, Bob’s care required they move to the Veteran’s Home, which they called home. Bob received wonderful care and had “his sweetheart” at his side every day.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons Robert II of Mesa Ariz., William (Carrie) of Gig Harbor, Wash. and David (Debbie) of Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.; stepchildren Debbie (Gary) Gilster of Laguna Niguel, Calif., Scott (Pam) Powers of Orange, Calif., and Janice (Frank) Kelly of Mountainside, New Jersey. Bob enjoyed and loved his own 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and the six grandchildren to whom he became Grandpa when he married Barbara.
Bob was a high-energy, caring, and generous of his gifts. He was the type of guy who had a great spirit, fun sense of humor and always a wonderful smile. He was deeply loved by his family and they wait until they can rejoin him in heaven someday, where he is probably organizing some angel activity to be more productive! Light winds and following seas to our beloved husband, father, and Grandpa!
Services will be at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Chimacum, Wash. on April 22, 2017 at 11:30 a.m., with a reception following.
