Robert Falconer
Aug. 30, 1926-Nov. 6, 2018
Portola Valley, California
Submitted by Steve Falconer

We honor the life of Robert Falconer, who passed away November 6, 2018 at the Sequoias Retirement Home in Portola Valley, CA. Bob was born August 30, 1926 in Whittier, CA and grew up in nearby Fullerton. He joined the Navy immediately upon graduation from Fullerton High School and served through the duration of World War II. He was called back to service for the Korean Conflict, during which he was an instructor at the Naval Electronics Training School on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay. Bob entered Stanford University in 1947, where he met Judy Anderson at a Freshman “Jolly-Up” (a get acquainted social event). Bob and Judy both graduated from Stanford in 1951, and married that June. Bob pursued a career in electrical engineering at a series of firms in Silicon Valley that grew out of his naval service. Bob and Judy moved to Portola Valley in 1956, where they raised three children, Steve, Lorry and Rob, and lived in a series of houses before moving to the Sequoias in 2003. With Judy’s support on the home front, Bob reentered Stanford for graduate study, earning an EE degree as his career progressed. Bob’s engagement with Stanford continued throughout his life, especially through enthusiastic fund raising for Stanford’s engineering and athletics programs.

Bob Falconer was an unflagging optimist, and a dedicated and ever-supportive husband and father. Bob and Judy’s family has grown beyond their children to include their spouses, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Bob and Judy were founding members of Christ Church, Portola Valley, and driving forces through the subsequent growth of the parish and its Episcopalian community. Bob was an avid singer, especially in barbershop quartets, the Peninsulaires barbershop chorus, and the Christ Church choir. He was well-known for his impish sense of humor, behind which lay an unwavering belief in Judy, his partner of 67 years, his family, his church and his country. Bob’s buoyant spirit will be missed dearly.

Tags: veteran