Robert Whitehill's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Robert Bailey Whitehill, Jr
On August 8th, 2024, Robert “Bo” Bailey Whitehill, Jr, beloved father, husband, and friend, passed away surrounded by loved ones in his cherished San Mateo Park home.
Born to Robert and Marion Whitehill in Salt Lake City on August 17, 1940, Bo’s early years were marked by his passion for sports and commitment to education at Seattle Prep and John Muir High School. He attended USC where he walked on to the tennis team, was a Phi Delta Theta member and joined ROTC. A lifelong Trojan fan, he carried his USC spirit with pride, “Fight on!”
After college, he served in the United States Navy stationed in Coronado as an officer of the Seal Team. He became a valued Financial Advisor settling in San Mateo and built lifelong friendships with co-workers and clients. A dedicated professional Bo balanced his career with a rich family and social life bringing characteristic humor and warmth to every interaction.
Bo lived in Pasadena, Santa Barbara, Hillsborough, and finally San Mateo Park, where he built a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Carole. Adorned with the garden and aviary of his own design, their home was a testament to his love for nature and animals. Bo and Carole greatly enjoyed being part of their childrens’ lives and activities through years at Park School, Crystal Springs, San Mateo High, Stanford and Harvard.
Bo loved supporting San Mateo High School Football, and created the weekly “Bearcat Chronicles” to cover the Bearcats' undefeated 1985 football season. His connection to the community was evident in his Rotary Club involvement (where he was a Paul Harris Fellow), his stint as President of the Peninsula Tennis Club and membership in the Peninsula Golf and Country Club.
Bo loved tennis, traveling, the SF Giants, the 49ers, the San Jose Sharks, USC Football, making sunday sourdough waffles for his kids and gin and tonics for his friends. His affectionate nickname of "Bompy" reflected his cherished role as a loving grandfather. He also had a special fondness for his birds, his cat, and his dogs Zachary, Tucker and Cassie.
He remarried in 1999 to loving wife Marie. They traveled the world, laughed together and especially enjoyed the Carmel poodle parades. Marie’s daughter and granddaughters held a special place in Bo’s heart.
Bo battled Parkinson’s disease with remarkable stoicism, facing each day with appreciation and strength. He went to boxing class to keep himself strong up until his last weeks. His courage and resilience in the face of his illness were an inspiration to all who knew him. His boxing coach said of Bo “He fought until the end, literally.”
He is survived by his children Wendy Cook and her husband, James Cook, Bob Whitehill and his wife Ingrid Aguirre Happoldt, his grandchildren Chris Cook, Connor Whitehill and Diego Whitehill and his brother Rankin Kelly Whitehill and his wife, Marsha Whitehill.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Peninsula Country Club on Sunday, September 8th from 10am to 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Peninsula Humane Society.
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