Robert Bond, 78, a resident of Williamsburg Landing, died peacefully, June 27, 2012 after years of deteriorating health. His wife, Nanci Bond, was at his side as she had been for nearly 33 years.

Born in Holland, NY, Bob spent his early years as did many children during those depression era times, in an orphan asylum with four of his siblings. Leaving the "Big House" as it was called by the children, at age 14 as was the policy, Bob roomed with others graduating out and worked at many part time jobs while in high school. Bob's high energy was obvious even then as he excelled in swimming and fencing. Bob always spoke highly of his older brother Roy's mentoring and assistance in getting work and holding on to goals. With the interest and encouragement of Dr. Roger Dooley, Bob went on to Canisius College before joining the Army. Shipping off for Korea to fight in that war, when the armistice was announced the ship changed direction delivering Bob to northern Japan. He enjoyed exploring on his free time, learned some Japanese and climbed Mt. Fuji.

After his return to the US, , he followed his fiancée, Minica Verrenti, to California where they married and raised three sons, David, Mark and Paul. Bob continued his passion for learning, earning his Ph.D. during those years of busy fatherhood and work. He never planned to go into teaching but starting part time while still busy with full time sales, he discovered a passion and gift for teaching. Over time he saw that the texts his Community College students had were not relevant, correct or interesting. He launched into writing textbooks he could be proud of and his students could actually use. As a successful and popular teacher, he was invited to teach real estate professionals in intense weekend courses throughout the state and abroad. Ever the excited student, he completed the Certified Financial Planner course and Law School while teaching, writing and lecturing.

Bob had the ability through his drive, energy and positive attitude to transform his life and that of those around him. Happily discovering a new small calculator, the HP12C, he decided to create formulas to help his students quickly find answers to the various questions they would have in their future career. And, he wrote the manual. He also created and hosted a television series Real Estate and You.

Bob enjoyed serving on community and business boards through the years, teaching chess to children. He repurposed a warehouse into a beautiful and busy business and conference space to support his belief that the community could improve. He loved classical music and invited local music and arts groups to hold cultural fundraising events in the home he built with his second wife, Nanci Oliva.

Always a walker, Bob and Nanci retired to Williamsburg in 1996 when they saw that the compact city made their primary retirement goal possible—walking to everything, including to the train depot for their frequent jaunts. Always a happy "come here", Bob continued his quest for learning and teaching with the Christopher Wren Association. His love for music was more than satisfied by the offerings at Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William and Mary.

Student and teacher, devoted dad to his sons and daughters-in-law, Lisa and Lorri, step-son, Jim Oliva and wife Tina, Grampa to Alyssa, Paul James and Michael, loving husband, charming friend, Bob was interred at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

A life well lived with creative energy and joy.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Colonial Williamsburg for their Music Program at P.O. Box 1776, Williamsburg, CA 23187.