- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Robert Benkelman
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Robert Jon “Bob” Benkelman, 78, of Lakeport, joined his father John in Heaven on Dec. 21, 2018, after three years of battling melanoma cancer.
Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy; mother, June Benkelman; brother, Ronald (Ruth) Benkelman; children, Kristen (Roger) Nutter and Michelle Green; grandkids, Devry (Sanjeev) Nutter, Troy Nutter and Madison Green; and adopted kids, Vivian, Katia, Katiuscia, Dan and Phil.
Many others considered him family because he always made time for them, winning life-long friends with his infectious smile and great stories.
Bob’s story starts in San Jose, Calif., in 1940, the eldest of two boys he grew up in the same town and graduated college from San Jose State University in 1963 with a master’s degree in music. He was state champion archer and played trumpet in the marching band and symphony.
Although Bob and Nancy thought they met by accident it was really Bob’s grandmother, Effie, who staged their introduction. They were married in 1963 and had two girls.
While in San Jose they spent free time boating and camping in their VW bus. Bob loved water skiing, backpacking, hiking and seeing the United States.
Bob’s career gave him a chance to travel the world. He started as a music teacher for 11 years; he loved teaching others to play. Later, he moved to New York and worked as an international salesman, promoting many talented artists such as The Beatles, The Carpenters and Styx for Hansen Inc. and A&M Records.
His Facebook says: ”How lucky I’ve been (and still be) able to play my trumpet anytime/anywhere/any style and be well received and appreciated!”
In 1981 Bob retired from the music business and moved to Lakeport. There, he established several businesses, specifically Lee’s Vending and California Coffee Co.
Well established in the community, Bob and Nancy created a beautiful home and gardens where they hosted many parties. His 36 years in Lakeport were some of his happiest. They were filled with friendship, projects and trips to Maui. Benk could be seen at the Saturday night races, the annual Lakeside Hot Car and Boat show and the United Christian Parish.
He loved good wine, “loud” boats and “way fast” cars. He was proud of his many boat show awards.
Bob’s family and friends were blessed with many funny stories and cards that had personal messages about how proud he was of them and loved them.
Also missed will be his great hugs and help that he gave to all he knew. His last effort to help was to participate in the cancer-fighting Keytruda clinical trial at Stanford.
A special thanks goes to staff at Stanford, Sutter Care at Home, Hospice of Lake County and Chapel of the Lakes for their wonderful service.
Bob wished to be remembered as you last saw him. Please celebrate Benk’s wonderful life in a personal message to Nancy, either in a card, on Bob’s Facebook, or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
In lieu of flowers drink a really great glass of wine with someone important to you and give a toast to Bob. Or please send a donation “from Benk” to the Lakeside Hot Car and Boat Show, 371 Lakeport Blvd. No. 324; Lakeport, CA 95453, www.curbside.tv/lakeboatshow. One hundred percent of car show proceeds go to Operation Tango Mike, an in-service military support program.
