Robert Lee Beatie

While smoke filled the valley on October 14, 2017, Robert Lee Beatie, 88, took his last breath surrounded by his wife and 2 daughters. He suffered from symptoms of Parkinson's for 8 years.

Bob was born on June 20, 1929 in Anaheim, California to Eugene and Katherine Beatie. He was the eldest of three children. He grew up on an orange and walnut ranch in Anaheim, California.

He graduated from UCLA with a Masters degree in Geology. He served in the Navy for 4 years on the air craft carrier, Philippine Sea.

He met his wife Phyllis on a sierra club ski trip. They spent 59 years together enjoying skiing, hiking ,camping, and working on Scrooges Christmas tree farm.

Bob worked as a geologist for Mobil oil, moving his family to Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Los Angeles, before moving to Napa in 1966.

He taught geology, geography and earth science at Napa Valley College for 23 years. Bob had a passion for physical exercise which led him to coach the Napa Valley College Cross Country team for many enjoyable years.

Bob was an athlete his whole life. Starting in high school he ran track and field and skied. Skiing was his passion which he enjoyed while ski patrolling in the Sierras. The family spent many years skiing in Utah where he claimed they had the best snow. He skied until he was 80 years old.

In his 30's he began his cycling career excelling in races throughout US, Canada and Mexico. Bob was an alternate on the 1964 Olympic team. Bob was not only a competitive racer he also commuted to work on his bike daily.

He truly loved trying new sports. After his retirement he learned how to windsurf. Being a man of science, he enjoyed studying the tides and winds so he could find the best windsurfing in the bay. Bob dreamed of flying which he succeeded in doing in his Cessna airplane. He took numerous trips by himself over the Sierras to Mammoth Lakes CA.

He loved the adventure of taking off in their VW camper with the family whether it be to ski or travel the US, always camping(rain, snow, or heat waves). Bob loved working on their farm in Napa; harvesting hay, tending the sheep, cows, chickens, rabbits, pigs, peacocks, and turkeys from farm to table. He rose to the challenge of remodeling their home with a keen eye for perfection and always using recycled materials.

Bob and Phyllis enjoyed their annual trips to Sweden to visit their daughter Anna. He loved picking mushrooms and playing with the grandchildren.

He loved attending basketball games and cross country meets that his grandchildren participated in.

He was a loving father and husband who showed his love by sharing with his family his passion of nature, outdoor activities and sports.

He is predeceased by his parents, sister, brother, and nephew.

He leaves behind his wife Phyllis Moore Beatie, daughters Nina Beatie (Matt Salsman), Anna Beatie Nobel (Magnus Nobel) and grandchildren Kennedy and Tom Salsman and Henrik and Rebecca Nobel.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 on Saturday November 18, 2017 at Tulocay Cemetery, 411 Coombsville Rd., Napa, CA with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Napa Land Trust and Hospice.

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