The first time I saw Bob, I told my sister, "That is the man I am going to marry." That was almost 31 years ago. – Susanne Boyer

A gigantic loss to the community, but mostly to the family and friends…Bob went home to heaven on April 23, 2013, after a 19-month battle with brain cancer.

Bob was born in East Los Angeles, June 2, 1945. His family moved to Bakersfield where Bob attended and graduated from East Bakersfield High School lettering in football and swimming. He continued his education at Bakersfield College where he participated on the water polo and swim teams. He was named Team Most Valuable Player in both sports. Bob completed his education at The University of Oregon where he was PAC 8 Champion in the 50 Freestyle, PAC 8 Record Holder in the 50 and 100 Freestyle, Team Most Valuable Swimmer, NCAA All American Swimming Team, and he competed in the 1968 Olympic Swimming Trials, where he missed by one place of making the team that would travel to Mexico City.

Bob joined the Cabrillo High School Family in 1970 and retired in 2008. He taught math and served as Athletic Director for 11 years. He coached boys' and girls' water polo, boys' and girls' swimming, and girls' basketball. Bob won a total of 30 league titles in his coaching career at Cabrillo. His love of Cabrillo High and, specifically, its athletic programs were legendary. His "footprint" is seen throughout the campus. Bob Boyer leaves behind a legacy that touched the hearts of countless students, athletes, colleagues, friends and family.

Bob was a man full of smiles and good will. He never turned a friend or colleague away and always lent a hand when needed. He was a remarkable soul, with more determination than 100 men. This was evident by all the many accolades in both his personal and professional life. Bob remained in tremendous physical shape and maintained prowess in a wide variety of athletic endeavors throughout his life. Bob was also a true and committed family man. He loved every moment he could spend with every single member of his family. He is survived by his wife, Susanne; brother, Gary Boyer; his children and their spouses, Rob and Paula Boyer, Bryan Boyer, Jensine and Leif Hanson, and James Boyer; grandchildren Robbie Boyer (wife – Shannon), Grace Boyer, Alexa Boyer, Lillie Boyer, Kaia Hanson, Preston Hanson and Raquel Hanson.

He is preceded in death by his parents Charles Joseph Boyer and Hercelia Lois Harriman.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Lompoc (500 E. North Ave.) at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4.

The family requests that in-lieu of flowers donations be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (www.vnhcsb.org) or to The Village Chapel (www.vvchapel.com).