Robert “Bob” Lee Rassbach was born in Arcata, California, the fourth child of Matthew and Myrtle Rassabach, with older siblings being Harry, Ernest, and Helen. Bob passed away peacefully on October 14, 2016 at the age of 78, with family by his side.

Bob grew up with a love of baseball. He played on the first little league team in Arcata, the California Barrel Co 2808 team. In high school, he played for the Arcata High Tigers. He played Summer League Baseball with his buddy, Earl Moranda on the American Legion baseball team. Bob graduated from Arcata High School in 1956.

After serving two years the Marines, Bob married Sharon Chezem and was blessed with three children, Suzanne, Scott, and Kathy. He was also blessed and three step children, Kevin, Keith, and Sheryl from his second marriage to Jacklyn Dickenson Hodge. He loved his children and instilled in them strong work ethics, love of sports, and the outdoors.

Bob was an extremely hard worker who started an excavating business with Jim Chezem and worked the business for four years before joining the Carpenters Union in 1967. He continued working as a carpenter, building many housing developments and private homes within the Humboldt County area. In 1985, Bob began working at the Senflower Ranch in Maple Creek. He was able to pull all of his talents together as a skilled craftsman to create a beautiful atmosphere in the woods.

Bob loved the outdoors and spent many years camping out at the Chezem Trail Ranch. He participated in the Back Country Horseman Redwood Unit and worked on several restoration projects. Bob was also a member of the McKinleyyille Moose Lodge.

Hunting was another passion that Bob shared with his family and friends. He told about the best hunting camp there ever was at the Grouse Mountain Hilton with Keith Cole, Tom Long, Larry Salladay, and John Robertson. They had great times and the best food, cooking big salmon feeds for everyone around.

Bob also loved fishing in streams, lakes, and the ocean. He took great care of his boats and spent vast amounts of time preparing for his fishing trips. Anyone could call Bob to get an update to find out if the fish were biting. His love of the ocean was shared by many of his friends. Often when there were no fish to be caught, he and Dick King, would spend time at the beach clamming.

Bob spent over the past ten years with his close friend, Mary Schmedding, in Eureka. Anyone visiting Bob and Mary would be presented with humorous jokes and stories. They cared for many animals through these years, but his little dog Mitzi had a special place in his heart.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Matthew and Myrtle Rassbach and brother Harry Rassbach.

Bob is survived by his children, Suzanne Rassbach Wallen, Robert Scott Rassbach, Kathy Rassbach Holmes, Kevin Hodge, Keith Hodge, and Sheryl Hodge Pelascini. His brother, Ernest Rassbach and sister Helen Rassbach Keyes, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Bob’s life revolved around his family and loved ones. He was always willing to help others and will be truly missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held November 11, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Plaza Grill in Arcata, California.

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The obituary above was submitted by Bob Rassbach’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.