Robert, Robbie, Rob, “Papa” (never Bob) Bradley Crouch was born on Tuesday, June 28, 1968. Robert came out screaming, so excited to be the annoying little brother of Steve. Crashing down the hills of San Diego on his Big Wheel and getting lost while camping in Mammoth with brother and Dad. Robert attended Mt. Carmel High School, where he loved being on the football team as player #44 and MVP throughout his high school career, later moving to Humboldt to pursue an engineering degree at Humboldt State University.

Robert happily joined a family of teenagers, Lyndsay, Michael and Will. Welcoming his first grandchild, Gabriella, followed by Liam, Kaia and Lyla, forever being, “Papa.”

Robert was a wonderful, creative chef, who worked at several local establishments such as Sunset Restaurant, Cher Ae Heights, and Scotia Inn. Nearing retirement, Robert worked at Costco, where he had many visitors who knew him well and made an effort to stop for a short visit. Robert made many life long friendships and connections with those around him.

Robert met his love, Donna, who also attended Mt. Carmel High School in San Diego, meeting for the first time thirty years later, finding each other in old yearbooks, becoming his “spicy freshman.” The love shared between the two of them blossomed and they started their adventures together, braving the world and creating beautiful experiences for themselves and family. Taking walks in the paradise of Humboldt, Wordle mornings, beach adventures with their super pooper dog Cooper, evening puzzles, enjoying time in their lovely home listening to the rain on the roof, and building stairs in their backyard forest to overlook “Lake Sometimes.” Together, each year Rob and Donna thoughtfully curated an annual Christmas Treasure Hunt on Christmas Day, filled with mysteries, fun clues and playful challenges for his daughter and granddaughters. Christmas caroling while bringing treats to friends, chasing (at least trying to) orbit toys through Manila Park, wooden airplane races at Redwood Bowl, dressing up as pirates and crabs and digging up treasure on the beach, and finding rubber duckies at Sequoia Park are just a glimpse into the magic that Papa created.

Robert, our lucky duck, passed unexpectedly from us on Friday, February 14, 2025 and is missed lovingly everyday. Robert’s love is continued by many who adore him, including his parents Jimmie and Elizabeth and Beverly and Mel as well as other beloved family members in California, Arizona, Utah and many local friends and found family. Papa is remembered by PB&J sandwiches with milk, his air guitar skills, being a Wii disc golf master, trying a new hot sauce, and through acts of kindness and love.4

An intimate ceremony with family is planned and a Celebration of Life ceremony is in planning and those who would like to attend can reach out to Gabriella Lynn on Facebook for details.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Robert Crouch’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.