Robert Brede Lima, fondly known as Bob to his friends and Bobby to his family, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, at the Ida Emmerson Hospice House in Eureka, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 14, 1961, in Eureka, Robert’s life was one of profound love, adventure, and service.

Early Life

Robert spent his early years in Eureka before moving to Oahu, Hawaii, at the age of 6 with his mother, Margaret Ann Brede Lima, and his sister, Toni. At the age of 13, Robert returned to Eureka with his family and reconnected with his father, Bob Lima. The two shared a growing bond, often playing cribbage together and engaging in lively discussions about airplanes and guns. His father, a former avionics electrician in the Air Force, inspired Robert’s appreciation for aviation.

Robert attended Zane Junior High and, in his teens, Robert especially discovered a passion for auto mechanics, spending countless hours in his grandmother’s garage working on his 1971 Pontiac GTO with his lifelong friend, Dean Rychlik. These formative experiences were integral to shaping Robert’s adventurous and hands-on spirit.

Military Service

After graduating from Arcata High School in 1979, Robert joined the United States Air Force with his buddy Dean Rychlik. His basic training was in San Antonio, Texas, followed by technical training in Wichita Falls, where he excelled, graduating as the top honor student in his class. He was ultimately stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. During his service, Robert worked in Cargo, traveling to destinations like the Panama Canal and gaining valuable life experiences. He served honorably until 1983, returning to civilian life with a sense of discipline and adventure.

A Life of Love and Dedication

Robert met the love of his life, Ramona, in 1988 while attending pharmacy school at the University of Texas at Austin. One of Robert’s closest friends and college roommate, David Rothbardt, stood as his best man at their wedding, and the two remained steadfast friends until Robert’s final days.

Last year, David spent several months in California helping care for Robert and supporting Ramona during Robert’s hospital stays in San Francisco and his time at home. Robert and Ramona graduated together in 1990 and married in 1991 in Hurst, Texas, celebrating 33 wonderful years of marriage this past September. In 1992, they moved to Eureka to pursue their shared dream of owning a pharmacy. That year also marked the birth of their first child, Ryan Brede Lima, in Hurst, Texas. Their second child, Raegan Kate Lima, was born in Eureka on the grand opening day of Costco in 1994 — a memory not forgotten, as her labor immediately began after walking through every aisle of the store.

Professional Accomplishments

Robert began working in Eureka for Clay Tom at Clay’s Pharmacy in 1992, and in 1994, he became the first pharmacist manager at Costco in 1994. It wasn’t until 1997 when Robert and Ramona realized their dream by opening Lima’s Professional Pharmacy, which served the Eureka and McKinleyville communities for 16 years. Going on their 28th year in business, Ramona still runs and operates Lima’s Compounding Pharmacy in Eureka. Robert was known for his dedication to his patients, especially through his work providing comfort care medications for palliative and hospice patients and conducting pharmacy audits for Humboldt Open Door for over a decade.

Passions and Adventures

Beyond his professional life, Robert was a man of many passions. He obtained his pilot’s license in 1986 and often flew family and friends to stunning destinations across the United States, even venturing to Mexico for fishing trips. A lover of the ocean, Robert found solace in its vast beauty, a sentiment that drew him back to Humboldt County. He was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing trips with friends, and in his earlier years, a dedicated golfer and a member of Baywood Golf and Country Club.

After “semi-retiring” from pharmacy in 2013, Robert found a new passion in winemaking, partnering with Jimmy Pastori of Old Growth Cellars. Using his chemistry expertise and woodworking skills, Robert played an instrumental role in helping Jimmy and a group of friends and volunteers construct the Old Growth Cellars Tasting Room on Hilfiker Lane in Eureka. Over nearly a decade, Robert fully embraced the winemaking process—from traveling to renowned wine regions in central and southern California to crushing, blending, bottling, and welcoming locals and visitors in the tasting room. His contributions and enthusiasm left an indelible mark on the winery and all who shared the experience with him.

Community and Family

Robert’s zest for life extended to the community. In his youth, Robert was active in the Boy Scouts of America. In his adult life, Robert was a long-standing member of the Ingomar Club, where his grandfather Herbert Brede was a charter member. He supported numerous service and academic organizations, always willing to lend a helping hand or provide donations to meaningful causes. His adventurous spirit also found expression at the Redwood Acres Raceway, where he was part of Rat Pack Racing, a close-knit group of friends that included Robert and his three amigos: Jim Redd, Terry Vallee, and Ray Demello. Together, they shared countless memories of thrilling races and the camaraderie of repairing their cars to prepare for the next exciting event.

Devoted Family Man

Above all, Robert was a devoted family man. He took immense pride in being a father to Ryan and Raegan, wholeheartedly supporting them and coaching their baseball and softball teams during their younger years. As a grandfather, his love grew even deeper for Ryan and his wife Casey’s daughter, Amelia Kate Lima, as well as for Raegan and Malachi’s two sons, Irah King Gabor Levvi and Theo Brede Donald Levvi. These cherished grandchildren were the light of his life, and Robert’s face would glow with joy and pride whenever he spoke of them.

Legacy

Robert was preceded in death by his father and mother, Robert Louis Lima and Margaret Ann (Brede) Mattice, and his stepsister, Barbara Emerson-Wilcox. He is survived by his wife, Ramona; his children, Ryan Brede Lima (Casey) and Raegan Kate Lima Levvi (Malachi); his sister, Marnie Antoinette “Toni” Lima Browne (Dan); nephews, Cody Box (Sierra) of Hydesville, Ca., Shawn Manning (Connie) of Cave Creek, Az., and Robert’s grandchildren; Amelia Lima, Irah Levvi, and Theo Levvi; his grandniece Brooklyn Box, and grandnephews Cooper and Bodie Box all of Hydesville, Ca., and Myles Manning, of Cave Creek, Az. He is also survived by his stepsister, Patricia “Pati” Emerson and her son, Dolan Lane, both of Portland, Or., and stepsister Kimberly “Kimi” Smith of Arcata, Ca. His memory will be forever cherished by his family, friends, and the community he served so selflessly.

Robert’s life was a testament to love, generosity, and a spirit of adventure. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion and dedication that will continue to inspire all who know him. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on Saturday, March 8th, at 1:00 PM at the Elks Lodge in Eureka. Family, friends, and community members are invited to come together to share memories and honor his remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hospice of Humboldt in Eureka.

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