Robert Donovan Dunlap passed peacefully at the age of 81 on Thursday evening, October 16, 2025 in Eureka. He fondly was known as “Bob” and will be remembered for his kind heart, funny sense of humor and being a great storyteller.

His childhood was spent in Cambria and Chino, California. He later attended Villanova Prep in Ojai, where he was a standout baseball & basketball athlete and would receive a sports scholarship to the University of San Diego. He graduated from USD in 1966 and would begin his career as a school teacher back in his roots of Chino.

While he thoroughly enjoyed being an educator, he would find his professional success as a chief executive officer of several county fairs throughout the state of California in San Bernardino County, Kern County Trinity County and Solano County. His passion for these communities would shine through with his ideas to showcase projects and exhibits from agriculture to entertainment to local crafts.

He was the ultimate host with his love for food and spirits to share with all that came in contact with him at his elaborate BBQ parties to break bread and toast a beverage with his friends, employees, and family. Bob also enjoyed making people laugh with his incredible repertoire of jokes that he could deliver with the perfect cadence, accent, timing and punchline. We were all better for knowing Bob and all he had to give to show in how much he loved and cared for the many people that had the pleasure of calling him friend.

He is survived by his children Brian Dunlap, Julie Fernstrom, Timothy Dunlap, Erin Dunlap, Tony Dunlap and eight grandchildren.

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