Robert Stephen Officer

Robert Stephen Officer
“Capt Bob”

Robert Stephen Officer (Bob), 80, passed away in the early hours of October 27, in Greenville, South Carolina, surrounded by love, after a short but courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Strong-willed and determined throughout his life, Bob remained a fighter until the very end.

Born in San Diego to Robert and Enid Officer, Bob lived life on his own terms. He was adventurous, endlessly curious, strong in both spirit and character, and one of those rare people who seemed to know how to build, fix, or figure out just about anything. His adventurous spirit took him to many places throughout his life. He called California, Montana, South Carolina, Florida, and even Belize home at different points along the way.

Bob was a man’s man in every sense of the phrase. He was strong and incredibly intelligent, with a quick wit, a hilarious sense of humor, and, underneath that tough exterior, a genuinely kind heart. He could build just about anything with his own two hands, and there was very little he was afraid to take apart, rebuild, improve, or create from scratch.

That adventurous spirit was woven throughout his life and career. Bob worked as a boat captain and Merchant Marine and later followed his entrepreneurial spirit into real estate. He was happiest out on the open water on a boat, or with his hands busy building, fixing, figuring out how something worked, or taking on his next project.

Bob had what seemed like an endless list of hobbies and interests. Boating, ham radio, RC boats, motorcycles, and building hot rods and Jeeps were only a few. Bob was also an expert marksman and loved shooting and off-roading with his son, Alex. The two shared a love of adrenaline, adventure, and occasionally testing the limits of what most people would consider a good idea.

He also loved flying and was an experienced pilot, logging hundreds of documented hours in the air. His pilot log is filled with those adventures, including more than a few stunts and barrel rolls, because apparently simply flying the plane wasn’t quite adventurous enough for Bob. He particularly treasured flying with his father. In his early 20s, the two once had to make an emergency crash landing in the snow. They made it safely, and true to Bob’s fearless nature, it became just one more adventure in a life that would be full of them.

Bob knew how to have fun and was always up for an adventure. Anyone who ever rode a tube behind his boat knew to hang on for dear life. Bob showed absolutely no mercy at the wheel. His love of adventure was also something he shared with his wife, Sharon. They enjoyed riding motorcycles, traveling together, taking cruises, and one unforgettable trip to Alaska, experiences that gave them many wonderful memories together.

He was always tinkering, creating, or looking for his next project. And for all of his adventures, Bob also loved the simple things, including a good Chinese buffet, something his family will always remember with a smile.

More than anything, Bob was deeply loved. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his children, Alex, Amanda, and Jessica; Sharon’s children, Christy, Deanna, and Stephanie; his sister, Sharon; and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each carries their own stories, memories, and pieces of him that will live on.

Alzheimer’s may have been part of the final chapter of Bob’s life, but it will never define his story. His story is so much bigger. He was a Renaissance man, a pioneer, an adventurer, and a builder at heart. His was a life of boats and airplanes, motorcycles, hot rods and Jeeps, laughter and wit, and a lifetime of never being afraid to figure things out for himself.

Most of all, his story lives on through the family who loved him and who were there to surround him with that love at the end.

His family will remember his strength, his humor, his brilliant mind, his kind heart, the things he built, the adventures he had, and all the stories that could only belong to Bob.

Bob was truly one of a kind. He was loved beyond words, and he will be missed more than words can say.

Memorial arrangements in Greenville, South Carolina, will be announced by the family.

In loving memory of Bob, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association to help support those living with Alzheimer’s and the families who walk beside them.