Aug 6, 1936 - Jun 21, 2024August 6, 1936 - June 21, 2024
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Anson, TX
Apple Valley, CA
Movies, Reading, Writing
Frank Sinatra
Bob moved from TX to CA in 1942 at age 6. In 1942 he was promoted to 2nd grade from kindergarten, graduating from high school in 1952 at the age of 16. In 1948 Bob got his first job at age 12 as a box boy for Alpha Beta. Upon receiving a draft notice, he joined the Army in 1958 as a surgical technician and was honorably discharged in 1962. In 1966 he was hired by Hostess Cake, after almost not being hired for being married. In 1967 he married Judi and became a dad. He also worked as a LVN at Victor Valley Hospital during that time. He graduated from Chapman University with a B.A. in 1976. In 1977 his spirt was feeling broken and while in Yuma, AZ he came upon a small country church, he had never been there and never gone back, but on that day, he asked God to genuinely take care of his life and accept Christ as his Lord and Savior. Bob was the area Governor for Toastmasters and grew their membership. In 1984 he left Hostess Cake and became an officer and business agent for Teamster Local 166, graduating from the Teamsters Leadership Academy. With over 30 years of dispute resolution, Bob has held the position of Trustee for the Bakery Drivers Health and Welfare Fund. Small claims advisor and mediator for San Bernardino County Courts, arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau, certified divorce mediator and alumnus of Coast-to-Coast Mediation.
his family.
In 2009 Bob joined the High Desert Branch of the California Writers Club and has held the offices of both President and Vice President. At the time of his passing, Bob was the Director of Publicity and Public Relations for the California Writers Club and the Programs and Publicity Chair for the High Desert Branch. Bob was the creator and project director for seven Howl at the Moon Writers Conferences, the organizer and coordinator for a 24-month writers’ workshop at the Federal Prison, founder of the Dorothy C Blakely Memoir Project, creator of the On Topics Speaker for You as well as the keynote speaker for the CWC Northern California Leadership Conference at DeVry University. Being instrumental in growing both the California Writers Club and the High Desert Branch Bob was the recipient of the Jack London Service Award in 2009 and he was the recipient of the Ina Coolbrith Award in 2017. Bob has had a lifelong love of good stories, and especially good movies. His interest in how movies work began with a weekend seminar with Michael Hauge in the 1980's, and over the years he's enjoyed Creative Screenwriting Expo classes with such icons as Sid Field, Robert McKee, Linda Seger, Rob Tobin, and Dan Decker. He has studied the craft of story analysis with Derek Rydall, and screenwriting with Al Watt. Another favorite in the craft of writing is short stories. His favorite short story authors include W. Somerset Maugham, Dorothy Parker, and O. Henry.
Robert Douglas Isbill, beloved husband, father, and community leader, passed away on June 21, 2024, at the age of 87. He was born on August 6, 1936, in Anson, Texas, and most recently resided in Apple Valley, California.
Robert had a zest for life and enjoyed various hobbies including watching movies, reading, and writing. He had a profound appreciation for the music of Frank Sinatra.
From a young age, Robert exhibited a strong work ethic and determination. He moved to California at the age of 6 and showed exceptional academic abilities, being promoted to 2nd grade from kindergarten in 1942. At 16, he graduated from high school in 1952. Robert began his working life as a box boy for Alpha Beta at the age of 12 and later served as a surgical technician in the Army from 1958 to 1962.
In 1966, Robert was employed by Hostess Cake and, despite facing initial obstacles due to his marital status, he persevered and excelled in his career. In 1967, he married his beloved wife, Judi, and became a devoted father. During this time, Robert also worked as a Licensed Vocational Nurse at Victor Valley Hospital.
In 1976, Robert graduated from Chapman University with a B.A. degree. A turning point in his life occurred in 1977 when, feeling spiritually broken, he found solace and renewed purpose at a small country church in Yuma, Arizona. It was on that day that he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, bringing him a deep sense of peace.
Robert's leadership skills were evident throughout his life. He served as the area Governor for Toastmasters, making significant contributions to the growth of the organization. Additionally, he worked as an officer and business agent for Teamster Local 166, where he developed expertise in dispute resolution. He held the position of Trustee for the Bakery Drivers Health and Welfare Fund and served as a small claims advisor and mediator for San Bernardino County Courts. Robert was also an arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau and a certified divorce mediator.
Robert's proudest accomplishments were his contributions to the California Writers Club (CWC). In 2009, he joined the High Desert Branch and served as President and Vice President. At the time of his passing, Robert held the role of Director of Publicity and Public Relations for the California Writers Club and the Programs and Publicity Chair for the High Desert Branch. He organized numerous writing conferences and workshops, including a 24-month writers' workshop at a Federal Prison. Robert was recognized for his dedication with the prestigious Jack London Service Award in 2009 and the Ina Coolbrith Award in 2017.
Beyond his professional achievements, Robert's love for his family was unparalleled. He cherished every moment spent with his wife, Judi, and was immensely proud of their children. Robert's kind and compassionate nature endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In his leisure time, Robert indulged in his passion for storytelling, with a particular interest in movies and short stories. He attended seminars and classes to deepen his understanding of the craft, studying under renowned screenwriters and authors.
Robert Douglas Isbill leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and unwavering faith. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May he rest in eternal peace.
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Anson, TX
Apple Valley, CA