Cover photo for Robert "Bob" Walter Singleton's Obituary
Robert "Bob" Walter Singleton Profile Photo
1937 Robert 2025

Robert "Bob" Walter Singleton

January 7, 1937 — March 30, 2025

Petaluma

Abundance. An abundance of love, of friends, of laughter, and, of course, wine. Bob Singleton lived with joy, always keeping his door open—for lifelong friends, for family, and even for stray cats. He had a soft and gentle heart, capable of turning anyone into a friend in minutes. And in keeping with that spirit, he departed the world in the same way, sharing a final toast with those he loved the most.

Bob was unapologetically himself. He did what made him happy—a lesson he leaves with all of us. But perhaps his greatest lesson was his choice to live simply and intentionally. He cherished the small things, which were, in truth, the most important things: early morning strolls when the world was quiet, sitting on his porch with a book, shooting pool with friends, sharing banana splits with his grandchildren. The moments others might overlook—the in-between moments—were what filled Bob’s life. He understood what truly mattered.

With Bob, no one ever felt rushed. He never once said he was too busy—because, for Bob, relationships were the center of his life, none more important than his marriage to Elaine Singleton, his beloved “Bride”. And if you ever had the honor of sharing a meal with Bob, you’d surely hear him say his Bride was the best cook in the world.

Bob’s character was shaped by resilience and resourcefulness. A self-made man, he started his first business as a boy, selling candy to his classmates at a marked-up price, planting the seeds of his entrepreneurial spirit. From there, he found creative ways to earn his keep - winning pool games, buying his first cow, and later developing a love for the auction yard. He started moving cattle for ranchers in Sonoma, first by hand and then with a trailer, growing his business along the way. His lifelong ingenuity led to his final venture, Rancho. Bob didn’t just navigate life, he crafted it, always with a sharp mind and a knack for making the best of any situation.

If one thing was certain, Bob showed up. He was steady, unwavering, and always there.

Bob is survived and deeply loved by his wife, Elaine; his brother, Buzz; his children, Cinthia (Matthew), Wayne, Candace (Scott), and Tim (Monette); his grandchildren, Taylor, Shelby, Dylan, Garrison, Logan, and Megan; and his great-grandchildren, Avery, Owen, and Asher.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life is scheduled for April 12th. Stop by between 1-5pm, greet family and share a story at The Cottages, 576 N. McDowell Blvd, Petaluma CA. Whether in attendance or not, please raise a glass of wine to Bob at 4pm Pacific time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob’s honor to Two Rock Valley Presbyterian Church or Petaluma Education Foundation.

Here’s to one last toast, Papa. And as you always said, head ‘em up, move ‘em out! We love you.

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