It was always a sunny day when Robert was painting walls in our family home in Carmel. Forty+ years ago and that smile never stopped shining. Long after the paint dried, the friendship endured, filled with stories of books, music (Nick Cave!), and life in Pennsylvania. His favorite spot was standing in front of the living room fire, from where we learned about subjects as disparate as antique book binding and restoration, and which nutrients are plentiful in which produce. Our favorite part though was absorbing Robert's effusive enthusiasm and kindness.

I ALWAYS enjoyed seeing Robert. He was warm, friendly, always had a thought about this or that, often literature  Since he died, I have had a half dozen people ask me about him while walking through downtown Pacific Grove. He had a lot of friends, not suprisingly many of them at Bookworks. He loved being around books and people who loved books. I will miss him.

Steve Hauk

I knew Robert as a neighbor.  We met as regular walkers in PB.
Robert was a gentleman.
Robert was a man of faith and a man of prayer.
He was a lifelong learner through reading and curiosity about people and places around him.
He was a good storyteller and a good listener. He was resourceful and learned all manner of transportation to explore the Peninsula. 
He was joyous at getting the use of a car and ecstatic upon acing the Drivers’ Test.
He agreed to grant me the huge courtesy of driving me way out in Carmel Valley to Gardner’s Tennis Ranch for my granddaughter’s wedding rehearsal dinner.
Robert was a friend in my 80’s.
I’ll remember him always!
Linda Bank

​❤️​ to “ Good morning! Thank you 🙏 for keeping us informed! Bob called me for my birthday, which is November 19th! He called us once after that concerned with all of the health issues he was dealing with! He lived across the street from us on Greenwood Avenue in Clark Summit, PA. Jerry and Bob would play chess several evenings a week! On March 7, 1972 he came over and he and Jerry played chess! The next day our son John was born! We moved to Tunkhannock, PA! Five years later we moved to Jackson Center, PA one mile west of Interstate 79 halfway between Erie and Pittsburgh! We have lived here for fifty years!Bob and we exchanged Christmas cards starting with December 1988 until last year! ”

I met Bob when I was working in the floral department at Whole Foods. We would spend time chatting, and it turned into a true meaningful friendship. He always had a little treat to share. When I left that job a couple of years ago, we exchanged numbers to keep in touch.  Since then, most days we sent each other cute pictures, and always music. Sometimes we would meet for coffee, and he always knew everyone in the shop. I got to hear about his travels, his love and knowledge about music, and of course Markie Man. He was there during difficult times and good times. 

I was very lucky to visit Bob at his beautiful little spot in Hermitsville. And even when he was not feeling well, he was always kind. He was always Bob. His love for movies and music and art was insatiable.  And every tiny little figurine, especially little frogs, were so dear. They encompass Bob’s nature. He appreciated the little things. 

I admire so much how Bob lived his life, finding happiness in those little things even after losing people he loved dearly and also when he felt unwell. I admired his fortitude and the way he navigated losses and difficulties. 

Bob was a dear friend, and I will miss not hearing my text bell ding saying Happy Thursday! And all the pictures and music he shared. I’m grateful to have those messages. I will miss him sorely. I loved him very much.

I am deeply sorry to not be able to attend Robert's celebration of life on Sunday March 9th. I hope that this condolence reaches the many people who will be celebrating his amazing, and very full life on this day. My family and I live in Oakland and since our children are young, we are not able to make the trek in person to this event. 

I knew Robert for practically my entire life, as he was very close friends with my Grandmother (Jean Montmorency, deceased 2016) as well as my Aunt (Suzanne Mucha) who still lives in Monterey. Whenever my parents would bring my sister and I down to Carmel to visit family, I always looked up to Robert as if he were a great uncle of mine. He would come to visit our grandmother's home over on Hatton Hill, each time we'd come into town; he'd anticipate our arrival since my mom would telephone him usually on the ride down from Napa. Upon entering my grandmother's house, he'd always have a smile on his face, put out his arms so my sister and I could give him a side hug, and low and behold, he nearly always had small candies which he'd pass out to us once his visit was over. Not only was Robert a walking encyclopedia for all new restaurants, bakeries or cafes in the area, but he also was so in tune with weather patterns along the Monterey coastline. He'd share stories of short walks he'd been on with friends, he'd reflect on some of his favorite foods he'd recently had at some new up and coming spot. I remember Robert to be quite the storyteller, always curious to hear our opinions on everything from museum exhibits in San Francisco, to a new historical documentary we'd seen on TV. 

Robert always phoned or texted to either wish me a happy birthday, mull over new restaurants he had visited in Santa Barbara, or tell me happy mother's day once I had children of my own. 

He always had so much ongoing support and love for my own family. Rest in peace Robert - we will all miss you tremendously!

John & I , plus John’s mother who died at 106 in Carmel,  knew Robert for over 40 years. He was the detailed, precise house- painter that everyone envied, but more than that, he was a true friend & a natural raconteur. When our daughters were young & in town visiting  Grandma Jeanie, he would stop by…. always with a piece of candy for each of them. Sometimes, he’d pretend that he forgot the sweets & as we all walked him to the door, little girls in tow, he’d suddenly laugh & say, “ Oh, I almost forgot  something!!” And then, of course, search throughout his jacket & pull out a couple of pieces of candy  just for them. They are now 40 & 43 but remember those candies! Robert never forgot a birthday & with the exception of the last six months, he would call each of us & wish us a wonderful day. He was truly genuine, kind & loving. We’ll all miss him.

I met Robert Palmer six years ago in    Pacific Grove  California and our friendship flourished.  I can say without a doubt he was a kind man who was always willing to help whatever and whenever he could.  He will be missed by his many friends he associated with in Pacific Grove and especially that group of guys that hung out at 1pm in front of the bookstore/coffee shop on Light House Avenue.  I know I will miss him.     Stephen Bond - Ames IA

Photos from Robert's apartment (please feel free to comment with any known backstory).

Robert & Cagney at Caledonia Park, one of Robert's favorite places to park and enjoy lunch or a quick afternoon nap. (Summer 2024)

Robert at bookworks on a rare day warm enough to see him without a jacket (2023)

I caught Robert trying to sneak up my driveway to leave a gift on my birthday (Robert & Chad, November 2023)

Robert was a regular fixture at Bookworks in Pacific Grove (with friend Michael, 2023)

Robert, a 3rd generation house painter by profession (1979 or so, courtesy of Robert's friend, Sunny)

Robert, sporting a beard in late 2024, pleased to be able to tear up all his medical bills once qualifying for a program that forgave any outstanding balance.

Robert in his backyard / garden where he rented from his dear friend, Lisa Ledin.

John, Danielle, and Robert at Robert's apartment (summer 2024).

Robert out to dinner with friends in San Francisco (2022)

I am very sorry for your loss, he will be survived by so many wonderful folks, gone but will never be forgotten. 

I had the privilege of meeting Bob when I was working at Lucky Supermarkets in 2018. He was always such a beacon of kindness. We became friends and bonded over music, books, and travel. We also both had black cats at one point, he dearly loved Marky Mann. 

 Even after I left the area we regularly kept in touch and he still remained a loyal and caring friend even hundreds of miles away. In the summer of 2024 I ran into him outside of Bookworks when I was back home visiting, and he gave me a bell shaped like a snake, he said he’d been keeping it for when we saw each other in person because it was too fragile to mail, and he gave my friend I was with, a piece of candy. He was always doing sweet gestures like that, and had so much love in his heart, he never met a stranger. I will deeply miss his curious spirit, I feel his absence not receiving messages from him just checking in or talking about art and media. 

I’ve truly never met anyone like Bob and feel incredibly blessed to have had 6 years of friendship with him, even when most of it was long distance. 

I also want to thank the community who advocated for him during his medical journey, he was so lucky to have such compassionate and loving friends around him.
Again, my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones.

OBITUARY

Robert Charles Palmer

7 September, 1939 – 11 February, 2025

The Paul Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services