Mr. Robert Harold Jones

September 16, 1920 – February 17, 2018

Robert “Bob” H. Jones, Ph.D. passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 17, 2017, at Parkside Retirement Home in San Francisco, CA. He was an only child, born in Pasadena, CA to Harold Harry, and his beloved mother, Mildred Mabel (Grover) Jones, both of whom predeceased him. Following the passing of his mother to cancer at a young age, Robert had a step-mother that he was very fond of. After graduating Hollywood High School, Bob enlisted to serve his country during WWII in the U.S. Air Force from 1943-1946 seeing action in the Asiatic Theater in the South Pacific. Returning from the war, Robert worked his way through college as an orderly, earning a Ph.D. in psychology from San Gabriel University. He specialized in working with children, eventually becoming a master hypnotherapist. After working in private practice, he became involved in what became his main passion, the building and administration of extended care and senior citizen living facilities, with “advancements in comfort, medical assistance, and beauty… comfort, space, and elegance, all of which gave dignity to life.” After witnessing the horrific carnage in the Pacific War, and as a young orderly in facilities for the aged and emotionally challenged, he saw a great need for the betterment for the conditions for others. With great pride, he earned a place in the “Who’s Who in California.” (8th ed.) as he utilized his experiences and fears in a positive way for the betterment of others. Robert earned a number of honors, including American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Mediterranean Unit Award, Hon. Indian Chief, Sioux Tribe, Hon. Ky. Col. 1967, and for being first in field for providing occupational therapy for guests in institutions.

This amazing caring and need to give came full circle for him when, later in life, his needs were superbly addressed by the excellent care offered by the staff at Parkside, On-Lok and the Institute on Aging in San Francisco, who, over years, became wonderful friends to him. Although Robert survived his family, and long-time partner and friend El Behr, he had many special friends who loved and will miss him, including, but not limited to Aleta McKinney, who was like a daughter to him, Ted Kowalczuk and Karen Sarno, Gerry DeSilva, Al and Ida Rodriguez, Stanford Stewart and Linda Hartmann.

A Celebration of Life in his honor will be held on Monday, March 12th, 11:00 am – 1:30 pm. at On-Lok/Institute on Aging at 3575 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA.