Robert Sweet Biery

benevolent spirits of Patty and Bob Biery on July 24, 2023. After long and distinguished careers

in municipal finance and public administration, the two had dedicated their lives to leaving a

legacy of philanthropy and community service in Thousand Oaks and beyond. It was always

important to them to live in the cities where they worked as they formed a deeper relationship

with whom they worked for and could see the impacts of their efforts on their neighbors and

other community members.

As a result of this philosophy, there are many organizations and agencies that have benefitted

from their generosity over the past 30 years. A significant part of their efforts was to be involved in the creation of and subsequent programming at the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center, for which Bob guided the fund development process. One of the contributions that they were most proud of was to sponsor the installation of one of the stained glass windows in the foyer of the Fred Kavli Theater at TOPAC which bears their names. Bob also served for several years as the President of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Foundation of the city’s Cultural Affairs Commission.

One of their joys was the adventure of travel as they recognized the value of exploration and

learning from other places and cultures. A driving force for that perspective was National Geographic Magazine, which was a staple in our families’ homes starting with Lester and Marguerite

Biery. Bob and Patty realized the power of images to shape a story and understood that not all

of us would be able to climb Mt. Everest or travel to Antarctica, so they co-sponsored National

Geographic Society’s Explorers Program at TOPAC for many years, including the upcoming

’23-’24 season. A highlight of the program is that each one of Nat Geo’s Explorers is able to

make a presentation to students about their research at one of Thousand Oaks Unified School

District’s schools, in addition to the public event at TOPAC. Numerous other local nonprofit organizations were supported by Patty and Bob, including the Conejo Valley Historical Society, Stagecoach Inn Museum, Hospice of the Conejo Valley, and Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County. Since protecting and conserving our national and state parks was a priority for them, they were also long-time members of the California State Parks Foundation, National Park Foundation and National Parks Conservation Association. Early in his professional career Bob joined the Rotary International as the club’s ideals of public service, promoting integrity and advancing peace were core elements to his personal values.

Patty deeply shared these beliefs and thus the two of them were able to support Rotary’s mission and vision together. In addition to Bob serving as president of the Thousand Oaks Rotary Club, they participated in numerous club events, including the annual Thousand Oaks Chili Cook Off . In addition, they attended several Rotary International Conventions together in Canada, Australia and Switzerland. Bob was extremely proud of his impressive perfect Rotary Club attendance record. Even if they were traveling, they would identify a local club meeting date and time during their trip when he could attend so that he would not miss a meeting. The pair met 53 years ago when they were both employed by the City of Monterey Park’s Finance Department. From there Patty continued her public administration career serving in the City Clerk’s office in the cities of Chino Hills and Thousand Oaks. Ultimately, she landed an executive administration position with the biotech firm Amgen in Thousand Oaks where she worked for 16 years until retiring in 2005. Patty and Bob happily were married for 51 years and will be missed immensely by their loving family and friends. They are survived by their children Ed Biery, Brian Biery, Cyndie Schaefer and Karen Kuklin; their spouses Randy Schaefer, Jeremy Kuklin, Anna Buss; brothers Ken Biery, Dick Biery, Michael Pontious and sister Donna Hedrick; grandchildren Aldo, Stevie/Joe, Nichole/ Colby, Jacob, Chris, Josh, Zach and Jillian; great-grandchildren Harper, Caleb, Parker and Olivia; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Our hearts are broken due to this tragic loss to our family. We would like to send our deep appreciation to all those in the community who loved and cared for Patty and Bob as we did over the years, particularly the staff and neighbors at University Village, Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks, St. Matthews Methodist Church of Newbury Park, and the City of Westlake Village.

In lieu of flowers please contribute to any of the esteemed organizations that they supported over the

years in Patty and Bob’s names. We are truly grateful for your support!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Dimondandsonssbc.com for the Biery family.