Robert Henry Lein

with his family lovingly by his side on November 22, 2021. “Bob” was eighty years old and pre-deceased

by his wife, Judy, of sixty-two years.

Bob was born to Roy W. Lein and Marie Ulmen Lein. He had decided by the age of seven, that we

would become a police officer like his father Roy, who was a San Diego County Sheriff Deputy. Bob

graduated from Crawford High School in 1959 and married his sweetheart, Judy Gustafson, on July

18,1959. In December of 1965, Bob graduated from the police academy and became a rookie patrol

officer on the El Cajon Police Department. He served a thirty year distinguished career. Bob rose up to

the rank of Lieutenant and was a Watch Commander. He ultimately became Chief of the Detective

Division. Bob attended Grossmont College, receiving an Associate’s Degree in Administration of Justice

(Police Science). He later graduated with honors, earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice from San Diego State

University. Bob was selected by his police department to go to the FBI National Academy (Three Month

Comprehensive Program) in Quantico, Virginia. There he received the latest and most advanced law

enforcement training at that time. Again, he graduated with distinction. Once returning home, he became

an administrator at Grossmont College, teaching in the same program he began his initial training at

twenty years of age. Bob instructed hundreds of San Diego County police officers and mentored many

who were interested in law enforcement careers. He would prep and coach young men and women for

career and promotional exams around San Diego County and beyond. Bob lived and breathed his

vocation, saying it was not a job, but a calling and a passion.

Bob was an avid ocean fisherman as well as an expert stream and trout fisherman. He owned his

dream boat, a 28 ft. Skipjack. He enjoyed fishing the Coronado Islands and south of San Diego to the

Cortez Banks of Mexico. He hiked and fished for trout throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

Bob was a true outdoorsman, a wonderful mentor of many and a dedicated father and family man who

always had at least one dog at his side. He was tenacious, hard working, and driven by incremental

goals that he always achieved. Both he and Judy, built their dream home at the age of thirty-seven on two

acres in the Dehesa Valley. They lived there for forty-three years. They both passed away peacefully at

their beloved home, according to their wishes, seven months apart. Bob will be missed by all who had

the privilege of being a part his his family or his friend.

Bob is survived by his sister, Virginia Northcutt, son Roy, daughters, Barbara Lein Brainard and Julie

Marie Lein, grand daughters, Annie Lein Brainard, Madison Lein Brainard as well as several nieces and

nephews.

Bob’s Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, December 16, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m. at Shadow

Mountain Church, 2100 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, 92019

A lunch reception will follow immediately at his home. (619)322-8278