I am so sorry to hear of Rob's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences.

It was a pleasure to work for Rob in IgX , Longford,  Ireland- my first real job out of college. I still remember his kindness and utter professionalism.  I always thought he spoke like a movie star,  it was difficult to not be a little star-struck in his presence.  He was always very dignified and showed great respect to everyone.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Chris, and all your family at this very sad and difficult time. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Love from, Johanna x ❤️

Writing this with a heavy heart as we reflect on the passing of our longtime friend, Bob. It is difficult to put into words the void left in the lives of any who knew him. Bob was not just a friend; he was a source of laughter, wisdom, and support.
From the moment we first met Bob almost 40 years ago, we knew there was something special about him. Whether we were sharing stories or embarking on spontaneous adventure, Bob’s presence was welcome as voice of wisdom and worldly knowledge that demanded all the respect in the world he deserved.
Bob had an infectious smile and a way of lifting spirits, no matter what the situation, we cannot forget the countless hours we spent talking about life and always with a keen interest in solving the world’s problems, especially over a fine glass of wine. Bob had a passion for the best things in life, whether it was sailing the ocean, flying planes or driving fast cars but above everything was his respect and love for his wife Christina.
Bob may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. We will carry his memory with us always, grateful for the time we spent together and the impact he had on our lives.
With heartfelt sympathy and remembrance,
Karl & Karen

Soo sorry for your loss. We just found out today that Robert had passed. By reading his obituary and having conversations with you it seems he had done many great things in his lifetime. He will be missed.
 Our condolences,
Brent and Tanya

I met Mr. R back in 2020, there was an immediate connection. Over the next few years, Bob shared so much of his knowledge on various things with me. I felt like he was the father I always wished I had.  We worked out together 3 days a week, we rode bikes together and we had many conversations and so much more. He even introduced me to the world of Sailing.  Because of his love for sailing and all his experience and stories, I made the decision to learn sailing. After a few discussions and best approach, I attended and got certified in many ASA classes. 
I can't even begin to express the sadness  and emptiness in my heart.  I am so blessed and humbled to have met Robert and have him as my friend. 
I will miss you Mr. R. 
Don S.
Fair winds and following seas my friend.

Robert L. Renfroe
Once in a lifetime a person meets someone they wished to have known all of their life. For me that person was Rob L. Renfroe. I met Rob through his wife Christina whom I have known since we were classmates from kindergarten through high school. Rob and Christina, a respected couple and proudly dedicated to each other.
Conversing with Rob revealed that here was a man with experiences and accomplishments that could fill a book. He never bragged or tooted his own horn but when asked about an experience or subject, he delighted in sharing his knowledge. I often told Christina that Robert is a National Treasure. 
How many people do we meet who received their education through correspondence courses while living in South Africa?  That is a tribute to his parents who knew the value of education and his determination to succeed.  He with his dedicated wife Christina indeed succeeded. Their years together brought several moves in the United States, and global assignments to England, Africa, and Ireland.
Rob and Christina lived on a sailboat for a time in San Diego, California. His sailing knowledge is a testimony of a person with maritime confidence and ability. That skill allowed for sailing trips in and around many of the places visited while vacationing. A master of sea and air.
Rob learned to fly an airplane in his youth while in Africa. He provided emergency medical transportation to a hospital for a critically ill person. That is selfless compassion. Rob’s flying experience was taken notice by the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was sent to flight school and learned to fly F-86 Saber jets. He flew combat missions, engaging in air to air combat against enemy Migs. One of America’s unsung heroes.
There was much to learn from Rob if you wanted good conversation and friendship. Robert, will be missed by so many people who had the privilege to know and learn from him. I for one will remember him.

I met Bob 44 years ago, in No 40 Fitzwilliam Square Georgian Dublin.
He a client and I, a young architect tasked with delivering his project, Imed in Letterkenny Donegal Ireland.
Elegant, charming, respectful, smart but never condescending.
Then I met the statuesque Chris a little later.
What a picture they  both made.

Imed was built a couple of years after and I’ll always remember Bob in his circular corner office sitting “MD like” behind his round  mahogany desk where you could fit half of Donegal 
All guarded of course by, The Sicilian, Chris outside.
She who comically could handle all, including prime minsters.
Who couldn’t understand how everyone in Ireland could guess  that she was American.

We became friends.
I had my first slice of lime in a G and T in Chris in  Bob’s house. Always lemon before that.

My wife Maeve and I still have the Waterford cut whiskey glasses that Chris and Bob gave to us as a wedding gift.
They came to the church on our wedding day on their way to the Greek Isles to sail, how exotic was that in 1983 ?
Well of course Bob and Chris could always be seen whizzing around Ireland in their fancy BMW even Monte Carlo on occasion

I never knew much about Bob before 1981 (because I never asked) except for when he’d talk glowingly about his two boys.
I now know of his time serving his country during the Korean War, his time in Africa, his past achievements.
He (and Chris) never shyed  away from living in Donegal despite “the Troubles “ in the adjacent  North of Ireland. Dangerous times indeed.

I’m sure Robert is now sitting at the right hand of God smiling down on his love ones.

 
And to you Christina,  we can only offer our sincerest and heartfelt condolences and wish you extra strength in these loneliest of times to see you through.

Love
Maeve and Liam

I was lucky enough to meet Bob & Chris as work neighbors, and quickly became friends. What a awesome person Bob was and will 
always be remembered. When Bob came in the office to visit I always
greeted him as the man, the myth, the legend !!!!

Don Neeley

Some people you recently meet, and they feel like life-long friends. Robert was such a person. We have known Robert only one year, but he will forever be remembered as one of our closest friends. We were blessed to have heard the stories of his life. Robert, you will be missed.
Deedee and Terry

Seeing Bob float around in the rec center pool and conversing with him over a wide range of subjects, was always a highlight of my day.  Of course, his Queen (Christina) was always nearby.   
Robert Lustbader

Chris (known as Janet to us) is my husband's cousin and that is how we met Bob.  We live in St. Louis so we didn't see them as much as we would have liked, but FaceTime kept us in touch too.  Bob was so interesting and led an amazing life during his 91 years.  We loved hearing him talk about all of his experiences!  He and Chris had a very loving and special relationship!  He will be missed by so many.

Where do I begin - oh but where! We, Glen & Peggy Harris from Canada 🇨🇦 purchased a home in Surprise AZ 8 years ago. Robert & Christina lived right behind Gary & Jackie Bowman, dear friends of ours, also from Canada 🇨🇦. Needless to say…..a Happy Hour group was formed! which of course included Robert & Christina !! The very first time that I met them …..they were the most likable couple ever!! Robert had a distinguished air ! Our memories of Robert were that he was highly intelligent, who knew everything about everything- he was a devoted reader & listening to him speak was mesmerizing- he had no problem gaining an audience of listeners. 

I admired his absolute devotion to Christina - he was so  respectful  of her . He loved their dogs 🐶 & loved preparing meals for him & Christina . wow ! more can you ask for :) 

He & Christina were world 🌎 travellers !!!! hence his many recollections of places they had travelled to - always the most interesting stories. 

We will always miss Robert - may you rest in peace our dear friend Robert

“I was deeply saddened to hear of Robert’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him and Chris in Ireland, and I will always remember their kindness they showed me and the many interesting conversations we shared. Robert even got me driving Chris’s BMW when I’d never driven before.  I have lots of good memories from their time in Ireland. Rob will be greatly missed. Chris accept my heartfelt condolences, and know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.” X

It is with profound sadness learning of Roberts passing. He was an inspirational gentleman. He was one guy that if he wrote a book about his life then you would definitely read it as what a life he had. I met Bob and Chris and instantly had a connection with them. Roberts love of sailing had to be shared and I was fortunate enough to have enjoyed this with them both and got to see a man in one of his many happy places and living life to the full under sail.
He will be terribly missed but never forgotten in our thoughts.

We have only known Robert for 5 years, but it was the best part of our day to walk down to his driveway with a cocktail in hand to see his smiling face surrounded by neighbors. This old world has lost a real gentleman.

Robert was my neighbor and friend, in the four years I knew Bob he never ceased  to amaze me with his knowledge and wit. We both were huge aviation fans, Bob was a fighter pilot and he always had my admiration for that. When we had drive way gatherings we both would look up when any plane flew over both identifying its manufacture and model. Bob was a man for the times. I will miss him

We only met Bob and Christina a few short months ago--but "Oh what story telling" Bob and Jim packed into that short time. Our mutual love of travel, the places we all saw at different times living abroad. It's rare to find someone who has truly had a life well lived, Bob exemplifies that in every sense. We will miss his laugh and wit and that sly smile with a twinkle in his eye when he spoke of the adventures he and Chris shared. May all those memories and friendships carry you forward each day Chris. He is truly missed.

I worked with Rob in his IgX days in Ireland in the late 1990s and we kept in contact with him and his beloved Christina since then.
The best compliment you can pay anyone in Ireland is that he was a "Gentleman". Rob was that and so much more.
May Rob Rest in Peace - Tony and Helena Geoghegan

I think of Robert as distinguished, knowledgeable and worldly.  And also as a good neighbor and special friend. I loved hearing the  stories of his interesting life.  Robert will always be remembered for the amazing man that he was.

A true Renaissance man.  Forever curious.  Always reading about  today and yesterday.  Enjoyed discussing today and yesterday and not without concern.  Did not suffer fools.  Loved a good yarn.  Enjoyed finer things including Bushmills.  I miss him.

I first met Bob at the Auto Restoration Club. 
Bob was a very personable man and I enjoyed talking with him and hearing of his adventures. 
Laurie and I had great times socializing with him and Chris. 
He will be sadly missed. 
Gary and Laurie Konop

What a fine and gentle human being. Bob influenced all who surrounded him in life. He opened up the world,  to his wife of 42 years, Christina.  Bob was kind and blessed with a heart of gold; yet wise and discerning in all he did or said. One class act, whether it be  business or helping other’s with forgiveness when required . 
 RIP Bob…..you will be missed by all. 
May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you always.

I met Robert at my 50th birthday party. He was looking at a map in our house which was marked with all the places my husband (Butch) and I had visited. He remarked that we had not been to Greece and said “We should go sailing together in Greece.” I said “OK.” The next morning at 8:30 he called to let us know that he had rented a catamaran in Greece! That was Bob. 
He completed that trip at the age of 79 and taught Butch the basics of sailing.  The following year we sailed in the BVIs with Bob & Chris. He inspired us to buy a sailboat which we’ve been sailing since 2018!

First met Robert when we moved across back yards from him and Christin, from that meeting on realized special couple and his incredible thinking and memory, heck of a guy and great fun neighbor(s). Won’t be at all the same when we winter there, he’s off on the horse he rode in on (Chris), really gonna miss that very nice man! Great sailing young man!!

Robert and Christina became our neighbours and good friends 10 years ago. We enjoyed many happy hours together learning about Roberts fascinating life. He had a thirst for knowledge and a ferocious appetite for reading. I was always amazed at how sharp his mind was. Robert we will miss you dearly. Rest in peace.

It is hard to put into words the loss you feel when a close friend of forty-five years passes on. Robert was all of that and so much more to me. He was a mentor, a teacher, and someone who opened windows onto the world that I might never have seen on my own.

Our shared experiences—whether sailing among exotic islands, discussing books we were both reading, savoring a good meal, or simply enjoying one another’s company—are treasures I will carry with me always.

Robert not only lived life fully; he lived enough for five lifetimes. From his early years in Liberia, flying people and supplies in a makeshift airplane at just sixteen, to his groundbreaking work in computer chip development, and later founding the first medical device manufacturing plant in Ireland—the spark that helped ignite Ireland’s “Celtic Tiger” era—his journey was extraordinary.

He was a licensed pilot, a certified sea captain, a world traveler, and an insatiable intellect. But more than all of those accomplishments, Robert was a true and steadfast friend—the very best one could hope for.

For forty-five of my most fortunate years, I had the privilege of calling him my friend. And I will miss him, deeply and always.

Dear Chris
We are very saddened to hear of Rob’s passing and just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you.  May all your lovely memories be a comfort to you on your great loss.  We have lovely memories of you both across the road and all the lovely chats
Deepest sympathy to you Chris
Mary & Pat McNerney & Family

I loved this wonderful,  incredible man. So much that I adopted him as my father.  We would float at the pool and he would share his wonderful accomplishments and tell me stories of sailing.  I said to him one day that I only dreamed of sailing and the next thing I knew we were boarding a sail boat to the British Virgin Islands.  He gave me a dream that I never thought would happen. I wish I had more time with him. I will miss him dearly.  I love him very much.

I treasure my memories of many happy times with Chris and Bob Renfroe.  We were together often when they and my husband and I lived in San Diego and we visited after they moved to Scottsdale, Arizona.  Bob was wonderful company - witty, cultured and knowledgeable about interesting subjects.  Their little dogs delighted him, sailing captivated him, and his welcome hugs were memorable.  Most of all I remember that his eyes sparkled whenever he looked at Chris - their  love for each other made being with them  a special occasion.

A favourite photo of mine , Bobs BMW M1 and his amazing wife Christina. Great Memories.  You will be missed Bob

Our prayers go out to Chris.  Rob was a member of the Automotive Restoration Club of Sun City West.  Such an amazing individual.  A wealth of knowledge and experience, including sailing.  His love for cars prompted many conversations at ARC.  As a club member and past president, I enjoyed Rob's insights.

OBITUARIO

Robert Lee Renfroe

26 febrero, 1934 – 2 septiembre, 2025

Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary & Cremation Center

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