Robert John Kauffman

Robert “Bob” John Kauffman, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, the 16th of September 2025, after an eight-month courageous journey with Glioblastoma. Born in San Francisco, California on the 8th of June 1939, Bob lived a full and remarkable life defined by love, adventure, service, and leadership. He was 86 years of age.

In 1963, Bob married Barbara Lindner, the love of his life, and together they shared sixty-four years of partnership filled with family, travel, and joy.

He was predeceased by his parents, Si and Jeanette Kauffman, and is survived by his wife Barbara; their children, Doug Kauffman and his wife Shelley, and their children, Morgan and her husband Josh, and Evan of Irvine, California; Dan Kauffman and his wife Kerri, and their son, Jake of San Diego, California; and Gail Tolbert, and her children, Ansley and Simon of Boulder, Colorado.

Bob is also survived by his brother, Donald Kauffman of Bozeman, Montana, and Donald’s six children, Nancy Nicholson, John Kauffman and his wife Martha, Jill Johnson and her husband Tyler, Sally Flinchbaugh and her husband Glenn, Anne Kauffman, and Patsy Barber and her husband Ted; as well as by his late sister, Barbara Ferer’s children, Susan Ferer and her husband Mike Karasoff, and David Ferer and his husband Perry Plybon.

Bob graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1962 with a degree in Communications and Public Policy before serving six years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Soon after, he embarked on his business career as owner and CEO of Suniland Furniture, a role he held from 1963 until 1994. Following his retirement, he and Barbara shared their expertise abroad as consultants in Ukraine for the International Executive Service Corps.

Dedicated to giving back, Bob held numerous leadership roles in Houston, including Board President of the Retail Merchants Association, Board and Executive Committee Member of the Better Business Bureau, and Retail Chair for United Way’s Retail Division. He was an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and YPO Gold. His love for the arts was evident in his service as a trustee of the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet, and later as Co-President and Board Member of the Crested Butte Music Festival.

An adventurer at heart, Bob found joy in the outdoors and in pushing his limits. He ran marathons in Washington, D.C., New York, and Houston, and was a lifelong enthusiast of travel, fly fishing, bird hunting, hiking, biking, and skiing. Whether exploring new countries, casting a line in remote streams, or gathering his family for reunions, Bob approached life with curiosity and energy. He also cultivated a deep appreciation for film, particularly foreign cinema.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers who supported Bob throughout his journey. The kindness, professionalism, and devotion of the team at Fidus Healthcare, along with the extraordinary care and friendship of Juanito Barroga, brought comfort, dignity, and peace to both Bob and his family during his final months. Their presence was a true blessing.

Bob will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and zest for life. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, leadership, and love that will continue to inspire those who knew him.

A celebration of Bob’s life is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 1st of November, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent grand foyer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made in Bob’s memory to Houston Grand Opera by simply selecting the icon below under "Donations” or to the charity of one’s choice.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon below.