He will be greatly missed, though we are comforted in knowing he is with our Lord Jesus Christ and his family and friends that have gone before him.
Bobby Doig was an only child, born to Arden (Mac) and Helen Doig on May 7, 1935, in Fresno, California. He attended John Burroughs Elementary, Theodore Roosevelt Junior and Senior High School from where he graduated in 1953. He was a left-handed pitcher for the Rough Rider baseball team. He continued his education at Fresno State College and played baseball for legendary Coach Pete Beiden for four seasons, from 1954 through 1957. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1957, he signed with the Boston Red Sox organization, playing five seasons from 1957-1963. Upon concluding his minor league play in 1959, Bobby began his teaching and coaching career of 37 years with the Fresno Unified School District.
Bob was an active, outdoor loving man. He spent his summers with his family and friends boating, waterskiing, camping, and fishing. He almost always had a motorcycle to ride and liked to "clear his head", very necessary living in a girl-only household. Bob was known to regularly upgrade his RVs and motorcycles, springing the new purchase on family and friends with that "look what I got" smile.
Coach Doig stayed actively involved in sports beyond his own playing and coaching career. He officiated high school football for many years, including his son-in-law's games, both on the field and quite vocally from the stands. He supported and "never missed" his grandchildren's sporting events, whether it be football, baseball, soccer, basketball, track, golf or water polo. He still found time and loved to golf at least three days a week.
Bobby Doig was a member of the Dugout Club in support of the Fresno State Baseball program and was fortunate to have held various positions, including president. He so enjoyed (an understatement) attending games whether near or far, talking baseball with his guys, and cooking in the shack on Sunday mornings for players and parents. Bobby was dedicated and loved the game of baseball as a player, coach, grandfather, and Bulldog alumnus. Based on his athletic achievements at Fresno State, which he rarely discussed, this Bulldog Lefty was inducted into the Fresno State Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992.
Bob was a charter member of the Clovis Elk Lodge No 2599. He also served as a Reserve for the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, patrolling the nearby lakes in his boat.
Bob embraced his family and friends. He loved going out to eat and had regularly scheduled rendezvous with his former colleagues, neighbors, and golf buddies. He always knew and enjoyed his neighbors and participated in neighborhood antics such as olive curing in old bathtubs and Halloween potlucks. He was very efficient at garage hopping to catch the SF Giants or 49ers and his beloved NY Yankees games. He could be described as quite the social butterfly.
Bob Doig was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Robin Iwerks. He leaves behind his wife, Charlene. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows on November 22, 2022. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law: Dawnlynn and Jeff Suglian, Sharlesa Clark, and Karen and Bob Althoff; his former wife Dorothy Ferreira; six grandchildren: Lacey Herman, Kevin (Erica) Herman, Ryan (MacKenzie) Clark, Bobby (Bryce) Clark-Cremeens, Carly Althoff, and Shelby (Brandon) Pu; and nine great grandchildren: Weston Clark, Skylar Bergman, and the Herman Huddle: Ava, Nico, Juliana, Rocco, Leo, Luca, and Elliana.
Memorial services to honor Bob begin with a visitation at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel on Wednesday August 19, 2026, from 4:00 - 8:00pm. A celebration of Bobby Doig's life will be held at his church, Trinity Community Church, on Saturday August 22, 2026, at 11:00am. There will be a reception for fellowship and sharing following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Fresno State Baseball Dugout Club, through the Bulldog Foundation Sport Clubs Portal.
