Robert Frank Buie

May 29, 1942 – June 25, 2025

Bob was born in Washington, D.C. to Rear Admiral Paul D. Buie and Mary Margaret Buie of Nashville, Georgia. As the son of a career naval officer, Bob’s early years were shaped by frequent moves—17 in total—including tours in France and Iceland. He earned his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Bob served as a naval aviator officer during the Vietnam War, flying the P-3 aircraft, and later continued in the Naval Reserves at Moffett Field.

In 1971, Bob earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and was recruited by Harry Summers at AVCO Community Developers in La Jolla. Harry sought out MBAs to bring their analytical expertise to the development business. Bob thrived in the world of land development, and he quickly fell in love with La Jolla as well—especially with the luxury of being able to run and swim at lunchtime, which was a stark contrast to Boston life. For 12 years, he immersed himself in the development business. His mother teased him about joining the industry, joking that she didn’t think he owned a hammer.

In 1983, AVCO decided to sell its subsidiary division in land development. President Ronald Reagan was “building up” the military, and AVCO refocused its efforts on aircraft wing assemblies. With the help of Mike McCook from Home Federal Savings and Kenny Guinn from Nevada Savings and Loan, who believed in him from the beginning, they purchased hundreds of acres of land in Rancho Bernardo and Laguna Niguel and started The Buie Corporation. That company, along with the subsequent Buie Communities, then Buie Stoddard Group, developed over 10,000 residential lots, 6,000 homes, and numerous income properties. They were a primary community developer of Rancho Bernardo, Laguna Niguel, Temecula, and Corona.

The company became one of California’s most celebrated real estate development companies, earning dozens of awards for excellence in design, marketing, and merchandising. It won the coveted MAME Grand Award—real estate’s version of an Oscar—five years in a row, an unprecedented achievement. Additionally in 1989, Inc. Magazine named Bob one of San Diego’s five “Entrepreneurs of the Year,” and he was recognized as the top real estate investment and development entrepreneur in the region.

Bob understood that real estate was a cyclical business. When the housing market was strong, commercial development might be slow—and vice versa. By the downturn of 2008, the company had already shifted focus from residential development to income-producing properties—particularly in areas where they had previously built homes. Bob would never gamble in Las Vegas or in business—instead, he believed in making educated and disciplined decisions based on a careful risk versus reward analysis.

Bob met his wife, Pam, while she worked at Rancho Bernardo Realty, a subsidiary of AVCO. They started dating in 1980, and were married in 1984. They lived in Rancho Bernardo while they built their home together in Rancho Santa Fe. Their daughters, Catherine and Erica, were born in 1987 and 1988. Both Bob and Pam also had one child from a previous marriage—Bob had Tatia, and Pam had Garrett.

While Pam was pregnant with Catherine, Bob purchased a 54’ Bertram sportfishing boat named SEACALL. The purchase included a condo in Cabo San Lucas, which they kept for 35 years. As the family grew, so did SEACALL— which later became a 72’ Bertram, and then eventually a 119’ Denison. Bob had a deep love for the ocean and tournament sportfishing, participating in the Bisbee Black and Blue Marlin tournaments in Cabo and Mazatlán, Mexico. Although he enjoyed many years of fishing in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Caribbean, his favorite trips were always to Alaska, where he fished for salmon, halibut, and crab.

Bob also gave back to his community through service. He served on the board of the Francis Parker School during its Upper School redesign, as well as the board of the Grauer School as it expanded its community outreach. His thoughtful guidance and contributions left a lasting impact on both institutions.

For 16 years, Bob and his family spent their Christmas and New Year’s holidays at Stag Lodge in Deer Valley, where the younger children learned to ski and the older ones refined their skills. After Catherine and Erica left for college, Bob and Pam sold the four-story condo and eventually purchased a single-level residence at Stein Residences. By then, Bob had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease—and the more accessible layout allowed him to continue enjoying the mountain for years.

Though Parkinson’s limited him physically, Bob retained his sharp mind—a duality that was both a blessing and a challenge. He faced the disease with dignity and strength, continuing to engage meaningfully with those around him. He was predeceased by his brother, Douglas Buie, and his sister, June Buie Dillard. Bob is survived by his wife, Pam, their four children—Tatia, Garrett, Catherine, and Erica—and ten beloved grandchildren. His presence, guidance, and warmth will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org or the Michael J. Fox Foundation at www.michaeljfox.org.