Robert H. Barnhill, a proud son of the working class who studied nights for his law degree and built a successful white collar career but never lost the blue collar values, work ethic and love of family that defined both his antecedents and his descendants, died on Monday in Calabasas, Calif. He was 88.
Born on Nov. 14, 1932 in Harvey, Ill., Mr. Barnhill married his hometown sweetheart Mary, who spent 65 years by his side as they built a family and life together, first in suburban Chicago before moving west and settling in Los Angeles. He was a combat veteran who served in Korea.
He was the foundation not only of a large and boisterous and loving family, but also a community of friends and colleagues who trusted his judgment, relied on his wisdom and regularly leaned on his broad shoulders. Over the course of his longlife he patrolled the fieldhouse as a youth sports coach, the courthouse as a legal advocate and the family house as a parent and grandparent with equal vigor, always leavened by a mixture of dedication, humor and love.
He is survived by his wife Mary, who was at his side when he passed; their five children (and spouses) Mark (Jody) Barnhill, Kelly (Jim) Jackson, Steve (Olga) Barnhill, Lisa (Clark) Meyer and Kris (Tom) Saucedo; and 13 grandchildren (and spouses) Kenny Jackson, Rachel (Jordan) Camacho, Neil (Sara) Jackson, Daniel (fiancée Taryn) Barnhill, CJ Meyer, Michael Bonenfant, Patrick Meyer, Carly Barnhill, Brett Jackson, Adam Meyer, David Saucedo, Alexandra Barnhill and Anastasia Barnhill. He’s also survived by his brothers, Dick Barnhill and Carl Barnhill; sisters Kay Bush and Bonnie Victoria (Bob); brother-in- law Dick Brannan; numerous loving nieces, nephews and other relatives; and a network of longtime friends and colleagues.
A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, May 17 at St Bernardine of Siena Catholic Church in Woodland Hills. Due to health restrictions, mask and social distancing protocols will be in effect and attendance limited. Please email [email protected] if you plan on attending.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the following charities: the American Heart Association (www.heart.org); Boys Town (www.boystown.org); or St. Bernardine of Siena Parish (https://www.stbernardine.org/ online-giving).
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