August 11, 2008

A man among men

Robert Stephens 1919-2008

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

Robert Stephens passed away in Campbell on June 17.

Stephens was known as “Bob” to everyone for the 44 years he had lived in Campbell. He was pivotal to the city’s growth, serving as city manager from 1964 to 1981.

“It is quite evident that the city of Campbell is blessed with many dedicated citizens who ask for nothing in return, but they believe their actions they help make their city a better place,” wrote Stephens in 1971.

Robert Stephens in 2002. Photo courtesy of the City of Campbell

He was one of those people who made Campbell a better place with achievements like working for funding for city hall, the library, three parks and two fire stations as the town doubled in size. Equally important were his approachability and his easy going nature.

Stephens was born Dec. 5, 1919, in Wapota, Wa. They moved to Selah where he helped his parents harvest apples and other crops. He attended the University of Washington with baseball and basketball scholarships receiving a BA and a MBA in physical education as well as his teaching credentials. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII and piloted a B-24 Squadron and trained other pilots. He worked in public service for 33 years including King County, the cities of Sunnyvale, Delano and Campbell for 17 years. From 1981 to 1984 he served as a consultant for Green Valley Disposal.

His love of sports was satisfied by being a Marshall at Pruneridge Golf Course and working for a fishing publication. He was a member of SIRS, the Moose, Elks, Kiwanis and Recreational Societies. He played on numerous baseball teams, and enjoyed golfing - hitting two holes in one - and fishing.

He loved Campbell and kept a scrapbook full of calendars, newspaper articles, annual reports and photos. The California Senate and State Assembly passed resolutions commending him for his leadership as well as receiving letters from Hubert Humphrey and Ronald Reagan for his tenure as City Manager.

“Bob was a professional manager who contributed greatly to our city,” said Mayor Don Burr. “His management skills and professional attitude were outstanding. He was a professional’s professional and he treated all people with respect.”

Stephens is survived by his wife of eight years, Eva, his children with his deceased first wife Audrey, Robert Stephens and Patricia Sustarich, granddaughters Michelle Killian, Jennifer Vandersea, and Gabriella Stephens, and great granddaughter Samantha Killian. Stephens is interred at Los Gatos Memorial Park.