Robert Lopez

Robert Lopez, a Veteran of the US Army, Draftsman and life-long resident of Redlands, CA, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his daughters home on July 29, 2020.
Robert, a.k.a. Bobbo, was born to Santiago and Sylvia Lopez in Redlands, CA. He was one of ten children. Robert attended Redlands High school and played football. He grew up picking oranges in the local groves with his father. After high school, he worked at Weyerhaeuser as a machine operator in Colton, CA for a few years before enlisting into the U.S. Army in 1963, serving two years active duty and then two years reserve service. While enlisted, he spent time in Germany and was able to jump out of airplanes several times during his time abroad. He was a very proud Veteran and loved to reminisce about his service. After returning home, he went back to his job at Weyerhaeuser, finished ten years with the company, and decided to go to school at San Bernardino Valley College while working there. He purchased a 1957 Chevrolet pickup from a gentleman in Yucaipa. Robert was the second owner and thoroughly enjoyed working on his truck during his free time and always kept his precious baby in the garage. The truck was a very important piece in his life and spent the majority of his life consistently working on it, piece-by-piece. Robert earned his Associates Degree in Engineering Technology. He was able to get a job at Redlands Engineering and worked there for approximately seven years before working for T.M.A.D. in Loma Linda, CA for about sixteen year and continued in the engineering field for another ten years before officially retiring; although, even in retirement, he still drew plans for various general contractors, Engineers and individuals. He bought his first house, paying in $25,000 in cash in 1976. In November 1977, Robert met Gail Franco at the Nightowl in Redlands on Colton Ave and Texas Ave. Their romance quickly evolved and they were married on April 1, 1978 in Hesperia, CA at the Outpost Wedding Chapel. One year later, on April 1, 1979, they renewed their vowels in the Catholic Church at Our Lady of Guadalupe in San Bernardino, CA and had their first daughter, Sylvia Lopez, on December 13, 1980. A family friend, Father Ray Rosales, baptized their daughter in their backyard. A couple years later, they built a swimming pool where they would enjoy many outdoor bbqs and parties over the course of their marriage. Together, Gail and Robert became godparents to many children: Janice Horta, Raymond Perez, Felicia Franco, Alejandro Villalobos, Angela Burgoz and Monique Burgoz. Robert and Gail shortly separated and Anthony Franco-Rodriguez was born on December 20, 1994. Without hesitation, Robert raised him as if he was his own and never saw him as anything other than his one and only son. He would take Anthony to all his basketball, baseball and football practices and games. He was always at all of Sylvias soccer games and later all her volleyball and softball games in high school. Robert was an amazing father who made sure Sylvia and Anthony were picked up from school and he would have treats waiting for them in the car. He absolutely adored his kids!
Robert and Gail had four grandchildren who they both adored. Robert continued the same commitment to his grandchildren as he did his children. When his daughter Sylvia moved to San Diego when her husband Orlando was stationed at NAS North Island, he would temporarily move in to take care of his first grandon, Orlando Ornelas. When his grandson was seven years old and playing his first year of J.A.A.F., Robert would take him to every single practice 4-5 days a week. He would also pickup his grandson from school every day and staying with the same tradition as he did with his kids, he would have pb&js, chips and a drink waiting for him. His second grandson was named after him, Jayden Robert Ornelas, as well as his third grandson, James Robert Franco. James lived with Gail and Robert for a few years and Robert was his main caretaker while his dad was in the military and his mom went to school and worked. Robert was so incredibly selfless and truly loved his family.
When Robert was not taking care of his grandkids, you could find him in his yard tending to his plants and making sure his lawn was in tip-top shape. Everyone always said he had a green thumb and his yard was always the envy of the block. He enjoyed going for walks, stretching, using bands and watching old western movies. Robert and Gail loved to go eat! They ate at almost every Mexican restaurant within a 15-mile radius and knew all the good taco spots.
Robert and Gail loved to attend practices, games and tournaments for their grandchildren. Most recently, in November 2019, even while not feeling well, he made the 7-hour trip to Davis, CA to see his grandson Orlando play in his college football game. He was tremendously proud of his grandons accomplishments and both his kids. His grandchildren are going to truly miss seeing their grandpa in the stands.
Robert is survived by his wife, Gail Lopez; his children, Sylvia Ornelas (Orlando) and Anthony Franco-Rodriguez; his grandchildren, Orlando, Jayden and Catalina Ornelas and James Franco; his four sisters, Angie Yglesias, Alma (Jess) Torres, Miriam Diaz and Evelyn (Umberto) Gomez; his two brothers, Steven (Theresa) and Gilbert Lopez; and countless nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Santiago and Sylvia Lopez (Perez); and his brothers, Ronald Perez, Johnny and Jimmy Lopez.
All who remember Robert mention his love for his family, his humble demeanor and willingness to help anyone out in need.
Graveside services will be on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. at Montecito Memorial Park in Colton with full military honors.