Robert Joseph Perrine

Robert Joseph Perrine, born January 11, 1943, passed away at Cottage Hospital after a long illness July 9, 2023. Bob was born in San Francisco and moved with his family to Santa Barbara during his junior high years. He was always a “Mesa rat” in his heart and would point out the homes of countless friends from his youth. He couldn’t drive down Shoreline Drive without stopping to chat with his many buddies. He was a proud graduate of Santa Barbara high school class of 1960, always enjoying reunions and catching up with fellow Dons.

Bob was a member of the national guard and served in Texas. He knew how to peel a potato and husk in the ear of corn like no other. He later worked as senior lifeguard for the city of Santa Barbara for many years. He loved to tell a good story about his days teaching kids to swim and working with the rescue boat. Bob had some wild years in the 1970’s and ‘80s, but could name the exact date he took his last drink and enjoyed sobriety for over 35 years. He had his second career as a spa sales person for Gordon and Grant Spas and Hot Spring Spas. When he met his long-term girlfriend, Melinda, in 2007, they decided to start Bahama Bob’s Pool and Spa Service. Bob thrived, giving free advice to friendly customers and met so many people who had purchased their spa from him.

Bob’s favorite days were spent reading a good mystery and showing off his beloved dog, Fox, at the Rose Cafe. He had trained Fox to do circus tricks with hand signals and they would regularly put on a little show for patrons. He was an avid motorcycle rider who knew all the back roads of Santa Barbara County. He had fabulous memories of riding to Sturgis, Coeur d’Alene, and Oregon to visit dear friends. He loved menudo on a Sunday morning, quiet evenings watching the Deadliest Catch with his family and the blues.

The last few years were hard for Bob because of declining health. Still, he had many friends at Fresenius kidney care and kept in touch with those he loved. He remained kind, good-natured, generous and thoughtful to the end. He will be missed immeasurably.

In memoriam, please text a friend, forgive a grudge or pat a dog in his honor.