Bob McPhillips

Bob McPhillips passed away peacefully in Raleigh, North Carolina, on August 14, 2024, at the age of 78. An enthusiastic participant in life, Bob enjoyed the Dodgers, the Redskins (not the Commanders), Sunrise Rotary, the DBs, the Clampers, the Grunions, and the 20-30 Club. Of CWW fame, he was a red wine aficionado who loved to tell a joke and make people chuckle. More than anything, he wanted his friends to have a good time, thus the Jalapeno and Stryder Cup golf tournaments, trips to New Orleans, & various other activities of which his wife is unaware.

Bob was his own person & lived and died that way – a good life! He was kind and generous, with a sparkle in his eyes, and a strong moral compass. He was a Navy veteran, a real estate broker, and a certified management accountant. Barb will always believe that Bob died of a broken heart after leaving his beloved Santa Barbara. But note that since his death, the Dodgers won the World Series and the Commanders are in the playoffs!!

Bob was born on May 25, 1946, in Cambridge, MA to Al & Ruth McPhillips, the second of four brothers. Al was an ACE pilot in WWII, enabling Bob to attend 12 schools in 12 years, including in Japan, Newfoundland, & Kansas. Bob liked to brag that he was President of his high school senior class – three years in a row! Bob eventually attended UVA, USNA, & UCLA before earning a degree in economics from UCSB. After traveling the world, Bob was convinced that Santa Barbara was the only place to live, and he did so for over 50 years.

Bob is survived by his wife of 38 years, Barbara Edmison, his brother & sister-in-law Brian & Millie McPhillips of PA, and multiple members of the McPhillips & Edmison families.

Bob’s ashes were scattered in the ocean, joining his brothers Doug & Scott and his parents.

A celebration of his life will be held in Santa Barbara.