Robert Summers

Robert Emmet Summers, “Bob”, 89. Son of Robert Edward and Dorothy Summers. Born in Corvallis, Oregon. Proud grandson of Oregon Trail pioneers, homesteaders and wheat ranchers, Bob passed away from “good old age” Wednesday evening, August 11, 2021, with family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Andrea Summers (Lang) of Gilroy, California; Daughters Suzanne Spence (Steve), Katherine Salmassian (Zareh) of Boise, Idaho; Son, Timothy Summers (Laura) of Gilroy, California, and Daughter Francesca Summers of Madrid, Spain; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents and younger brother William C. Summers of Bellingham, Washington. Bob graduated from University High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the University of Minnesota in 1954 with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, commissioning into the U.S. Navy through NROTC as an Ensign Jg. After some time aboard ships in the Pacific during the Korean Conflict, Bob was subsequently assigned as a Naval Intelligence officer in Naples, Italy, where he met and married in 1958 his wife Andrea Lang of Chicago, Illinois, a military school teacher. Bob left Naples in 1959 to pursue an MBA at Stanford University, class of 1961, and accepted a position with Stanford upon graduation in the University’s real estate development office. After 18 years at Stanford, Bob left for the University of Santa Clara in 1982, assuming the position of Business and Development Officer. In 1986 Bob joined the Roman Catholic Church in San Jose, California as their Chief Financial Officer, or “Vicar of Temporal Affairs” in the newly formed Diocese of San Jose. Bob left the position of CFO of the Diocese in 1996, after choosing to accept the position of Director of Cemeteries for the Diocese. Somewhat retiring in 1999, Bob took on remote management of his family’s heritage wheat ranch in Condon, Oregon from his home in Los Altos, California. At this time Bob spent time with family, welcomed many grandchildren and along the way enjoyed travel with Andrea to Hawaii, Tahiti, Alaska, Europe, Italy, Ireland, France, Turkey, the Soviet Union and China, with Africa on the horizon. Bob and Andrea later decided to build a home in Jackson, Wyoming in 2008, where Andrea and some of her family had lived, worked or visited for almost 50 years, and where Bob and Andrea had vacationed every year with their own family. Like many others, they had been captured by the Tetons. The house was completed in 2009, and they moved to Jackson semi-permanently in 2010. In 2013, Bob realized another lifelong dream by consolidating his remaining Summers Family ranch holdings in Oregon, and moving them to a small vineyard and winery in Gilroy, California, jumping feet first into the wine and wine grape business. It was in both Wyoming and California that Bob enjoyed the fruits of his many years of hard work, all the while surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He lived a life which exemplified commitment, honesty, humility and faith. He was a gentle, protective and dedicated father and generous grandfather, and a diligent, patient provider for his beloved wife of 63 years. He was always interested in everyone he met, no matter their story or stature, and persistently willing to provide heartfelt wisdom, advice, connection or consolation. He will be missed. The family wishes to express gratitude to the Jackson community, the Senior Center of Jackson Hole staff, St. John’s staff, Jackson Hole Fire/EMS, and many others for all their support of Bob and Andrea in recent years. Donations in Robert’s name can be made to the Senior Center of Jackson Hole at https://seniorcenterjh.square.site/, the Grand Teton Music Festival EIN#23-7034152, or the Oregon Wheat Growers League (OWGL) at https://www.owgl.org/p/about-us/donate