LAKEPORT, Calif. – Robert “Bobby” Merle Buck, age 75, entered into rest peacefully at Sutter Lakeside Hospital on July 30, 2015, in Lakeport.

He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, husband and great friend. Bob could be described as “the salt of the earth” and a “true cowboy.”

Bob was born Nov. 22, 1939, in El Dorado, Kansas, to parents Robert L. Buck and Merlene Peebler.

Growing up in Kansas and Oklahoma, Bob learned from his grandfather how to be a responsible and enthusiastic fisherman and hunter. His grandmother was a school teacher and Bob was her student in the third and fourth grades.

After graduation at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Okla., Bob worked for his dad at Williams Brothers Oil Co. on the deep-water oil rigs.

“Bobby” served in the US Navy from 1962 to 1968. His lifelong friend, Maxie Thiel, taught him to play the guitar and they continued their friendship for more than 52 years and shared fond memories of their brotherhood in the Navy.

He earned his bachelor of science degree after the Navy and worked as an account analyst for the Department of the Treasury and the University of California at Berkeley.

Bobby loved the times he spent in Oregon and Idaho working on the family ranches with his mother and stepdad, Robert Stacey “Bob Bob.” They had a very special bond.

Bob enjoyed cooking and made the best Christmas fudge. He favorites included chili, barbecue chicken and chocolate chip cookies, and a good cup of coffee.

After retiring to Lakeport, Calif., he and Phyllis enjoyed spending time with family, friends and their dogs.

We will miss your warm smile and the twinkle in those eyes! As well as, receiving your latest stock-market tips … but most of all, your love for life filled with great conversation and laughter. We love you, Bobby!

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Buck, in April 2014.

Bob is remembered with love by daughter, Leslie E. Lowe (Steven); son, Robert B. Kehler; sister, Stephanie Gage; brother, Rodney Buck; grandsons, Alexander and Brandon; and great-granddaughter, Evelyn.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral services.