Robert B. Sternfels

Robert B. Sternfels, 71, died from cancer on June 21, 2017 in his home in Scottsdale. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Nancy Sternfels and is survived by his father, Robert W. Sternfels; his wife, Bobbie Sternfels; his children, Robert A. Sternfels and Katherine Ulvestad; step children Holly Ireland and Brent Cruikshank and eight grandchildren.

He was born in Burbank, Calif., graduated from college at the University of California at Berkeley and earned his law degree from the University of San Diego. He practiced law in both California and Arizona for over 40 years.

Bob was a veteran and served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, serving two tours of duty. Bob learned to fly in the Navy, and continued to pursue flying as a hobby throughout his life, even participating in airshows as an aerobatic pilot.

Bob raised his family in Lodi, Calif. where he practiced law and was active with civic engagements. He was the organizer and volunteer director for the Stockton Airshow for three years which raised significant funds for local charities. He also helped start the Mock Trial program for local high school students, and was a key leader in starting a local bank, The Bank of Lodi.

In Arizona, he continued to advocate for his community by representing the town of Fountain Hills to improve FAA regulations and flying patterns from Sky Harbor Airport. He also started a Home Owners Association for San Carlos, Mexico, where he also resided.

Throughout his life, he was actively involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives--coaching, cheering, encouraging, and loving them all.

Bob loved fishing, diving, and boating, and explored all of these passions with his wife Bobbie. As a natural ‘builder,’ he helped in the design and construction of many homes, and became an accomplished welder, creating artwork and furniture pieces. He loved his garage and could often be found fixing, building, welding, or sculpting something interesting and new. When not in his garage or out on the water, Bob and Bobbie enjoyed traveling to far flung parts of the world.

Bob enjoyed life, and lived it truly and fully, bringing joy to all of those around him.