Robert W. Killen
Robert W. Killen transitioned at his home in Santa Barbara on Thursday June 4, 2015 after a five-year battle with cancer. Known as “Bobby” or “Bobaloo” by his close friends, he enjoyed traveling via all modes of transportation, collecting interesting cars, and helping everywhere. Most of all he loved people. Being naturally curious about folks of all kinds, he would ask charming and relevant questions at every opportunity, making new friends everywhere he went.
Bob became a world traveler early in life, being the son of a high ranking U.S. Marine. His parents Col. George Killen and Evelyn Killen were stationed in Cuba during the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, where his Dad was Commanding Officer of the Ground Defense Force at Guantanamo Bay. The family was quickly but temporarily evacuated from Cuba and later returned after President John F. Kennedy negotiated the peaceful outcome of a worldwide tense standoff. Bob greatly enjoyed his youth in Cuba, especially riding his own horse at the base stables. In 1992 he orchestrated a return to Cuba with his late brother Bill where they both received red carpet treatment.
A native of Bethesda, Maryland, Bob received his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. As a part time property manager in Isla Vista while attending UCSB, Bob unknowingly began what was to become a long career in the real estate business. Bob’s vast post- college work experience included Director of Operations for Mariposa Property Management Company and duties as co-founder of Killogan & Company, a property inspection business. He was also, in successive tours, a broker for Pitts & Bachmann Realtors, Senior Leasing Agent for the Santa Barbara Housing Authority, and a leasing agent for Sierra Property Management. In semi-retirement, Bob enjoyed being what he self described as a “tale of two cities,” spending summer periods in the High Eastern Sierras at his beloved cabin near Tom’s Place, and returning in winter to beautiful Santa Barbara to work for both Sierra Property Management and Summit Funding as a consultant. “I have the perfect life!” he would often say.
Bob was a tale of more than two cities. His circle of friends spanned Santa Barbara, Mammoth Lakes, The Bay area, San Diego, New York, Michigan, Canada, Mexico and Europe. His quick wit, disarming charm, wickedly funny sense of humor, and genuine kindness made him a gem of a friend to anyone lucky enough to be a part of his world.
Bob is survived by his nephew Christopher Killen, sister-in-law Mary Jo Killen, and a very close group of ‘chosen family’ and friends. Per Bob’s wishes, no memorial is planned, however an informal Celebration of Life will be held in Santa Barbara, August 22, 2015. Donations can be directed to Pacific Pride or the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara, with highest respect and appreciation for their support.