Robert G. Lahey, Sr.

Robert George Lahey Sr. (Bob) passed away Monday, April 22, 2024, with his family by his side. He was born September 12, 1937, in Oswego, NY to parents Robert and Ellen Lahey. He acquired many nicknames over his years but was known by most as ‘Baba’. Bob spent the first 20 years of his youth in Oswego, NY where he regularly recounted many adventures, experiences and shenanigans with his brother, Bill Lahey, and sister, Nancy Lahey (Ehat). It was during his years in Oswego that he developed a love for music, first learning to play the ukulele then mastering the guitar and playing professionally for many years thereafter. Though he described his guitar skills as mediocre, those who know him and had the pleasure of listening to him play know better, as Bob was an exceptional musician. Bob served in the U.S. Air Force honorably from 1957 to 1962, during which time he was involved in a military band, regularly playing music for the Officer’s Club and various shows on and off base. Bob met and married Sandi Lahey, his wife of 46 years, in Panama City, Florida. They built a wonderful family together and became Naina and Baba to their many grandchildren. Bob had two children from prior to marrying Sandi that he was very proud of. He was able to create many memories over the span of his life enjoying all his children and grandchildren. In the mid 60’s he and his family moved to California and lived in the Modesto area until 1986. It was there that Bob’s love for the outdoors continued to grow. He frequented the Sierra Nevada’s with his brother, Bill, along with other family members, backpacking along the John Muir Trail, as well as many others. Bob worked for Shell Oil Company, beginning shortly after he arrived in California as a lab technician and later working as a computer analyst until retirement in Richmond, TX. He lived in Richmond for the remainder of his life. One of Bob’s most cherished places to spend time in Richmond was Brazos Bend State Park, where he loved to walk around the lakes with his family and look at the abundant wildlife. Bob also enjoyed frequenting antique stores where he accumulated many different collections over the years. He also read constantly and loved to learn, consistently educating himself throughout his life. It cannot go unsaid that Bob had a passion for conversation and loved a “spirited” debate, whether it was political, religious or philosophical in nature. Bob was lucky to find love again after the passing of Sandi, with Betty Owens whom he shared many wonderful years and adventures with. Betty was a blessing and cherished by Bob and his family. Above all, family was most important to Bob, He is preceded in death by his Wife, Sandi Lahey; Father, Robert Lahey, and Mother, Ellen Lahey; Sister, Linda Lahey and Brother, Bill Lahey. He is survived by his children, John Jernigan (Wanda), Linda Blalock (Kenneth), Robert Lahey Jr. (Nadine) and Trestina Gilbert (Mark); along with his sister, Nancy Ehat (Karl). He is lovingly remembered by his partner, Betty Owens, and his grandchildren: Amanda Jernigan Poole (Eli), Kayla Jernigan; Haley Shea Hicks (Daniel), Leah Blalock; Patrick Lahey, Christopher Lahey, Elizabeth Lahey Quinn (Patrick), Victoria Lahey; Mekechnie Mendoza, Zachary Gilbert, and Madison Gilbert; along with his many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephew. There are no services scheduled as this time but please take the time to reflect on how Bob has made an impact on your own life.

Tributes

Robert G. Lahey, Sr.

September 12, 1937 - April 22, 2024