Bob Huntley RIP

[Phil McDade]

I may have a few details here missing, or incorrect, but it's a good story nonetheless:


There was a GCA gathering somewhere, and as is often the case, various GCAers showed up wearing shirts and pullovers from assorted well-regarded clubs: NGLA, Cypress Point, Winged Foot, San Francisco CC. You've been there.


Bob sat quietly in the corner -- maybe in a cardigan -- branded with the R&A seal, with a slight smile on his face. No one in the room, of course, could top that; all claims to being well-connected in golf paled in comparison to those of Mr. Huntley.


I remained devoted to this site, largely, because it's an interesting collection of people, and few if any have seemed as interesting as Bob and the life he led. Like many others here, I knew of Bob almost exclusively through his postings on GCA. Once, having never met him or corresponded, I reached out to him via the message service here, to share a story about Cypress Point. He was quick to respond, shared some insights into my story, and offered to show me around if I ever found my way out West.


A gentleman's gentleman. May he rest in peace, and may his family find comfort during these difficult times knowing that in ways great and small, he touched the lives of many.

[SPDB]

I'm so saddened by this news, but saddened more that I had let myself fall out of touch with Bob over the past few years as marriage and children took over as my primary focus.


In my 17 years on this site, Bob was one of the few contributors I had the chance to meet and correspond with on a somewhat regular basis. Over a sublime round at Strantz's sublime Shore course at MPCC in 2006, in our conversations Bob and I discovered that we both, morbidly, but, given current circumstances, appropriately, were avid readers of obituaries and over the years we corresponded occasionally sharing from time to time a particularly well-written or interesting obituary that chronicled a life well-lived or well-experienced, descriptions that would include any obituary of Bob, which, if one has been written, I would very much like to read.


I recall receiving from my parents a first edition of "Come to Judgment," a long-since out of print collection of obituaries penned by Alden Whitman of the New York Times, who has largely been credited with revolutionizing the modern obituary craft of ritually researching interesting or noteworthy personalities in advance of their death and compiling dossiers or pre-obit narratives that would serve as the basis of the obituary when the subject ultimately passed. After reading it in full, I thought immediately of Bob and how much he would enjoy it and promptly reached out to him for his address and sent it on to him. In looking through past emails and personal messages, I see that upon receiving it, Bob conveyed that he "decided to read but one piece each evening, so as not to become satiated. Last evening I started on Mary Pickford."


I've been around here a long time, although I've posted less frequently over the years. The tough part of being involved in the little camaraderie we built in the early years is that so many of the good participants some of whom I had the pleasure to meet (George Bahto, Bob Huntley) and some of whom I only corresponded with but admired (Tom MacWood), but all of whom I respected immensely, have passed on, which makes me nostalgic and sad.


In the end, I thank Ran for creating a virtual clubhouse where people like me could come on to a website of like-interested enthusiasts and as a byproduct of that membership make the acquaintance of people like Bob Huntley and be so much richer for it.


RIP Bob and condolences to Leslie and all who had the privilege to know Bob.

[Tony_Muldoon]

Tony,
Thanks so much for sharing that story.  That's exactly the kind of thoughtfulness that Bob had.  I'm sure he would have offered anyway, but no doubt that your dog sealed the deal.  Was this Jet the lurcher?

John Yes it was Jet. We wanted a holiday in the UK so he could enjoy it too. Though he'd gone blind by then, we did walk the Old Course on the Sunday together.  I had a great photo of him resting n the 10^th green which I’ve sadly lost.

Sean(?), Bob's love of the Daily Telegraph Obituaries was something we corresponded about. We were both amazed by the life that some of the earlier generation had lived, particularly those who’d fought in WW11 and then gone on to other things.  He once started a most interesting thread after reading the Obit. Of Dr Scott the non-Golfing Surgeon who became fascinated by Dr MacKenzie and who’s notes formed the basis of the Doak book. In 2013 I wrote a tribute to a friend and circulated it to various specialist gardening magazines. On a whim, I also sent the Telegraph a copy as they appreciated ‘the Amateur’. They were the only ones who printed it.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/9918547/Dave-Green.html
 
I passed this on and Bob was genuinely interested in the process and the man, particularly when I added he was even more colourful and they’d edited some tales out. Dave was also obsessive about Opera and the Baritone voice and of course Bob loved music.
 
I hope someone is penning a fulsome tribute to Bob.

[Jim Franklin]

I'm so saddened by this news, but saddened more that I had let myself fall out of touch with Bob over the past few years as marriage and children took over as my primary focus.


In my 17 years on this site, Bob was one of the few contributors I had the chance to meet and correspond with on a somewhat regular basis. Over a sublime round at Strantz's sublime Shore course at MPCC in 2006, in our conversations Bob and I discovered that we both, morbidly, but, given current circumstances, appropriately, were avid readers of obituaries and over the years we corresponded occasionally sharing from time to time a particularly well-written or interesting obituary that chronicled a life well-lived or well-experienced, descriptions that would include any obituary of Bob, which, if one has been written, I would very much like to read.


I recall receiving from my parents a first edition of "Come to Judgment," a long-since out of print collection of obituaries penned by Alden Whitman of the New York Times, who has largely been credited with revolutionizing the modern obituary craft of ritually researching interesting or noteworthy personalities in advance of their death and compiling dossiers or pre-obit narratives that would serve as the basis of the obituary when the subject ultimately passed. After reading it in full, I thought immediately of Bob and how much he would enjoy it and promptly reached out to him for his address and sent it on to him. In looking through past emails and personal messages, I see that upon receiving it, Bob conveyed that he "decided to read but one piece each evening, so as not to become satiated. Last evening I started on Mary Pickford."


I've been around here a long time, although I've posted less frequently over the years. The tough part of being involved in the little camaraderie we built in the early years is that so many of the good participants some of whom I had the pleasure to meet (George Bahto, Bob Huntley) and some of whom I only corresponded with but admired (Tom MacWood), but all of whom I respected immensely, have passed on, which makes me nostalgic and sad.


In the end, I thank Ran for creating a virtual clubhouse where people like me could come on to a website of like-interested enthusiasts and as a byproduct of that membership make the acquaintance of people like Bob Huntley and be so much richer for it.


RIP Bob and condolences to Leslie and all who had the privilege to know Bob.

Well said. RIP Bob.

[cary lichtenstein]

Bob hosted my wife and I at Strantz's course in Pebble. A prince of a gentleman.

[Noel Freeman]

Has anyone seen Sir Bob's obituary?  I've not seen one

[Pete_Pittock]

Has anyone seen Sir Bob's obituary?  I've not seen one

I keep checking and haven't found any.

[Ian Andrew]

Sad to see the news the other day.

We began a correspondence when I lamented my father had stopped playing golf and how crushed I had felt. He was there with reassuring words that things might change with patience. We ended up having lunch a year later because we had shared stories of our guests bad behavior and I was going to correct a recent wrong by buying him "the lunch" that he was promised by someone on this site. No strings ... just come eat and tell stories was my email.

Robert related the "cornering the potato market" story that he told us ... epic tale.

He had family living near by in Hamilton, so we kept in contact about golf together up here. I had arranged even arranged a golf tour for him three years back, but he wasn't well enough to travel. I knew at that time that things were not great, but out of respect to him I kept that to myself. We corresponded again later, but by then it was clear he wasn't coming up.

He was a great story teller, a window into another time, but also an incredibly thoughtful man with his words of kindness when I was reeling over the change to my father. That meant the world to me at the time.

I'm glad our paths crossed ... I'm better for it.

[Steve Lapper]

 Having been away for the last ten days, I am just seeing his and am greatly saddened.


 Bob embodied so many wonderful traits and values. He was selfless, caring, open-minded, generous, soulful, passionate, kind, classy, and thoughtful. In fewer words, Bob was GCA's most emblematic denizen. As others have noted well, personal interactions with Bob were rarely forgotten or insignificant.


 My attendance at the NYC dinner aforementioned was no different. Bob's presence made the evening grand, even amidst some of GCA's more notable raconteurs. No story told, nor tidbit shared, went without a shrewd and tasteful retort... or even a better tale. Sir Bob was clearly the ranking royal that evening as well as on every tee any of us ever shared with him. He needed no flare of ego, nor any glare of attention to command that respect.....it was 1000% natural.


 Bob's life was a life well lived and one that every one of us who had the pleasure of interacting with him should try to emulate just small bit of. I shall miss him, but feel far happier knowing that he is free from pain and debilitation, and spoiling a good heavenly walk somewhere better.

[Kevin Pallier]

Am so sorry to hear this sad news .... Sir Bob is simply the finest gentlemen I have ever met.

I feel honoured to have met the 'great man' and my photo with him above brings back some wonderful memories of one of the best days of my life.

I spent some personal time with Sir Bob in my trip to the USA back in 2009. He went out of his way to make my stay at Monterey an enjoyable one. From the late night / early morning phone calls and emails his personal approach was amazing in helping me. He could not have done anymore to assist me and he seemed like he thoroughly enjoyed fulfilling people's life-long golfing dreams.

From meeting up with our group after finishing 18 holes at CPC to taking us back to have lunch with him at the half-way house at his home course Sir Bob did everything with a panache. Never short of an opinion - Sir Bob would tell things how he saw them and I hung onto every word. If anyone ever wrote a book on Sir Bob's life there would be some amazing stories.

I will also never forget my game of golf with him on his home course at Monterey Peninsula Club. He introduced me to the side-game of "wolf" and I have never met a more competitive man over a bet. He told me he hadn't played for a while and would be a bit rusty - what a load of bollocks - he played some damn impressive golf and carried me that day as we cruised to a victory. He smiled like a Cheshire cat as he collected his winnings!

He called me throughout my time in the US seeing what I thought of its courses and helped me wherever he could.

The world is a poorer place without Sir Bob Huntley in it and my condolences go to his family.

If the Oxford Dictionary wanted a picture of someone to define a gentleman - Sir Bob would be it.

R.I.P.

[Steve Wilson]

Damn.  Just that.  As soon as I became aware of Bob through this forum I wanted to meet him, but it seemed there was always a conflict between my life and any events on the West Coast that would have put us together with fellow GCAers. 


There was actually a time three [size=78%]y[/size][/size]ears ago when I considered a trip to California just to meet him, but by then he had indicated his health was too bad to allow him to play golf.  Then there was a friend who wanted to go to California and once again traipse along the coastal highway, and I thought that would be cool and maybe I could offer to buy dinner for Mr. Huntley and get that chance to meet him.  But once again, other things intervened.  It's hard enough to keep up with the people we already have in our lives so that it's even more daunting to think about deliberately adding others.  Then there was the dread of seeming like a stalker tracking down this GCA legend.  Too likely to have been awkward for both of us.[size=78%]

[/size]I wish I could say that due to all the talk about him that I feel as though I had met him.  But the reverse is true.  Hearing the tales makes me only too aware that I wasn't there.[size=78%]

[/size]The passing of more than a legend... Somehow I remain assured that the man was greater than the stories as there are too many testaments to his kindness and graciousness.  [size=78%]

[/size]Though I was never cautioned by him, I do try to remember to remove my hat when indoors.  I'll try even harder now.[size=78%]

[/size]RIP to a friend and mentor I never met.
[size=78%]

[John Foley]

This really is sad news. Met Bob at the inaugural Kings Putter (amazing if you think that was almost 16 years ago!!) and had the pleasure to play w/ him MPCC. I'll always remember the look I got when I didn't pick him in a wolf match!


He was the ultimate story teller. All day long w/ drinks afterward it one after another. The more I think back about it, HE should have been The Most Interesting Man in the World!!


We are all better off because we had the chance to circle his orbit.

[Jim_Kennedy]

Sorry to read that Sir Bob has passed away. My condolences to his family.

[Doug Wright]

I’ve been away from the site for a bit and missed this sad news. As a fellow longtime participant on GolfClubAtlas, Bob was part of the “glue” that makes this site special. I always read his posts, and they always combined erudition and humor with content derived from worldly experience. We will miss you Sir Bob. You’re one of the people whose example will live on in many ways, including but certainly not limited to “Hats OFF Gentlemen!”

[Mike Sweeney]

One more:

[David_Tepper]

A few people have asked if there has been an obituary for Bob. To the best of my knowledge no obituary has yet appeared.

[Dave McCollum]

I’ve been reluctant to add anything to this thread.  I didn’t know Bob.  I did read his posts as a contributor I selected as one I wanted to pay attention to.  More or less about the time his health was declining and his participation on this site started winding down, I got into a brief conversation with him via messaging/email, which I really enjoyed.  I don’t remember what we discussed very precisely, but generally about Monterey golf.  What blew me away was I wasn’t asking him for anything.  We were just talking about golf and gca.  At some point in this conversation, Bob said he would have to see about getting me out on Cypress Point sometime.  I wasn’t asking for his help, access, or anything else.  I don’t think I even mentioned that CPC was my ultimate bucket list course to see.  He somehow divined this and offered to help.  As it worked out, nothing happened, and like so many here who knew Bob personally, I can only say this small, relatively insignificant memory is all I have to illustrate this man’s generosity to basically a complete stranger.  Those who knew him well must be very grateful to call him a friend.

[MCirba]

I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Huntley in person and to share a round of golf with him at Pasatiempo, playing with Gib Papazian and Dr. Geoffrey Childs.   Later that afternoon Bob hosted us at lunch at Monterey Peninsula CC and was particularly pleased to show us Michael Strantz's work in progress at the time.   Every positive thing that has been mentioned on this thread to date was very true, but what I recall most about him was his wickedly biting sense of humor.

I have two stories from that day that I trust he wouldn't mind me sharing to exemplify the point.

As left-handers, it was decided that Geoff and I would play a little match against Mr. Huntley and Gib.   Geoff started off red-hot and as I recall he birdied the first two holes to put us 2-up on the 3rd tee.   We had a little wait for the match ahead to clear the green and as we stood there Mr. Huntley spoke up;

"Geoffrey, tomorrow morning you'll be playing Cypress Point.   When you get to the first tee, I would ask that you pause, and take a breath and look around you in every direction and then ask yourself, "Do I ever want to come back here?""

Thus ended the birdie spree and Mr. Huntley and Gib went on to thrash us, as I recall.

Later, walking to our drives on the 16th, he shared a story with me that went something like this;

"You know, we have a slight problem out here on our golf courses where sometimes the general public just wander out not realizing they are on private property.   Generally it isn't much of a bother and who can blame them with the beauty all around.   However, last week we were playing and there was a German couple sitting on a blanket near the green having a picnic and being very loud.   We tried to ignore them but we were putting and it was clear that they had no respect for our match and continued on with their boisterousness."

"Finally, I'd had enough and and walked over to them and said, "Do you realize that this is private property, and that you're not supposed to be here?"

"Well, the German man was very offended and he went off on me telling me how offensive I was being and that nothing like my rude behavior would ever happen or be tolerated in his country."

"So I said to him, "No, in your country you put people on trains and gas them!""

RIP Sir Boab.

[Ryan Hillenbrand]

The common theme among the Bob Huntley stories is how gracious he was with getting people on Cypress Point, that people would contact him if they were going to be in the area and he'd immediately ask if they wanted to play Cypress - as if he didn't already realize that was their ultimate goal. He understood everyone's common love for the game and was eager to share his blessings. I'd like to think that's how I'd be if I belonged or had connections to a Top 10 course in the world.

I've only been on this site for 4 years, but did Bob ever get on and call out access whores like so many people do these days?  Every time a Newbie joins and mentions what they like, where they'd like to play, or asks for recommendations on where to play in New York or San Francisco, they go through the access whore initiation. Doesn't seem like Bob would do that.

[Ted Sturges]

I had the pleasure of meeting Robert on more than one occasion.  We also played MPCC together twice.  The first time, which was in 1998, we were enjoying a beautiful day on the golf course, but Robert was frustrated with his game.  In the middle of the back nine, he was very frustrated with his golf.  I offered a suggestion that had been given to me by a good player in the previous few months, which was "keep all of your fingers connected to each other and to the club".  Bob tried it starting on the 15th hole at MPCC (Ocean course).  He then made par on 15, then on 16, then on 17, and then he made par on 18. Four pars in a row to finish his round.  He was giddy.  He bought the drinks in the 19th hole and was on cloud nine.  Just like so many of us, even though he had played golf for several decades at that point, he felt he had discovered the holy grail.  I penned a thank you note to him when I got home to Indiana.  He replied to my thank you note with a note thanking me for the "connected fingers" tip.  Whenever I spoke to him after that, he always referred to that tip.  I'll never forget those two rounds with Robert and I will also never forget how happy he was those last 4 holes and on to the 19th hole at MPCC.  Rest in peace Robert.  Pass that tip along to everyone in Heaven.
 
TS

[Mike Hendren]

Mike Cirba, thanks to Bob's kindness I was in your gallery that day at Cypress Point Club, walking along side you, Tom Huckaby, Dr. Childs and Lou Duran (?) and joining you for lunch at MPCC's halfway house.  Somewhere there is a photograph taken from the 18th fairway with Bob silhouetted against the skyline behind the 18th green waiting to take us to lunch.  Hopefully someone has it and can post it. 

It was only a couple of years later that I got the invitation to tee it up with Brian Gracely (who cleverly posted under the name Bob Ross) and Carlyle Rood of whom Barney once said "even his bag is tight." 

A separate Gracely story is also worth mentioning.  Brian had plenty of game and was asked to join Huntley et al at MPCC for a "casual" game of wolf.  Young Brian loved recounting how he had to fork over $400 in the bar to three millionaires when all was said and done.

Hope you're well.

Mike

[John Kavanaugh]

I've only been on this site for 4 years, but did Bob ever get on and call out access whores like so many people do these days?  Every time a Newbie joins and mentions what they like, where they'd like to play, or asks for recommendations on where to play in New York or San Francisco, they go through the access whore initiation. Doesn't seem like Bob would do that.

One reason I loved Bob so dearly is that he was a gentleman who called them exactly how he seen them. It was a sight to behold.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Finally, an Obituary:


Robert Charles Huntley, born in London, England on January 8, 1930, died at home in Carmel Valley, California on March 4, 2017. Robert was educated in England. Following the tragic and untimely death of his mother at a young age and the deployment of his father to France during WWII, Bob spent his early years battling the rigors of the English boarding school. By concentrating on academics, boxing, soccer and cricket, receiving firsts in Latin, history and mathematics and several championships in his sports, he managed to survive. He matriculated from the Royal High Wycombe Grammar (High) School, receiving A level qualifications for entrance to university in the United Kingdom. He chose instead to meet his national service obligations in the Royal Air Force from 1948-50 after which he emigrated to Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) where he was commissioned as an officer in the Rhodesian Staff Corps. He served for several years, including a spell seconded to Kenya during the Mau Mau uprising and as an Aide de Camp to various members of the British Royal Family during their travels in Africa. Concluding his army commission, Bob joined the Anglo American Mining Company in Chingola, Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and at the same time started a potato farm. He left Anglo American (and his potato farm) in 1965 to emigrate to the United States. Arriving in Los Angeles, Bob joined the regional financial firm of Lester, Ryan & Co. where he embarked on a career in finance or, in his words, became a country stockbroker. During this time he received an MBA in finance and business from Pepperdine University. Until shortly before his death, Bob was a member of the Monterey Peninsula Country Club and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews, Scotland. He passionately loved the game of golf, believing that the many disciplines it demanded of a person, the lessons it taught and the people one met were among the great gifts life had to offer. Bob is survived by his wife of 43 years, Leslie Cave Huntley, four children from previous marriages, Susan, Russell, Robin and Marc, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His sister, Patricia, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and his brother, David, of McKinney, Texas, also survive him. Last, but not least, his two beloved Labradors, Amber and Brinkley, await his return.


http://pineconearchive.com/170428PCA.pdf

[David_Tepper]

Steve -

Thanks for posting Bob's obit. What a life!

DT

[JLahrman]

It almost looks like Roald Dahl's biography, substituting investing for writing.