Point Richmond Icon, Bob Peckham, passes quietly

Robert Donald Peckham, known to all simply as "Bob," departed this world on Sunday, August 20, 2006.  He succumbed peacefully in the company of family and friends after a protracted battle with cancer.

Bob was born in Concord, New Hampshire on May 5th, 1936, to parents Harry Reginald Haynes Peckham and Wilhelmina Penney Peckham, both natives of Newfoundland.  He was raised in Massachusetts, graduating from Arlington High School in 1955.  He lived in the Point Richmond, California area since 1956.

He is survived by his wife of almost 38 years, Marie, by children Steven, Michael, Kelley, and Darian, by five granddaughters, Sarah, Emily, Rebecca, Jessica and Bobby, and by a sister, Marj Hopkins of Lubbock Texas.  He is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and by godchildren.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Joan.

Passion, faith, and love for family and friends were the consistent hallmarks of Bob's life.  All who knew him - whether it be through his police work, as a butcher, produce clerk, grocery clerk, store owner, knitter, in church, as a runner, or simply socially - all saw the passion that he brought to everything he did.  All felt the warmth of his love, and all saw the deep faith he simply lived by rather than preached.  In his faith, his devotion to the Blessed Mother and his love for Cursillo and the community at Our Lady of Mercy parish in the Point were constant.

A favorite poster of Bob's spoke to another theme he lived by.  It read, "You are constantly called upon to create your own future."  This hung on the wall by his desk in the detective bureau at Richmond PD.

Bob was a living legend.  Change and self-improvement were important to him, as were determination and hope.  He did not hesitate to take on challenges others thought impossible to attain, and he never gave up.  Bob fought his illness to the end, speaking to one friend when he had strength enough for only two words, "I'm trying."

Marie stood by him in everything he did, sometimes no small challenge for her as well.  But she, like Bob, never gave up hope and never quit in her support or encouragement of him.  She believed in him and knew what he had within himself.  Together, as one, the brought each other through the struggles of life.

For those who would like to join the family in remembering Bob, a Rosary will be said at Our Lady of Mercy at 7:30 pm on Wednesday.  A funeral mass will be held on Thursday at 10:00 am, also at Our Lady of Mercy, 301 W. Richmond Avenue, Point Richmond.

In lieu of flowers, Marie requests that any gifts of remembrance be made to either your favorite charity, the American Cancer Society, or to Mary's House, care of St. Paul's Parish, 1845 Church Lane, San Pablo, CA 94806-3792.