Resident of Saratoga, CA since 1969

Resident of The Forum at Rancho San Antonio since 2016

Robert E. Hales died peacefully from congestive heart failure on December 19, 2020 surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born in Philadelphia, PA to Malvern and Mary Hales. He attended Lower Merion High School and earned a Bachelor of Science from St. Joseph's University before serving as a First Lieutenant for the United States Air Force. Bob married the love of his life, Joan Patterson, on December 26, 1955.

Following a distinguished tour as an Air Force pilot, Bob began his career in the fields of insurance and financial planning. He started with New York Life in Philadelphia and was transferred to Hawaii in 1961 as Manager of the Honolulu office. He then became president of Kalakaua Insurance in Honolulu and a founder of the planning firm of Financial Associates of Hawaii. He was an honorary lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table due to his excellence in the field.

In 1969 Bob, Joan and their three children moved from Kailua, Hawaii to Saratoga, California so he could attend law school. He graduated from Santa Clara University, School of Law, where he later became an adjunct professor and in 1972, he established the Law Offices of Robert E. Hales. In 1989 he joined daughter Jan Hales and William George to form Hales, Hales & George with law offices in San Francisco and Saratoga, California. For nearly 50 years, Bob devoted his career to helping thousands of clients in the fields of Estate Planning, Trust Administration and Probate. Bob was a nationally recognized expert and author on Estate Planning, a highly sought-after speaker and an adored advisor to his clients for his wisdom, passion and humor.

Bob and Joan sailed the world together on over 60 Crystal Cruises where he also served as an expert lecturer on Estate Planning. He was a devout Catholic with a strong faith in God. He will forever be remembered for the way he lit up a room with his excellent storytelling and hilarious jokes. He loved playing golf, cruising, working out, and spending time with his family and friends. His greatest joy, however, was enjoying 65 years of marriage with his co-pilot, Joanie.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Robb (Lucy), daughters LynnAnne (Kelly) and Jan Marie (Michael), and seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He will be missed, but never forgotten.

"The Eagle has landed"

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services will be announced at a later date.

The family requests any donations be made in Bob's memory to Hospice of the Valley.