Words for / about Bob

If you'd like to write something for or about Bob, we would love to share it on this page.

Just email your note to bobblattnermemorial@gmail.com. Unless you indicate otherwise, we'll include your name with what you've written. The goal is to create a "memory book" that all can share.

You can get back to Bob's obituary here.

I was just thinking about Bob and thought to see what he might be up to these days. I searched on Google and just realized (October 2023) that we lost Bob earlier this year. So sad to not have this wonderful human in our midst, but his legacy is forever. I first met Bob almost exactly 20 years ago when I was a Senate Fellow for then State Senator Tom Torlakson. I had the opportunity to work on impactful education policy issues but had an incredibly steep learning curve. My mentors would say, "Call Blattner, he's got your answers." And that's just what I did. Called Bob. Over, and over, and over again. He always returned the calls, made time to answer my ridiculous questions about education finance, and perhaps more importantly, showed me what true ethics, real personal relationships, and how finding the right public policy answer were better than playing politics. He was deeply invested in my success - that booming voice and charming smile inspiring in me a confidence to make an impact. That little bead of sweat and windedness he always carried on his face, a reminder to work hard and push - even if it made you a little tired :-) I left the education space and eventually moved out of Sacramento as my career path led me in different directions, so I missed the privilege of seeing Bob more often and did lose touch. But what he instilled in me I carry with me each and everyday. A deeply good, sincere, helpful and loving man. Miss you, Bob

Mufaddal Ezzy

Bob was the coolest guy I ever knew. No socks for him, no stuffy suits if he could get away with it, untied ties flying in his wake, great hair and a great sense of humor. Road tripping with Bob and School Services, where we worked together, were made so much more fun with Bob at the wheel. He always knew the best street taco joint in some off beat strip mall or the most happening after hours bar on Lido Isle. He was brilliant, and his contributions to school finance policy significant. A Yale grad and a credit to his school. He would intimate, with a twinkle in his eyes, that he belonged to "the" secret Yale society. I believed he did. Rest in peace, dear man. I am glad to have known you.

Christy White

I was Vice President of School Services of California for all the years that Bob Blattner worked for the firm. For a number of those years, Bob and I hosted a session at the annual conference for school business officials. Many of the other sessions at this conference were very technical and detailed. Or, to put it simply, boring. What I loved about working with Bob is that nothing that we did together was ever boring. continued

Paul Goldfinger

As a neighbor, Bob's wide grin and booming laugh have been a constant of life for as long as I can remember being on Elmwood Drive. Just one glance down the street towards the Blattner house and I can hear him say, "Oh, Christie, you have to try this" or "Christie, have you read Graham Greene? Oh, you would love him! Here--take this to read on the plane." No matter where I was in life -- a kid, a teenager, a college student, and now an adult -- Bob was consistently interested in who I was as a person, what I liked or thought was interesting or funny, and was always excited to provide a recommendation. To me, looking back, I am so struck by his constant curiosity and excitement. I never had an interaction with Bob that wasn't permeated with his boundless love for people and all of their eccentricities. I don't know of anyone who so deeply enjoyed sharing life with other people, who so wanted everyone to see and feel and taste the very best of the world, just as he did. What a true gentle man, constantly oriented towards joy and wonder. I am profoundly grateful that he was part of my life. He will be deeply missed. Ann, Jack, Robby, and family, I am thinking of you and wishing I could be there. I still have Bob's Graham Greene here on my bookshelf - he was right, I loved it.

Love, Christine Hulsizer

You could often hear Bob coming before you'd see him - he'd be singing as he walked down the hall in his booming, melodic voice... He was almost always positive and upbeat... I would chuckle when he took short naps at work, either on the couch in our old office, or upright in his office chair in the newer suite... Playing cards or more often just shuffling and pondering... continued

Cindy Livers

I am still trying to wrap my head around Bob leaving us so suddenly. Kind of like him to be so spontaneous, surprise us, go off on a tangent. I just loved the exceptional human that he was. Not like anyone else in my life. Every time we met I laughed and learned so much I'd get in my car and say "Sandy, are you listening, be sure to keep Bob in your life." continued

Sandy Silberstein

So, so sad to hear of Bob's passing. In my memory, he will always be the guy I remember as a joyful mix of almost boyish enthusiasm and professional gravitas. Always gracious, ready to talk shop; the two of us nerding away on Prop. 98 (Bob was one of the few I knew who could actually explain Prop 98 coherently). Respectful - of other people and the process; willing to think outside the box. Someone whose point of view was occasionally different, but always worth hearing. But mostly, I just liked the guy. In my every experience he was real; he was decent; and frankly, he was just somebody I liked. He made me smile. And it saddens me to know that our paths won't cross again.

Joe Simitian

As Chair of the Senate Education Committee and Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education, I had frequent contacts with Bob before the committee. Bob was well informed about education, and helpful in addressing issues before the committee. He was insightful, always cheerful, and a joy to work with.

Jack Scott

As we all can attest, Bob was one-of-a kind, and could be the very best definition of "eccentric." But, he was so much more than pink shirts, shorts in the Capitol, an open convertible no matter the weather. Bob was a Brilliant Professional. True Genius and eccentric often go together, right? continued

Michael Hulsizer

Like many of us, I met Bob while working at the Capitol. He had a tremendous gift for explaining complicated budget concepts and was always available to answer questions or provide insights on education issues. I remember his desk was legendary for the threat it posed to life and limb in case of an earthquake. He really should have asked one of his "associates" to clean it up for him! I recall many of Bob's quips and hilarious observations on politics, which I will always treasure. My favorite has to be his response when I asked him why he had not made a statement at a committee hearing on a particularly contentious issue. He said, "On this one, it's better to be a knife in the ballroom than a shotgun in the library." To which I replied, "What is this, a game of Clue?!" And he was Professor Plum to me from that day forward. I will miss his humor and brilliant political mind.

Diana Glick

My pre-retirement time of overlapping with Bob at School Services of California during the 1990s was fairly brief, yet he made the same strong impression on me as he did on so many who have written their thoughts here. An over-the-top, enormously engaging man. To sum up my sense of him, I'd say this: if you had to cast someone as Franklin D. Roosevelt in the school play, you'd pick Bob. And something else. How very adroit he was. For example, when I periodically served as editor of the firm's client newsletter, and Bob had submitted a piece, he always welcomed my seeking clarification of some point or questioning his conclusions with these words: "Well, if you didn't understand it, I obviously messed up." I suppose that's called "editor management," and is a skill all reporters need to learn. But Bob's version, simultaneously flattering his inquisitor and agreeing to a re-write in just ten economical words, really had to be the best ever. Give the difference in our ages, I'd far rather it be him writing something like this for my memorial than my writing it for his, but here we are, incontrovertibly so.

Bill Pieper

Whether Bobby cooked a feast of Indian or Greek inspired meals or created cocktails after a celebration for the remaining family and friends, the result was the same. A wonderful memory was made that I will cherish forever. Numerous quotes and stories would give a glimpse of his intelligence and humor, and all had a sense of caring in common. Our last opportunity to spend with Bobby came at his niece's wedding. The fantastic night lasted long after the reception and ended up with a group of us skim boarding near Pismo Beach well after midnight. The skim board disappeared in the surf after one of our rides and seemed hopelessly lost. After we gave up looking, Bobby, his ankles feeling the tide, held up a finger to assess the wind, thought for a moment, then pointed confidently to where it should be. Of course he was right. Incredible. Bobby thank you for being you. I've never met anyone like you and cherish the memories you were part of. To Ann, Jack, Robby, John and families, I am heartbroken by your loss.

Love, Bill Rashid

Bob was a Pleasant Hill Dolphin/Dolfin Swim coach with me from 1978-1983. The team was sponsored by Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District. In 1983 the Team name was changed from Dolphin to Dolfin. Coach Blattner, during his stint as Dolfin coach, enjoyed deliberately spelling names incorrectly (such as Bennifer instead of Jennifer and Dolfin instead of Dolphin- and no I didn't change my name too). It was decided that there were far too many Dolphin swim teams, but no Dolfin Teams. Ask swimmer Doug Reed about his grade on his "What I did on my summer vacation essay" until his parents explained to his teacher that Dolfin was indeed spelled with an F instead of a PH. The name Pleasant Hill Dolfins still exists today. Thank you Bob for making us special. Bob was an excellent swimming coach. He was kind, knowledgeable and fun to be with. He could always make you laugh. Life on the Pool Deck was never boring with Bob around. I am so grateful that I got to coach with him. Our team name the Dolfins... will always put that "swim fast have fun" with Bob Blattner in mind.

Love and prayers to his family. Jennifer McGarry

Bob reminds of a great rock song, "The Whole of the Moon," by the Waterboys. He was like a comet, blazing across the sky, larger than life.

Tom Ricks

As a childhood friend of Ann's, I first had the chance to meet Bob when the two of them decided to stop being friendly grad school friends, and finally call it what it was, which was a match made in heaven. In Ann, Bob found his perfect partner. They shared a love of history, music, culture, travel, and good cooking. Despite his deep knowledge of history and his many travels, he was always curious and interested to hear about my experiences and interests. Bob liked to speak French with me and my husband, Pascal. What he lacked in vocabulary he made up for in confidence and a convincing accent, delivered with true authority and delight. I never could really tell if Bob had studied French in the past or not. Anytime I would ask him, he'd just laugh and ask what delicacy we thought sounded good for dinner, or what drink might make the mood just right. I know Bob had many friends and family members that he loved dearly, but I think he was at his happiest when surrounded by his wife and two sons. Two years ago, we had a fun text exchange around his birthday celebrations. We reached out to wish him a happy birthday and he said that Ann had been busy getting ready, both Jack and Robby would be able to make it over to the house, and the weather was looking perfect for a glorious day by the pool. I told him what a lucky guy he was, and without missing a beat, he wholeheartedly agreed and then quoted Napoleon sharing that when he was asked what trait he most valued in his Field Marshals, Napoleon answered immediately, "luck!". I am so sad to have lost such an amazing friend and person, but I feel incredibly lucky to have known him and to have been able to spend such happy times with his family. Bob, j'espère que nous allons tous se retrouver un beau jour. Entre temps- nous allons essayer de suivre ta façon de faire. Mangez bien, riez souvent et aimez beaucoup.

Jean Renouil

Bob was a truly special and wonderful person. He had an impactful influence on me and my career, one that I will never forget. Bob had a way to gracefully inspire others. He always made me feel proud, supported and was constantly humbling me with kudos I never felt I deserved. However, he was always quick to reassure me. Bob treated me and Elk Grove Unified as if we were his only client, which I know he certainly did for all his clients. He had a tremendous amount of well-deserved influence and legitimacy with legislative members, their staff and State agencies due to his special personality and honest approach. He never played outside the lines and spoke the truth. I will never forget his stories and historic memories of policy and policy makers. Bob's passing is a loss to all of California and education, but I know he is smiling down upon us all and will continue to influence us for the betterment of education and kids. Bob would always take the time to "think tank" with me and others and I will never forget the influence he had on me. I wouldn't be who I am today without Bob in my life. Thank you, Bob, for being you and a special thank you to his family (who he always spoke so proudly about) for lending him to such a worthy cause. You will be missed Bob, but always remembered.

With love and appreciation, Rob Pierce

Jack is one of my best friends from college and I had the good fortune of celebrating a couple of his birthdays with him up in Davis, a few hours north of where I lived in San Luis Obispo. The first time I went in 2016, I picked up Austin, another one of our friends, from his parents' house in Saratoga on my way to Davis. We had a few hours to kill in the afternoon before meeting up with some of Jack's high school friends in downtown Davis. As Austin, Jack, and I sat in the Blattners' sunroom, Mr. Blattner brought us a box of 30 Miller Lites. In preparation for Jack's birthday he had stocked up on our favorite beer. When it came time for me to head home the next morning, Mr. Blattner asked me for my parents' address. I had a four hour drive home through inclement weather and parts of the 101 were at risk of flooding. He pulled out his computer, scanned a few maps, furrowed his brow, and proclaimed that if I left Davis in the next 30 minutes I could expect light rain on the 101 South between Gilroy and King City, but that it would clear up by the time I reached San Ardo. Still battling a headache from last night, all I could do was look at Jack, who shrugged and said, "Oh yeah, my dad is also an amateur weatherman." And to a T, Mr. Blattner was right. I remember Mr. Blattner for his infectious humor and warmth, and I'm grateful to have gotten to meet him.

Sincerely, Anthony Bosshardt

Two of my favorite Bob Blattner memories come from when Bob, my wife Lorri, and I were reporters at the Sacramento Union. Mark Twain had once been a Union correspondent, and both of these stories feature Bob's Mark-Twain-ish side, along with my birthday, and alcohol. It was decided that friends would celebrate my 30th birthday with a night at the Fox & Goose. It was further decided -- by Bob -- that he and I would walk four or five miles to the Fox & Goose from the Fireside Lounge on H Street in East Sacramento, cutting south to J Street, then west all the way downtown, then south past the Capitol to the Fox & Goose, stopping for one drink at every bar along the way. That was 14 bars and 14 drinks. I'll spare you the details, but there was much merriment, many quotations from ancient Greece, one inappropriate location for a pit stop, and the two happiest drunks to ever stroll into a certain pub that has seen a lot of happy drunks. On my next birthday, Lorri and I were in her room at Sutter Memorial Hospital, two days after the birth of our daughter. In strolls Bob Blattner, with steak-dinner takeout from, by god, the Firehouse Lounge. Also, a bottle of Rioja. What followed was one of the greatest dinners and after-dinners ever, still featuring larger-than-life Bob, but this time the quieter, conversational and caring side. After Bob took a job reporting for the Newport News Daily Press, he recommended me for a metro editor opening and suddenly Bob, Ann, Lorri and I were all back together, at least for a while. We miss you, Bob.

Dan Montgomery

Bob was so fun and so memorable - I was telling a story about him the day before I learned of his passing. There must be 10 Blattner quotes that run through my brain on a regular basis. For a while, he drew the short straw and was the de facto police beat reporter for the Bee. His visits to my office were filled with laughter and commiseration about the occasional nuttiness of the profession we more or less shared. I remember recounting one day what was supposed to be a shocking tale of truly enraging behavior on the part of an editor. Bob listened politely and then calmly pointed out that as a former reporter myself, I shouldn't be so surprised to find someone in a newsroom operating at sub-optimal levels of mental health. At a time when I was still painfully focused on what others thought of me, Bob's complete refusal to concern himself with that sort of thing was fascinating to me. He didn't mind looking silly in the name of fun, and he embraced individuality and weirdness. I think my talks with Bob were a kind of maturity boost in my 20s, and I'm still grateful for that. The moment I think of most often occurred when I casually mentioned one Friday that I had hoped to go to San Francisco for the weekend, but my heap of a car wasn't up to the trip. The next thing I knew, I was sitting in his Honda Civic, the steering wheel a half-mile from where Bob had the seat positioned - and on my way. He loaned me his car as if it was a pencil. Oh! And he set me up on a blind date with a cousin of Ann's! The cousin, by the way, didn't know Bob - we referred to it as a double-blind date. I think that Bob truly wanted to see everyone around him as happy as he was. I liked that he was fully aware of having won the lottery in marrying Ann. He spoke of her with love and respect and genuine admiration every single time she came up, which was a lot. I always hoped I'd see him on the rare occasions I was downtown. I wish I'd made a better effort to stay in touch. I'm sad he's gone, but I'm so happy I knew him.

Michael Heenan

It was astounding that Bob said "yes" when we asked if he would join us at School Services of California. He was already a celebrated writer at the Bee and we never thought we could get him to move to another world. Over our almost 11 years together, Bob reflected his amazing talents to both write and clearly present his thoughts on so many topics in public education. He could take a complicated school finance issue and be able to dissect it so everyone could understand it and grow with his teachings. He had many friends in the world of California education and even more friends in the Capital. His big smile, commanding voice, fun loving character was enjoyed by everyone who knew him. He worked hard for every one of his clients and he would be like a kid sometimes jumping up and down when he won an issue in his service to public schools. School Services was a stronger company because Bob said "yes" to our employment offer. He added a dimension of commitment and knowledge that was a hallmark for all of our Directors and company leadership. When Bob left us to develop his own company, it was clear that he would never need an Associate. His company was strong and his service legendary because he had the ability to move only as Bob would --- a love of life and people, a constant thirst for learning, an ability to write that was unmatched and above all, a commitment to have fun and make life fun. He will be forever remembered by those of us who had a chance to work with him.

Ken Hall

As everyone has pointed out, Bob was literally bigger than life! I remember his writing for the Bee and then was "in awe" when I met him in person when he moved over to the "school side." We crossed paths many times as we both worked in/on school facilities, particularly with the CASH Leadership Academy. I knew it was very important if Bob called personally to ask "a favor." Unless it was a formal event like a hearing, when I would walk into the room, this booming voice would sing out "Mame!" and run over to embrace me with a huge bear hug! He was jocular but so very thoughtful in all of his commentary and conversation. However, he did not suffer fools and would turn his efforts to "educating" vs. "denigrating". Although we had not talked in at least a year or better, there was something comforting about knowing he was around. To say he will be missed is an understatement. But I am a believer in guardian angels; therefore, I know he will still be "around" in my world, and presumably in that of so many others. I am so sorry that will not be able to attend the memorial due to another commitment, which I can not neglect. But I will be there in spirit.

Mamie Starr

Yale swimming coach's daughter remembers Bob fondly! I am shocked and saddened to learn of Bob's death. Bob was the team captain the year my dad retired from Yale and Bob is easily credited with leading that team to a sweet and unexpected victory over Harvard! What a tribute to both Phil and to Bob. My dad loved Bob and like others appreciated all of his gifts! Not just his swimming and leadership skills. My personal favorite (which he may have left in New Haven, and may be a surprise to others) was his incredible ability to place his entire fist into his beautiful mouth! A feat I am proud to say I can duplicate fairly well. Please know that though I did not know Bob well, my heart for all of his family is heavy tonight.

Ellen Moriarty

Bob was unforgettable - lively, smart, witty, theatrical, insightful, humorous, energetic - and has been since the day I met him at the Sacramento Union. He came to cover education at the Union a week after the Sacramento city teachers went on strike. I was then covering the strike in the absence of an education reporter, so I filled him in and gave him my contacts. I have relished his company ever since - especially the time when we were talking in Capitol Park and he launched into a vigorous recitation of Hamlet's "To Be or Not to Be" speech. He also provided me with some great advice when I left the newspaper business in 2008 and was sorting out job possibilities. His advice: take a job that opens doors. I did, working as communications director at the Lottery, which led to a 14-year career in state government with various agencies. In the early 1990s, just by happenstance, I was able to connect him with Bud Lembke, which resulted in him getting the job putting out the Education Beat newsletter. This led to his amazing career as a top California school finances expert. Unfortunately, we didn't socialize regularly, but it was a joy to run into him around the two environments we shared, the Capitol, and Davis, including the farmers' market, Nugget market, and Davis High School back-to-school nights. All those meetings would inevitably lead to a 10-minute, lively conversation that was usually the highlight of my day. Ann, Jack, and Robby, I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. I am also sorry for the people and the communities who will miss Bob's upbeat, intellectual, charming, and occasionally eccentric presence. I feel lucky that I got to know Bob.

Bill Ainsworth

Dear Blattner Family, Bob was an amazing human! He was so supportive of new and younger professionals entering the education advocacy field. Bob took great interest in mentoring and empowering others, and was kind and caring as I entered the profession. I will miss his deep laugh and watching him drive his convertible down L Street. My heart goes out to his family and close friends, and I pray that Bob's light shines through to guide them on their journey. Thank you, Bob for being a class act and caring about our kiddos! Your legacy will live on.

Sincerely, Sara Bachez

Such a great picture! How blessed this fellow Kn-ght is to have gotten to know Bobby well in our senior year at Yale. Bobby was, and will always remain, a model of kindness, good humor and joie de vivre. Sending deep condolences to his nearest and dearest, in gratitude for this uniquely gentle man.

Kim Oler

Though Bob didn't have any formal "associates" in his firm Blattner & Associates, I very much felt associated with him, occasionally formally when we worked together on a few minor gigs, but also informally as we shared phone calls and texts over the years. As pointy-headed policy and finance nerds, we consulted one-another with some frequency - whether to simply discuss a technical item or to share mutual disbelief over some absurd policy proposal. He was a true renaissance man, with a prodigious intellect, and a gift for both verbal and written communication unmatched in advocacy circles and rarely matched even in the press. We were planning to get together at one of his favorite restaurants in Davis and I regret not doing so sooner as his passing is far too early.

Eric Premack

Dear Blattner family, my heart goes to your family. I am so sorry for your loss, and you are in my prayers constantly. I met Bob about 1 1/2 years ago when I started my new job. Bob immediately made me feel welcomed, supported, and cared for not only professionally but personally as well. He had a warmth and kindness about him that made others feel important and valued. His humor (which was often too intellectually demanding for me to get, but made me laugh none the less) was one of a kind and added so much laughter to my days. Although I only knew him for a short while, he made a tremendous impact on my life and most importantly made me feel welcomed and valued. He often asked about my passion for the bass guitar and would engage me in conversation about a topic he knew I loved. He was so selfless! God bless you and your family and thank you for sharing your husband and father with those of us who were blessed enough to know him.

Sincerely, Carlos Rojas

We will always remember Bob for his kind heart, caring eyes, fun-loving spirit and bright smile. He always glowed when talking about his wife and sons. He is so missed.

Love from, Ruth + Bernie Stenson