Robert A. Fields

March 9, 1928 – February 12, 2020

Robert A. “Bob” Fields passed away peacefully on February 12, 2020 in San Rafael, California.

Bob was born on March 9, 1928 in Canton, Ohio, the only child of Claude and Dorothy Fields. After losing his father at the age of 18, Bob enlisted in the Army and continued his early love of music by playing clarinet and saxophone in the band. After he was discharged from the Army, Bob enrolled at Kent State University for undergraduate study majoring in music. Bob pursued a degree in performance on clarinet, planning a career as a symphonic musician. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, he changed his major to theory at the Cleveland Institute of Music. After receiving his Master’s degree, Bob taught part-time at the Cleveland Institute and began teaching at the Cleveland Music School Settlement full-time for the next nine years.

In 1959, Bob accepted a position as director of the Community Music School in Buffalo, New York. During his tenure there he found a new facility for the school, revised the curriculum and increased enrollment, added faculty for instrumental study from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as revising the tuition fees so that it was possible for many students to attend who could not otherwise afford quality instruction. Bob later received a fellowship at the University of Buffalo to pursue a PhD majoring in composition. Bob was also active in the National Guild of Community Music Schools where he was President for five years.

In 1968, Bob moved with his family to Corte Madera, California after accepting a position as Director of the Community Music Center in San Francisco. After leaving

that position a few years later, Bob began a new career in real estate, first working at Saxe Realty. He later formed his own real estate company, Robert A. Fields and Associates. After retiring from real estate, Bob returned his focus once again to music, teaching and playing clarinet and saxophone in a variety of orchestras and smaller groups in Marin, Sonoma and San Francisco.

Bob was a proud father who loved time together with his family. He always offered love, support and encouragement to his children and grandchildren. Perhaps because he was an only child, family was very important to Bob. He loved to reminisce about the times he spent with his family and friends. An involved father, from catching little league practice to a day of fishing with his sons, Bob was always grateful for the time they spent together. In addition, Bob was an animal lover. In particular, the dogs in his life were very precious to him. From his Boston Terrier in his youth to the family dogs of Isabel, Ginger, Duff, Buddy and Charlie, Bob loved the companionship he shared with all of them.

Bob led a full and wonderful life and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Patricia Moody Fields of Ross, CA; his sons David S. Fields of Smartsville, CA, Robert W. Fields of Rohnert Park, CA and Brian P. Love-Fields of Fairfield, CA; his stepdaughters Laura Lalonde of Terra Linda, CA and Kathleen Moody of Ross, CA; and stepson Brian Moody of San Diego, CA; as well as nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Arrangements were made with The Neptune Society and a private service will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to the Marin Humane Society or the charity of your choice.