Robert H. Ludlow Jr.

The remarkable life of Robert H. Ludlow Jr., ended peacefully, at his home in Santa Cruz, California on April 14th. Bob is survived by his son Spencer T. Ludlow, his daughter, Justine E. Lagerwey, his grandchildren Sophia A. Delponte, Corey A. Ludlow, James H. Lagerwey, Katin W. Ludlow and Gage P. Tipton. His nephew Derek Ludlow and his niece Karen Ludlow Hayward. Lisa Ludlow and Geneviève Heth.

Bob moved to Boulder Creek, CA, at 9, with his older brother, Richard “Kent” Ludlow and his parents Robert H. Ludlow Sr. and Mildred E. Ludlow all deceased. He also lived in Aptos and Capitola, CA and Lahaina, HI.

In 1952, Bob fractured his neck becoming a quadriplegic. Here began the extraordinary journey that left an incredible legacy of firsts and an indelible impact on those who knew him and those who did not. In the 72 years Bob was wheelchair bond he never stopped blazing trails. He may well have been the longest-lived quad!

Bob graduated from San Lorenzo Valley HS, the first quad ever, which later dedicated a building honoring his achievements. From Hartnell College, Bob received a full academic scholarship to Stanford, graduating in 1961, the first quad to do so. Then, his J.D. from U.C. Law at Hastings, becoming the first quad to pass the California State Bar in 1964. He began his law career as an associate at the firm of Lucas, Wyckoff, Miller, Stanley & Scott.

Bob’s successful, more than 50-year, law practice, continued in downtown Santa Cruz, where he was a fixture in the community and spearheaded spinal cord and brain injury advocacy. Bob was instrumental in the early foundations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. He mentored newly injured spinal cord patients and won large settlements for others. Bob was sought after professionally, for his unique circumstance, gifted and informed perspective. In the 1980’s he passed the Hawaii State Bar, again the first quadriplegic.

Bob loved his family, opera and museums and was involved in many philanthropic endeavors. A voracious reader, dog lover, avid movie goer, Stanford Super Fan, Collector, advice giver, storyteller, generous, resolute, obtuse, madly brilliant and brilliantly mad. Vexatious and loved. Charismatic and larger-thanlife, he occupied a lot of marvelous space. He will be missed and remembered. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity in Bob’s name. A celebration of life will be May 21st from 2pm-5pm at Rancho Soquel, 1461 Old San Jose Hwy, Soquel, CA.