Robert F. Caldwell
January 14, 1952 - August 29, 2021
On Sunday August 29, 2021, we lost one of the good ones. Robert Caldwell (aka “Robbie”, aka “Robbo” to a select few) left this earthly plane too soon. Born to Bob and Lucille (Carney) on January 14, 1952 in San Francisco, he leaves behind his loving and devoted family - sister Linda Olson (David Polnaszek), brother-in-law Patrick Lanthier (Laura Lanthier), nephew Christien Olson, nieces Erin Olson, Ahna Terry and Erica Damelio and a gaggle of great nieces and nephews.
Robbie was a true native son of San Francisco. He was born and raised and lived/worked in and around the City his whole life. He loved the City. The food, the music, the people, the history, all of it. He was a 49er faithful and part of the legendary tailgate crew at Candlestick. That said his love for travelling and adventure rivaled his love for the City and all of its traditions and he took it all in with open arms.
Robbie loved good food. He always knew the best restaurants and what to order at each one of them. He continually attempted to push our comfort level of what we thought was edible and was typically successful. He also loved cooking for friends and family, though it was always best to have something beforehand, as you never knew what time you’d actually end up eating (inevitably due to a prolonged and merry cocktail hour). After his dad’s passing, he generously took over hosting the family’s annual crab feed, which was always a highlight of the year for all.
Music was always a big part of Robbie’s life. An aspiring pianist at times, he realized that his appreciation for music far exceeded his skill for playing it. The laundry list of bands/performers he has seen live is more than impressive. His collection of concert posters from the shows he attended may rival the Bill Graham archives. And along with each poster there was always a good story to boot.
Robbie got bit by the traveling bug early. He enjoyed sailing trips south of the border, photography tours of Asia and adventures in the Alps, to name but a few. Later in life he set up roots in Thailand for a good part of each year, but always returned to “the Bay” to catch up with friends and family.
Robbie worked with his father (Bob Caldwell) at Caldwell Building Wreckers (aka “the yard”). During his tenure, he helped expand the business and take it in new directions. He developed an interest in and a knack for real estate. This parlayed into purchasing Calistoga Ranch, which was eventually sold, but his vision helped transform the area into a luxury destination (though sadly the resort was destroyed in the 2020 Glass fire). Robbie decided to scale down “the yard”, but still carry on the legacy of Caldwell’s and opened Caldwell’s Doors. The business has been and is, a trusted source for quality doors in the Bay Area and continues to employ a dedicated team, some of whom have been with him for 40+ years.
Robbie lived and loved life on his own terms, conventionality and conformity be damned. His seemingly never-ending supply of life experiences, coupled with his extraordinary recall, quick wit and sense of humor, always made for great stories. He was quick to laugh at himself and with others. His life was rich with family and enduring friendships. We loved him and he knew. He loved us and we knew. He will be missed.
A celebration of Robbie’s life will be held on October 9, 2021 at 12:00 at The Olympic Club Lakeside 599 CA 35 San Francisco (vaccinations required). In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his honor to Habitat for Humanity or an organization of choice.