ROBERT KELLY BELLUE
August 15, 1930 - November 30, 2023
Robert Kelly Bellue “Bob”, 93, transitioned into heaven from his son's home in Bakersfield where he was surrounded by family and loved ones.
Robert was born to Margret and Alfred Bellue in Fair Oaks, CA on the family ranch, which was started by his great grandparents that immigrated from Ireland in the mid-1800s. It was there he learned the hands-on aspect of ranch living and developed an appreciation for animals and nature. While Bob was attending UC Davis as a forestry student, he had the honor of escorting the grand marshal of the UC Davis Picnic Day Parade, Governor Earl Warren, in a horse drawn carriage. He met the love of his life, Nancy, at the Sacramento Fair and when he enlisted in the US Army, he convinced her to come to Germany with him where he was stationed and get married. That would lead to a 70-year marriage filled with adventure. After the Army Bob returned to California where he finished his schooling at UC Berkeley. He graduated with a degree in civil engineering and later went on to pass the State exam to become a Registered Civil Engineer. In the early years of their relationship Nancy helped make ends meet by working as bookkeeper. Bob was instrumental in designing several canals in the Bakersfield area such as the Cross Valley and Arvin Edison Canal systems. He moved to Bakersfield in 1970 with Nancy and their 6 children where he began a 27-year career as Chief Engineer for the Kern County Water Agency. Ever since he was a young man, Bob had a passion for bonsai trees. One day while driving Angeles Crest Highway in southern California he observed a group of Japanese men broken down on the side of the road with a truck load of juniper trees. He pulled over and approached them saying “where'd you get those junipers?” They said, “if you fix our truck, well invite you to the next bonsai club meeting.” He somehow figured out there was a problem with the distributor cap and managed to get the car running. The rest is history; he struck up long friendships with several renowned bonsai artists and parleyed that into a lifelong hobby of bonsai collecting, creating, and teaching to eager students. That was Bob, a gregarious and fun-loving force of nature that enjoyed life to its fullest. Whether it was backpacking in the high Sierras with Dr. John Pulskamp, Jim Glinn and Arlyn Bigelow or exploring ancient ruins of the Anasazi Indians in Utah, Bob was down for it. He was always ready for situations where he could break out his rigging gear and special tools, whether it was rescuing one of his kids in a broken-down vehicle or hoisting up a beam for a home improvement project. He loved a challenge, and he was always willing to help others in need. He made a home with Nancy in downtown Bakersfield that was the site of many gatherings and special events. Nancy put out the spread and Bob made a beautiful yard and garden that was the delight of those that visited.
Robert is survived by his wife Nancy of 70 years; children Annelise (Bill Bruce), Christian (Kristen), Robbie (Heather), and Kelly; nieces Megan and Christine; 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Robert was preceded in death by his brother Dr. Thomas Bellue, sons Stephen and Peter, grandson Brock Bellue, and George Lee.
Bob's family would like to thank all those that have expressed condolences and reached out with love and support. Special thanks to Hoffmann Hospice, Sylvia, and Jovita for their loving care.
A Funeral service honoring Robert will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 12:30 PM at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd. Arvin, CA. There will be a reception immediately following at Christian and Kristen Bellue's home.