ROBERT JOHN ANSPACH
November 17, 1936 – March 31, 2024
Robert John Anspach was born on November 17, 1936 in Bakersfield, California to Charles and Mary Alice and passed away on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Bob started courting his future bride, Rosemary Robinson, in the 7th grade. He graduated from Garces Memorial High School in 1954 where he was Class Valedictorian and Student Body President. He then boarded a train and set out sight unseen to South Bend, Indiana to attend the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. He attended Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley. After marrying Rosemary in 1958 and graduating from law school in 1961, he returned to Bakersfield and joined a local law firm, soon becoming a partner. In 1980, he opened his own law office. While in practice, he represented clients in civil litigation, probate, business, and real estate transactions.
In 1988, Bob was appointed Judge of the Kern County Superior Court. During his time as Judge, he found passion in being the first Judge to administer Teen Court in Kern County and participated in the Mentors program. Perhaps his proudest career accomplishment was founding Kern County's CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which has been recognized as one of the most successful programs in the country. The Kern County Bar Association honored him in 2007 with the prestigious Bench and Bar Award for his accomplishments.
Notre Dame always held a special place in Bob's heart. After not being on campus for 25 years, he and Rosemary began a yearly pilgrimage to South Bend usually with his children or grandchildren in tow. He wanted to share his love for the University and its mission with his extended family.
Bob served on the Boards of numerous organizations including the Bakersfield Board of Realtors, San Felipe Boys Home, Norris School District, Garces Memorial High School and CASA. He was an adjunct instructor at Bakersfield College for 17 years. For decades he sponsored Notre Dame students performing summer community service at Pyles Boys Camp. Upon retirement, he volunteered his time at Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance and St. Vincent de Paul.
Bob loved horseback riding and is a former Captain of the Kern County Sheriff's Mounted Posse. He and his family spent weekends participating in parades throughout the state. They mostly enjoyed taking their horses to ride in the mountains around Shaver Lake where Bob and Rosemary bought a cabin in 1973, which is still widely enjoyed by his family.
Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Charles and sister, Mary Kay Spencer. He is survived by his brother, Tom. Bob and Rosemary have four children, Katie (Ted) Whittington, Mary (Tom) Berry, John (Lisa) Anspach and Amy (Tom) Ming. They have 11 beloved grandchildren and an ever-growing number of great-grandchildren whom he so loved. Bob and Rosemary recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
Above all else, Bob was a man of great faith and gracious humility. Even in his passing, he demonstrated patience, surrender, and love as he intentionally and reflectively said his goodbyes to his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on April 17, 2024 at St. Francis Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Donations may be made in Bob's honor to St. Vincent de Paul, CASA and Garces Memorial High School Foundation.