Robert Lynn Abbott

Robert Lynn Abbott of Sacramento died peacefully on May 3, 2017, at the age of 83. He is predeceased by his parents, Albert and Marion Abbott, and survived by his partner Gloria Heidi Cannon; siblings Sharon Cusick of Ohio and Jan (Joann Birkenstock) Abbott of North Carolina; children Tara (Alexander) Taft of Stow, Mass., Tane (Kristin) Abbott of Larkspur, Calif., and Kia (Paul) Ray of Madison, Ala.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Bob was born on September 1, 1933, in Detroit, Mich. He moved to California, graduated from UCLA, and later served in the Army at Fort Ord. He and Marialyce Tyler, his wife of 25 years, raised three children in Belvedere, Calif. He spent the last 21 years with Heidi, most recently in Sacramento.

With his almost photographic mind and focus, Bob was able to become an expert in any field. At various times, he acted as an entrepreneur, real-estate developer, and venture capitalist. Most recently he produced and managed classic Hollywood shows.

A long-distance runner for 50 years, Bob ran over 500 races worldwide, including over 25 marathons. He especially loved trail running on Mount Tamalpais and ran the Dipsea and Double Dipsea numerous times. In 1980, Bob completed the Iron Man Triathlon in Hawaii. He was running 5 miles a day at age 81; his running was stopped only by a broken hip.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Mather VA Medical Center in Sacramento or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.