Dr. Bob, as he was known to so many, died March 8 after a long battle with cancer. He was 74.

Robert I. Bender was born Sept. 20, 1938, in Downey to Blaine and Helen Bender. Bob grew up in Temple City with his siblings Darryl and Cheryl.

He graduated from Whittier College with his bachelor’s degree and went on to receive his medical doctorate at UC Irvine College of Medicine. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a captain and flight surgeon.

Bob Bender with Li’l Smokey at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care. Photo/Provided

Bob practiced medicine in Whittier and La Habra.

In 2007, he left Diamond Bar and moved to his vacation home in South Lake Tahoe after retiring from medicine. A former owner of Camp Richardson Marina, Bob has been a long-time member of this community.

On Feb. 27, 1971, Bob performed his first wedding as a minister. It was for his sister, Cheryl, and Tom Millham.

The Millhams operate Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care. Bob was a part of LTWC since the inception, helping with medical situations whenever he was available.

Bob is survived by his wife, Robin; daughter Samantha; son Robert Spencer; son Randy and daughter-in-law Yolanda; daughter Tiffani Calvert and son-in-law Chris; daughter Kari Deol and son-in-law Steven; sister Cheryl Millham and brother-in-law Tom; and brother Darryl and sister-in-law Beverly; seven grandchildren, four nieces and one nephew.

A loving husband, father, friend and physician, Bob will be truly missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service is planned for March 23 at 12:30pm at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, 4201 Eucalyptus, Chino. An open house will be in South Lake Tahoe in April. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a special fund has been set up for Samantha, 16, and Spencer, 13, at: Dr. Bob Bender Memorial Fund, c/o El Dorado Savings Bank, 942 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.