Rob Wheatley

Rob Wheatley’s love of tennis never wavered, even when he was battling cancer.

Cancer, though, was the one opponent he could not beat. Rob died Nov. 24, 2016, in Indian Wells. He was 67.

Rob split his time between the desert and the mountains. For the past eight summers he was the pro at Zephyr Cove Tennis Club. He was an instructor for more than 40 years.

He had words of advice or a smile for all levels of tennis players at Zephyr Cove. Rob would attend matches to support the club as he enjoyed being a major part of the Zephyr Cove tennis community.

Rob was a constant presence at Zephyr Cove. If he didn’t have a lesson to give, he was tidying up the courts or in the office doing work. He was also integral in helping with the annual Tahoe Tennis Classic each summer.

Rob had a regular group of guys he would play with when he wasn’t doing one of his duties related to being head pro at ZCTC.

He first started playing competitively when he was 13. He attended San Jose State University on a tennis scholarship; graduating with bachelor’s degrees in physical education and psychology.

After graduation, Rob participated in the ATP circuit in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

He was the Southern Cal Sectional and Pacific SW 55 doubles champion, a four-time National USPTA senior doubles champion (40, 45, 50, 55), a four-time National USTA singles semifinalist on grass (35-40), and a lifelong member of the USPTA. 

In 1982 he founded the Desert Tennis Boutique in Palm Desert. Rob had been the head pro at The Reserve in Indian Wells, associate pro at La Quinta Resort, tennis director at Club at Morningside in Rancho Mirage, advisory staff member of Wilson and Fila sports, USPTA member and former vice president of the San Diego Division, and head tennis coach at College of the Desert in Palm Desert.

Robert Thompson Wheatley Jr. was born in Tucson, Ariz., on June 12, 1949.

He is survived by brother Jack Wheatley of San Antonio, Texas; sister Shelley Kosarek-Weir of Richardson, Texas; nieces and nephews Kristen Rosenburg, Meghan Scully, Nicole Stancel, Mac Wheatley, and Ryan Kosarek; and numerous friends.

There will be a celebration of life Jan. 7 at 1pm at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow.

The Tahoe community will honor Rob in the spring when the tennis season resumes at Zephyr Cove.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association.