News Summary
Robert ‘Bob’ Allan Koop, a cherished member of the Coronado community, has peacefully passed away at the age of 82. Known for his warmth and humor, Bob leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and community involvement. He is survived by his wife Kathy, three children, and four grandchildren, along with countless friends who will remember him fondly. Bob’s life was filled with stories, laughter, and memorable family gatherings, making an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Coronado, California – Robert “Bob” Allan Koop passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family. The beloved community figure was known for his warmth, humor, and deep connections with those around him.
Born on April 24, 1943, in Holland, Michigan, Bob was the son of Helen Schmidt Koop and Melvin Harold Koop. He was a devoted big brother to his sister, Linda, and spent his childhood along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, creating lifelong memories with his family and best friend, Herk Van Tongeren.
In pursuit of new opportunities, the Koop family relocated to Southern California, where Bob attended school in both Arcadia and Tustin. It was here that he met a close-knit group of friends known as the “Boys of ’43.” Together, they shared numerous adventures, including surfing and playing baseball. Bob graduated from Tustin High School in 1961 and went on to study business at Long Beach State, where he simultaneously managed Buffum’s department store. His experience in sales led to a successful 35-year career in the women’s garment industry.
In his early 20s, Bob enjoyed a few adventurous years living and skiing in Aspen, Colorado, before returning to Southern California. In Newport Beach, he met Kathleen “Kathy” Anne Fogarty through a ski club, and they married on December 27, 1969. The couple settled in Coronado, California in 1976 and together raised three children: Karrie Anne, Allison Louise, and Kyle Andrew. Their family life was built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and property investments.
Bob was a highly involved father, regularly cheering on his children at games, attending school events, and hosting memorable gatherings. A man who loved being near water, he often found joy in fishing and spending time on his boat. Bob was known for his festive Halloween celebrations and lively Christmas parties, where he created cherished memories for his family. He also hosted college Spring Breaks for his daughters and made birthdays special with storytelling and heartfelt toasts.
Beyond his family connections, Bob had a contagious laugh that made everyone feel valued and appreciated. His natural talent for storytelling allowed him to share tales from his youth and many adventures with friends. Bob was an avid fan of sports, particularly the San Diego Padres, and enjoyed attending races in Del Mar and Santa Anita. He also participated in memorable family vacations to destinations such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Alaska, Newport Beach, New York City, and Florida.
Bob took great pride in the role of “Papa” to his four grandchildren: Gage and Alex Gilby, along with Zoe and Zach Rice. His special bond with each grandchild was evident, as he consistently attended their events and shared in their achievements.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathy Koop; daughters Karrie Gilby and Allison Rice; son Kyle Andrew Koop; four grandchildren; sister Linda Zarek; and Kathy’s sister and brother-in-law. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Islander Sports Foundation or Coronado Little League.
Bob’s legacy of love and adventure will continue to inspire those who knew him, and he will be fondly remembered for the immense joy he brought into the lives of others.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Robert Allan Koop Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Coronado News: Lt. Colonel Robert S. Muir Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Coronado News: Rear Admiral Stewart Andrew Ring Obituary
- Google News: Robert Allan Koop
- Coronado News: Capt. Robert R. Williams III Obituary
- Google Search: Historical Figures
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
