Obituary: Robert Trent Sullivan
Robert “Bob” Sullivan passed away on January 12, 2024, following a brief battle with cancer. Born in December, 1944 in Vineburg, California to Ralph and Merle Sullivan, Bob spent his youth in the Sacramento Valley, graduating from Dixon High School in 1962.
He continued his education at the University of California, Riverside and University of California, Davis, earning Degrees in Biology and Soil and Water Sciences, and a Master’s Degree in Irrigation. An Army veteran of the Vietnam War, he served at California’s Fort Ord near Monterey, California, as a Medical Lab Specialist.
Bob’s water career began in irrigation management for the J. G. Boswell Company’s cotton farm in the San Joaquin Valley, California. Moving his family to Carson City, Nevada in 1972, he continued working in water resources as Executive Director of the Carson River Council of Governments for many years. He then served the State of Nevada further as Director of the Northern Nevada and North Las Vegas Housing Authorities.
There are many people in Bob’s circle of friends and acquaintances who have hiked, biked, camped, swam, played tennis and softball, or skied with him. He always treasured being in the Sierra Nevada Mountains or outdoors in nature whenever and wherever possible. Canoeing on mountain lakes was a summer joy.
Taking part in a relay swim across Lake Tahoe was a remarkable event in his long list of outdoor experiences. Cycling was also a regular activity. He rode in dozens of Century Rides throughout California over the years, the latest in July 2023.
Building and flying radio controlled airplanes was a lifetime hobby he enjoyed with groups in the area. He favored vintage planes as he did vintage cars and trailers. Towing one of his vintage trailers to various rallies was a favorite pastime for many years, especially when bluegrass or folk music was included.
A willing volunteer, Bob was an instructor for the Carson City Junior Ski Program, served on boards for the Brewery Arts Center and Mile High Jazz Band Association, and helped when called upon with the Carson City Symphony and other musical events. He always enjoyed music, art, and live theater.
Bob is survived by his son, Patrick (wife Diana) of Berkeley, California, and daughter, Barbara (husband Richard) of Woodstock, Georgia, from his marriage to Anthoula Randopoulos, and their grandchildren, Nicole, Carter, Jacob, and Elizabeth. He is also survived by his brother Theodore (wife Elsie) of Palisade, Colorado.
A celebration of Bob’s well-lived life will be held in the late spring.
…May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.