Robert Louis Lane

Robert “Bob” Louis Lane was born in Long Beach, California, and moved to San Diego with his family when he was a young child, making the area his lifelong home. From an early age, he seemed to carry a sense of responsibility for the people he loved. As children, he would hold his sister Nancy’s hand as they walked to elementary school together, a small gesture that reflected something he would carry throughout his life: a desire to look after his people and make sure they knew he was there.

Some of Bob’s dearest friendships began during those early years and endured throughout his life. He and his friends spent their younger days riding dirt bikes and making memories in the community he would always call home. A Helix High School alumnus, he played baseball in high school and developed deep roots in Lemon Grove, where years later his twin daughters would affectionately dub him the “King of Lemon Grove.”

In 1984, Bob began his career in aerospace on the Apache helicopter assembly line. While raising his young family, he earned his degree from Christian Heritage College and went on to build a long career at Northrop Grumman, eventually managing a Data and Integration team. Over 33 years, he formed many lasting friendships before retiring from a career of which he was deeply proud.

Along the way, Bob married Deanna in 2004, beginning a new chapter of life together. They shared a love of camping, Padres games, and their dogs over the years: Buddy, Molly, and Joonbug. Deanna took great pride in creating a beautiful home for them, and Bob especially loved and appreciated her cooking.

At the heart of Bob’s life was a genuine love for people, and he loved them actively. Generous with his time, his resources, and himself, he was always ready to step in when someone needed him. Distance rarely kept Bob from his people. He regularly made the long drive north to spend time with his daughter and grandsons and traveled hundreds of miles east to Lake Havasu, where his sister, nephew, and extended family always looked forward to having him. Even from afar, he found small ways to make his presence felt, including a tradition of texting his children and grandchildren good morning and goodnight, a simple gesture that became part of the rhythm of being loved by him.

Bob prioritized having fun and being together, and he believed that silliness was, in its own way, a virtue. He was always willing to be a little ridiculous to make someone laugh. He loved camping, baseball, and riding motorcycles, but music held a special place in his heart. A drummer and guitarist, Bob played in bands with friends over the years and found great joy in making music.

His faith was woven deeply into the way he lived and loved others. He had a close relationship with God, and for many years served as a home fellowship leader, making faith and fellowship a meaningful part of life in the Lane household.

Bob is survived by his wife, Deanna; his children, Andrew, Jessica, Rebecca, and Peter; his sister, Nancy; and his grandchildren, Avril, Steven, Olivia, Clara, Atlas, and Rieko.