Robert "Whitey" Diehl

Published in Press Democrat from 4/9 to 4/11/2009

Capping a remarkable life of grace and generosity, Robert "Whitey" Diehl passed away peacefully on April 7, 2009, surrounded by loving family in his Sebastopol, CA home under the redwoods he planted.

Born and raised in Iowa City, Iowa, Bob attended City High and received both his BA and Masters from University of Iowa, where he also played basketball and baseball. Bob - or "Whitey" as they called him - went on to play minor league baseball for Cincinnati with the 1953 Championship Knoxville Smokies.

In 1958, he responded to a "tug on his sleeve" and met his soon-to-be bride and life partner of 50 years, Donna Kay Meier. They eventually settled in Sebastopol, CA where they raised incredible children - Dan, Tom, Ted and Tamsen, and he enjoyed nine precious grandchildren.

Bob taught at Analy High School from 1959 to 1991 prior to retiring. Known as "Coach" to many, Bob coached varsity basketball for 22 years, and freshman football, in addition to mentoring many.

A passionate and loving man, Bob was a gardener and avid sportsman - a fan of Giants baseball, 49er football, and the Iowa Hawkeyes, and a lifelong golfer.

A curious and learned man, Bob was an insatiable reader, history buff and progressive political pontificator. A man who could say volumes with his smile or the wink of an eye, if "The Diehler" was your friend, he's your friend for life. And so he was. We will miss him dearly and will be looking for him in the world around us.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of his life on Saturday, April 11, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at his home.

The family will mark his life with a private inurnment arranged by PLEASANT HILL MORTUARY at Sebastopol Memorial Lawn.

Memorial donations may be made to Analy Athletics.