Obituaries

Robert (Bob) Kathain Sr., was born December 28th 1938 in Oakland California to George and Beatrice Kathain. Bob was raised in Oakland before he settled in Fremont, California. Bob passed away at Kaiser Fremont August 31, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones.

Bob fell in love with his best friend’s sister Ortencia Mary while in high school. They were married June 25th, 1957, and were happily together for over 67 years. They were blessed with 5 children.

Bob loved the outdoors. He and the family spent many summers at their cabin in Dorrington enjoying the nature, spending time at the lake, hiking, and more. He enjoyed traveling and visited many places including Germany, Austria, Italy, Mexico, Hawaii, France, and the Holy Land.

If you asked his family they would describe him as a loving family man, devoted to his faith, with a wicked sense of humor. He was a skilled craftsman who loved working with sheet metal copper, and wood.

Bob graduated Laney College in 1963 as a Journeyman and completed an apprenticeship in Sheetmetal. Bob worked in the heating and air industry for over 65 years, opening his own business in 1976, naming it for his wife, O.K. Heating, Air, & Sheetmetal. He was a hardworking businessman, who even after his son took over the family business was still working creating custom pieces for his business, colleagues, family, and friends. He worked until just a few short years ago.

Bob was a longtime parishioner and supporter of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Bob is survived by his wife Ortencia Mary Kathain; Children Robert, John and Nellie, his 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; his dog Gracie, his sister Julie, his nieces, his nephews, and many loving family and friends.

Bob is proceeded in death by his children Vickie and Matt, his parents, his brother Max, his sisters Louise and Dorothy, his daughters-in-law Cindy and Rhonda; and many loving family members who greeted him at heaven’s gate.

Visitation and viewing will take place Friday, September 20, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the Rosary starting at 6:30 p.m. followed by words of memoriam at the Fremont Memorial Chapel - 3723 Peralta Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536. All are welcome to say a few words or to share a memory.

Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe - 41933 Blacow Rd, Fremont, CA 94538. Burial to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, in the Holy Family section 26320 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Bob’s name to your favorite charity.