Robert H Nielsen

Robert H. Nielsen (“Bob,” or “Bobby” as Lois would say) passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones after a long and meaningful life.

Bob was born April 7, 1936, in San Francisco to Alma and Harold Nielsen. He grew up in the Sebastopol area on a chicken ranch, where his cousins often joked that he was spoiled, something Bob would happily agree with. In high school, he was voted “Best Dressed,” thanks largely to his mother, who proudly picked out his clothes.

Bob graduated from Sacramento State University and, at just 23 years old, purchased his first four-plex, beginning what would become a lifelong career in real estate. After an early real estate venture, he worked for many years as an independent appraiser, a real estate broker, and a certified property manager while helping build R.H. Nielsen Real Estate, the company he and his first wife, Pat, established in 1974. Bob remained dedicated to his work and continued working almost until the very end of his life.

Bob and Pat married on December 14, 1963, and in 1964 purchased the only home he would ever live in for $19,500. Together they raised three children: Jeff, Erica, and Nikki. Family life was filled with memorable vacations, including annual trips to Salmon Lake and many adventures to Santa Cruz and Disneyland. Bob and Pat later separated in 1990 but remained close friends throughout their lives.

In September 1992, Bob met Lois Bright, and the two shared a deep and enduring love. They married on May 22, 2013, in Minden Park, Nevada. Bob and Lois created their own traditions together, including spending a month each year in Capitola and traveling across the United States, including a memorable trip to Niagara Falls. Lois became a beloved part of Bob’s life and family, and the two shared many happy years together. Until the very end, Bob told Lois every day that he loved her.

Bob had a lifelong love of sports. He played softball until just two years ago and bowled in a league until two months before his passing. He loved talking sports and loved watching his grandchildren play football or baseball whenever he could.

Bob was also known among family, friends, and neighbors as the “rose doctor.” He cared for more than 75 rose bushes in his yard and took great pride in helping others make their roses beautiful as well.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Lois; his daughters Erica and Nikki, and Nikki’s husband Eric; his grandchildren Abby, Jacob, Ethan, Mason, and Austin; and Lois’s children Leah, Lora, Lisa, and Linda, all of whom he enjoyed spending time with. He was preceded in death by his son Jeff, who passed away in 2015, and Lois’s son Billy, who passed away in 2021.

Bob will be remembered for his humor, generosity, warm spirit, and his piercing blue eyes and easy smile that so often lit up a room. He had a wonderful sense of humor and often made Lois laugh by putting his belt on backwards or wearing his shirt inside out. He lived a full and generous life and faced the end with peace and faith, unafraid and ready to be with God. Before he passed, he shared that what he was most looking forward to was fishing with Jeff again, and we find comfort imagining them reunited, casting their lines together once more.

A celebration of life will be held on April 7 at 12:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 5631 Cypress Ave., Carmichael, CA. Family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate Bob’s life.