Robert Kinkaid

Robert (“Buddy”, Fuzzy”, “Bob”) Kinkaid

1938 – 2010

Robert Kinkaid, age 72, suffered a massive stroke and passed away on May 31, 2010. (Memorial Day)

Born January 28, 1938 to Robert & Beatrice Kinkaid, “Buddy” was raised in Santa Clara and attended Santa Clara High School (Class of 1956). As a teenager he danced at the Wutzit Club, a youth/teen center, and was a member of the YMI (Young Men’s Institute) Drum and Bugle Corps.

Robert painted and pinstriped cars, then went on to graduate from the Ponce College of Beauty in San Mateo, after which he became a hair stylist, an instructor and a Platform Artist. He was an outstanding hair stylist for fifty years, settling his shop in Menlo Park and serving his loyal clientele from up and down the Peninsula and the SF Bay Area.

Robert was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed cruising throughout the countryside. Now nicknamed “Fuzzy”, Robert was a life member of the Harley Owner’s Group (HOG) and the Sierra Road Riders Association (SRRA). In addition to racing, and participating in many rides, his motorcycling adventures included the USA Four Corners Tour and a solo ride from the Bay Area to Alaska.

Robert had many hobbies and interests. He had a great love of the outdoors: he enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, and was particularly fond of Yosemite. At home Robert enjoyed the companionship of his beloved dog, Rascal. The two were inseparable, often seen together almost everywhere, especially on outdoor treks.

In addition to motorcycles, Robert had a great love of cars; he was particularly proud of his lovingly-restored El Camino, which resulted in yet another nickname: “El Camino Bob”. He also enjoyed NASCAR and was a fan of Jeff Gordon.

Robert had a very outgoing nature and a sharp sense of humor and wit. He connected with people of all kinds, from all walks of life, and could make anyone feel comfortable. He had a reputation as a master storyteller and jokester; the stories of elaborate practical jokes he and his friends engineered and played on each other were legendary.

Robert loved Swing Dancing and traveling, which he shared with his wife Michelle, and closely assisted her in her Swing Dance business and as a co-host on her ocean cruises. Together they founded the “Magic” Swing Dance Events (“Mountain Magic,” “Sea Magic,” “Train Magic”, etc.) and provided an exciting, new forum for dancing in the Swing Dance community. Robert and Michelle were the Dynamic Duo of Dance, devoted to each other and, most recently, celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary among their dance friends in the dance club where they first met. (Top of Beardsley’s)

Robert is survived by his loving wife Michelle, daughters Wendy, Alysia and Sarah, sons Robert and Keith and a large, loving extended family and friends. Robert Kinkaid was loved by many people and will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Robert, we will never forget you!