Robert "Bob" Trestrail

Robert "Bob" Trestrail born October 10, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to Harry Trestrail and Laura Kraus Trestrail. He passed away on June 8, 2012, with his wife and son Joel at his side as the result of an aortic aneurysm. Bob graduated from Steinmetz High School in Chicago and soon after followed his parents to California, settling in Walnut Creek. He graduated from the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. Later he followed his family to Fresno where he obtained his lifetime teaching certificate from Fresno State University. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 42 years, Sally Menges Trestrail, of Sutter Creek Bob taught fine arts, crafts, jewelry and photography at CCAC, Berkeley High and at Madera High School in the Central Valley for a number of years. While there he worked with the noted sculptor Spero Anagyros. He came back to Walnut Creek in 1964 where he established The Artist Mart, an art supply store that served the Contra Costa area. The musical group that played for the opening of the store was a still fledgling band, The Grateful Dead. In 1968 he returned to teaching at Miramonte High School in Orinda, where he taught for the next 10 years before moving to Sutter Creek in Amador County. Bob will be missed by the many students and young people whose lives he touched through the years. He was beloved and had a profound and lasting influence on many lives. Also influencing the lives of his children was Bob's love of gardening and cooking. A confirmed organic gardener, Bob always had a home garden and was known for the wonderful produce he grew. His children have followed suit and are all accomplished cooks and gardeners. He was also a voracious reader and fortunately held many of the same political beliefs as his wife. Bob is also survived by his former wife Joan Niemann and their four children Bruce Trestrail (Beri) of Vancouver, WA; Jonel Baker of Coeur d'Alene, ID; Joel Trestrail (Karen) of Walnut Creek and Brian Trestrail (Christina) of La Crescenta, CA. He is also survived by step-children, Scott Newhall (Stephanie) of Chatsworth, CA and Sarah Newhall Zuckerman (Eddie) of Stockton, and 10 grandchildren: Kyle and Brian Baker, Kelly and Ian Trestrail, Dexter and Paige Trestrail, Alexandra, Julia and Mathew Zuckerman and Natalie Newhall. In addition to his wife and children, Bob is survived by his Mini-Schnauzer Annie and his A-PAL cat Bertie. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at the Trestrail residence on Saturday, June 16th for Friends and Family from 11-3. Remembrances in Bob's memory may be made to the A-PAL Humane Society, P.O. Box 190, Jackson, CA 95642 or to the charity of the donor's choice.