Robert Perry Gresham

Robert “Bob” Perry Gresham, 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 12, 2023 in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Bob was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed by many. He had quick wit and a sharp sense of humor that was so uniquely his own, and his infectious smile will live on forever.

Bob was the first son born to the late William Robert & Mary (Morrow) Gresham on October 5, 1937 in Bisbee, Arizona. After high school he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served six years of active duty as well as two additional years of inactive reserve before he was honorably discharged in 1963. Bob went on to attended California State University at Long Beach, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1960, and continued his education to earn a Master of Arts in Elementary Administration in 1966.

He began his calling as an educator after landing his first teaching position with Paramount Unified School District in 1962. Soon after, he joined the Garden Grove Unified School District where he remained for the next 37 years until his retirement in 1999. The majority of his long and meaningful work life was spent as a school principal – a position which he held dear. In 1987, Bob worked as a principal at what was classified as an inner-city elementary school. During that time, he developed an extensive community-involvement initiative that resulted in building a much-needed community rapport. Bob’s dedication to his job was well recognized after he successfully gained the respect and commitment of local gangs to exclude them from school grounds and protect its buildings from vandalism. This was a remarkable feat. Throughout his 39-year career, he formed many meaningful relationships and left a lasting impact on so many.

Bob often stated, “I was a lucky man, always in the right place at the right time.” He loved all things Disney, which stemmed from the time he spent working at Disneyland (Retlaw Enterprises) as a steam engineer aboard Disneyland Railroad locomotives as well as the Mark Twain Steamboat. When he wasn’t in the classroom between 1962-1970, he would spend many evenings, weekends and summers donning coveralls and a striped hat shouting, “All Aboard!” to patrons at the iconic theme park. Rumor has it that he even gave Walt Disney himself a few rides around the park!

Bob volunteered much time as well as his incredible mentoring skills to numerous different organizations geared toward guiding youth. He was the Scoutmaster for Troop 1005 of the Boy Scouts of America Greater Los Angeles Area Council from 1970-1980 and was instrumental in helping Scouts develop skills throughout their Scouting journey. He was passionate about youth leadership and education. An excerpt taken from his Educational Philosophy Statement reads, “By involving the student in the curriculum and adapting the course of study to fit his needs the public schools can in fact prepare the citizens of tomorrow for their destiny.”

Bob was a true hot rodder, through and through. His race spectating, auto repair skills, and lead foot combined to become a love affair with hot rods. Bob had a passion for fast cars and loved to work on them. In his retired years, you most likely would find Bob tinkering with his hot rods, attending car meets or hanging with car family in his no club clubs. He was coined “Hot Rod Bob” and made sure to be very clear that he did not drive a rat rod!

Proceeding him in death are his parents as well as his one and only younger brother, Carson “Bones” Gresham. To carry on his legacy, he leaves his children: James Gresham, Nancy Alfaro and Patrick (Kim) Gresham; 12 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and a plethora of nieces, nephews, and chosen family he had collected over his life. A special thank you to his dear friends, Paul and Pat Norbury, whom he jokingly referred to as his “parents” as well as his niece, Ann Gresham, who all provided invaluable care and surrounded Bob in love in his last years.

He will be sorely missed and forever remembered. Per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service; instead, he will be honored with a celebration of life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity your choice which benefits at-risk youth.