Robert Alan McAlear, also known as “Mr. Mac,” was born June 28, 1938 in Oakland.
After a courageous battle against cancer he passed Aug. 16, 2009, at his home in Nice with his family around him.
Robert attended schools in Berkeley. He received his BA from UC Berkeley and went on to do graduate work at University of Washington. He received his MRE at Golden Gate Baptist Seminary in Mill Valley and earned his teaching credential at San Jose State.
In 1962 he married Debbie Perez and they moved to Lake County in 1965.
Robert taught in the Lakeport Unified School District for 35 years and taught part time for Mendocino College for 30 years.
Together Robert and Debbie owned Main Street Jewelers in Lakeport for 16 years. Robert also worked as a supervisor in the Players Club at Robinson Rancheria Casino up until his poor health forced his resignation.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Upper Lake and editor of “The Seeker Corner,” the Church newsletter.
Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Debbie McAlear, with whom he recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary; son, John (Sonia) McAlear of Upper Lake; grandson, Stephen McAlear of Lakeport; sister, Vicki (John) Oberg of Oregon.
He also is survived by sisters-in-law, Naomi (Richard) McMurray of Kelseyville and Orpha (Larry) Gunn of Kelseyville; brother-in-law, Ike (Linda) Perez of Tennessee and numerous nieces and nephews.
Both parents and a brother predeceased him.
Robert was a life member of the Lake County Genealogical Society and one of the founding members of the Silver Circle Volkswagon Club, and also treasurer and editor of the club newsletter.
A memorial service was held at Clearlake High School Gym on Aug. 29.
