Robert “Bob” Day was born on the Fourth of July, which may explain his independent streak and lifelong love of fireworks.

The son of John and Virginia Day, Bob grew up in Sacramento and San Francisco, attending Saint Ignatius College Preparatory School and Christian Brothers High School before enrolling at the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his PharmD from the University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy in 1959, but never really left. Bob joined the school’s faculty, ultimately rising to associate dean over a five-decade career.

At UCSF, Bob became known for his passionate student advocacy and his sense of humor. His work to elevate the stature of pharmacists and diversify their ranks left a lasting impact on both his university and field. In 1992 he was recognized as the UCSF School of Pharmacy Alumnus of the Year, and in 2021 the UCSF School of Pharmacy acknowledged his contributions to the university by establishing the Bob Day Student Center and the Bob Day Student Support Fund.

Bob was a prolific writer, producing countless professional articles and papers over the course of his career. He also authored several short stories and two novels.

An avid early adopter of technology, Bob was among the first to use a word processor in his writing and desktop publishing for everything from alumni newsletters to family birthday cards. Later in life he piloted drones and mastered 3D printing.

Bob developed wide-ranging interests throughout his life, from woodworking and guitar to motorcycles and cooking. He loved to travel and was particularly drawn to the rich cultures and histories of Asia. He also insisted on doing all home and car repairs himself --there was nothing he could not take apart and fix.

Above all Bob cherished his family: Dotti, his wife of over sixty years, their daughter Cindy and son-in-law Ed, son Mark and daughter-in-law Amy, son Richard; grandchildren Nick and Alex Mallon, Caitlin Galvez, and Spencer and Jacob Day; and great-grandchildren Mason, Liam and Ava Mallon. Bob was never happier than when the entire family was assembled for holidays and the group vacations Dotti and he loved to organize.

Bob passed away peacefully in his home in the redwood forests of Larkspur, California on October 4, 2024, surrounded one last time by his family and treasured friends.