Murphys, CA…Robert J. Bliss August 24, 1942 ~ February 24, 2026 (age 83).   At 83 years old, Robert James Bliss passed away peacefully the morning of February 24th with loved ones by his side.

Bob and Joan became a resident of Calaveras County in 1972 after deciding to move to the sleepy town of Murphys to live, work and raise a family. He was a part of our community for 54 years. Aside from the multiple local business ventures with friends and many unsanctioned, unpermitted groups and gatherings that became a tradition, Bob was a volunteer on the Murphys Fire Department for over 30 years, opened one of the first wineries called Chispa Cellars, played percussion in the Columbia College Community Band, acted with the Black Bart Players and was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Local Chapter.

His life outside the county started with serving in Vietnam representing the Marine Corps and graduating from San Jose State with a degree in Civil Engineering having an active license for over 50 years. A majority of his work was surveying and putting his stamp on plans in Calaveras County. He continued to extend outside of the county later in life being a part of the First Marine Air Wing Association and being a docent in the engine room on the Jeremiah O’Brien in San Francisco.

His loves in life included jazz music, a printed copy of the San Francisco Chronicle and travel as close as a dirt road off 395 to a small village either in Southeast Asia, South Africa, Ireland, Cuba or beyond. His accomplishments were regularly measured by a full day of work or a sunset while splitting firewood. Cheers to all who have shared a memory with Bob Bliss.

A celebration of life will be held in his honor.