Family man, newspaper executive, outdoor enthusiast

Bob Bush was born in Pomona to Royal and Zona Bush, the middle of three sons. Alongside his brothers, James and Gilbert, Bob was raised in the communities of Pomona and Ontario. He attended Chaffey High School in Ontario before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Boxer, which operated in the Pacific-Asia region during World War II.

After returning home, he settled in Upland and began a lifelong career in the newspaper industry, which spanned over 50 years. He met and married Delene Stoebe, and together they raised two children, Toebe and Debbie. The family lived in Upland before moving to Claremont in 1972. He and Delene shared more than 40 years of marriage before her death after a brief illness in 1993.

“Bob’s career began humbly as a newspaper carrier, but through dedication and leadership, he rose to become circulation manager,” his family shared. When Donrey Media acquired the Progress Bulletin and Daily Report in 1967, he was appointed general manager of Bonita Publishing Co. Six years later, he became general manager of the Progress Bulletin, and eventually a vice president of Donrey Media, overseeing 17 newspapers across the western United States. His son followed in his footsteps and had a 50-year career in the newspaper business.

Throughout his professional life, he was deeply involved in his community and industry. He served as a member of the Los Angeles County Fair Association, director of the California Newspaper Publishers Association, board member of Donrey Media Group, and a director of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. He also contributed his time to the Pomona Valley YMCA, Pomona Boys Club, United Way, California Newspaper Carrier Foundation, and was a longtime member of the Pomona Rotary Club.

In 1997, he was introduced to Deanna Thomas, and the two quickly bonded over their shared love of hiking, fishing, boating, travel, and especially the High Sierra. They married in 2000, blending their families into one. His son (wife Terri) and daughter (husband Richard), brought four grandchildren: Lisa, Stephanie, Mason, and Courtney. Deanna’s children, Rick (wife Christi) and Dawn, added four more grandchildren: Jake, Josh, Victoria and Austin.

The family continued to grow with the marriages of his granddaughters; Lisa married Josh Kress and had two sons, Dylan and AJ. Stephanie married Christian Banks and had Jaxon and Jamie. Courtney married Andy Nunez and welcomed Austin, Everlee, and Liana — bringing the total to seven great-grandchildren who became the joy of his later years.

The couple traveled extensively but cherished their time at their home in Twin Lakes near Bridgeport, California, his “happy place.” “There, he spent countless joyful moments with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren — taking them on quad rides, fishing trips, and delighting them with his famous blueberry pancakes and captivating stories,” his family added. “His love for family and friends, both lifelong and new, was unwavering.”
He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Deanna; children Toebe (Terri) and Debbie (Richard); stepchildren Rick (Christi) and Dawn; grandchildren Lisa, Stephanie, Mason, Courtney, Jake, Josh, Victoria and Austin; and great-grandchildren Jaxon, Dylan, Jamie, Austin, AJ, Everlee, and Liana.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 9 at Todd Memorial Chapel, 570 N. Garey Ave., Pomona, CA 91767. A reception will follow immediately at the family home.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in honor of Bob Bush to Inland Valley Humane Society at ivhsspca.org/memorial-honor-donations, or by check to 500 Humane Way, Pomona, CA 91766-1062.