Ralph "Bob" Bettencourt

With his loving wife of 49 years by his side, Ralph “Bob” Bettencourt passed away on Tuesday, February 10 at the age of 79. Born in 1946 in Kentfield, Bob spent his early years learning to drive tractors, pickups, and whatever else he could get behind the wheel of, starting at the age of 5 (he would later teach his own son to drive a truck at the age of 10). In his formative years, Bob attended St. Anselm for primary school, and graduated from Redwood High School in 1964.
 

While working for his Uncle’s company, Capella Bros. Top Soil and Fertilizer on the weekends, and volunteering at Kentfield Fire Department along with his Uncles, Bob found the passion that would define most of his professional career, Firefighting. Bob attended College of Marin to earn his Firefighter 1 degree. Bob would also end up earning a lifetime teaching credential for Fire Science, and was passionate about the teaching and training side of firefighting. After graduating and a brief stint working for Sausalito, Bob returned back to Kentfield FD, and would work his way up to a Battalion Chief.

One of Bob’s loves, getting his daily coffee at a coffee shop, led to meeting the love of his life, Diane (Vitale) Bettencourt at her Father’s restaurant, Hungry House in August of 1972. Diane has said that the moment she saw Bob, she knew that would be the man she would marry. 5 years later, in front of 400 of their closest friends and family, their marriage became a reality.
 

The early years of their relationship and marriage saw Bob and Diane travel to some of their favorite places (and Diane learning to love things such as camping and fishing). Diane showed Bob her love of Disney, and eventually got him to love it as well. They would pass this love down to their children in later years.
Bob loved fishing and always seemed to have a boat to take his family and friends out in. Great fishing stories with friends, including Diane’s brother Joe, brought great joy to Bob and he loved telling them. And yes, the fish got bigger every time he told the story. He loved sports and could always be found watching the 49ers, A’s, Giants, Warriors, or College games. He went to many A’s games and in recent years even went to Giants games with Diane to support her Giants fandom.
 

Bob and Diane began expanding their family in 1983 with the birth of their son, Andrew Robert. Two years later they had their first of 3 daughters, Kate Amelia, who unfortunately passed away after 2 months. A few years later, they welcomed Brooke Marie Frances (1989) and Jennifer Catherine (1991) to the family in Sonoma, where they moved in 1985 when Bob became the Valley of the Moon Fire Protection District Chief. Bob loved his family and always showed up for his kids' games and events. He volunteered for their schools and worked extremely hard to provide the best education he could for all of them.
 

Bob served his new Sonoma community with passion and was Chief until 1992, when he retired from the fire service. After leaving, he still found ways to be involved, including building two wildland fire engines for the Schell-Vista Fire Protection District. Bob left a lasting legacy everywhere he went in the fire industry, and Valley of the Moon was no different. He believed in consistent training and was a strong force in the development and building of Station 4 in Diamond A, which is still in use today.
 

Bob would continue working into his 70’s in many capacities that included owning his own plumbing business, and then found another line of work he loved, driving buses. Bob enjoyed telling stories about the many groups he would take, but nothing brought him more joy than driving students in both school buses and charter buses. He loved high school sports and was happy to get paid to attend them, talk to coaches, and be around the students. Even after retiring, Bob could be found at Justin-Siena, St. Francis, CYO, or Sonoma Valley sporting events, cheering on his grandchildren and supporting youth athletics. He was also a constant presence and support at Andrew’s basketball games.
 

Bob is preceded in death by his Mom (Mary), Daughter (Kate Amelia), and his Uncles and Aunts who were influential in his youth and early life. He is survived by his Wife; Diane, Children; Andrew (Maci), Brooke, and Jennifer (Shawn), his Granddaughter; Aurora Amoroso, Step-granddaughters; Hailey and Lia Jerry, Sister; Janie, and Nephew; Robert (Gina).
 

The Family held a private funeral and burial, and will be holding a Celebration of Life on April 18 at Schell-Vista Fire Protection District Station 1 (22950 Broadway, Sonoma) at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sonoma Volunteer Firefighters Association, for Explorer Post 911, 630 2nd St W, Sonoma, CA 95476.

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