With a heavy heart, mourning the loss and
celebrating the life of the honorable, dedicated public servant, Senator Bob
Dutton
Senator Bob
Dutton (ret), Rancho Cucamonga’s longtime statesman,
community member, and
friend, has passed away at the age of 71.
An extraordinary public servant, Senator Dutton spent over 50 years serving the
community he loved.
Senator Dutton leaves behind his loving wife of over 40
years, Andrea,
daughter, Kara, and parents, Ted and Jo Dutton.
In 2014, Senator Dutton was elected as San Bernardino County
Assessor-Recorder, and appointed County Clerk. His philosophy was to ensure San
Bernardino County property owners received fair, accurate and timely property
valuations.
Leading a department
of 250 dedicated county employees, he led by example, treating people fairly
and taking pride in providing excellent customer service. He championed
veterans, created fraud prevention measures, and had a strong working
relationship with county leaders and community stakeholders. Senator Dutton brought
integrity and respect to the office.
Senator Bob Dutton served in the California State Legislature and earned
many accolades for his knowledge and political acumen. He was elected to
California's 63rd State Assembly District in 2002. He won election
to the State Senate in 2004, where he served two terms representing San Bernardino
and Riverside Counties. He was the lead negotiator for transportation and
housing issues. Senator Dutton was unanimously selected as Senate Republican
Leader in 2010 and served with vital State Senate posts such as Vice-Chair of
the Rules Committee, Vice-Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, and
a member of Appropriations. As Senate Republican Leader, he was committed to
fiscal responsibility and he fought tirelessly to defend taxpayers in every
negotiation.
“RC Bob” as he was known throughout the community, was a nickname given
to him because of his love, dedication, and service to Rancho Cucamonga. He was
elected to the Rancho Cucamonga City Council in 1998. He led the fight to
eliminate the city's Utility Tax, which was abolished in 2001. A resident for
50 years, he was actively involved with numerous local charities, always giving
back and volunteering his time. He opened a real estate investment and
management firm with his father, Dutton & Associates, Inc., located in
Rancho Cucamonga and served as a board member and President for the Rancho
Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce.
Senator Bob Dutton received many honors including Legislator of the Year by the
California League of Cities, the California State Sheriff's Association, the
California Small Business Association and the California Small Business
Roundtable. He also served on numerous community and civic organizations
including the YMCA, Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce, the Community
Foundation, and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Council. Senator Dutton’s
favorite and most beloved volunteer activity was coaching his daughter's
fast-pitch softball team and helping many athletes receive scholarships to play
collegiate sports.
“Bob Dutton was a
dedicated public servant and trusted friend. His passion for people was evident
throughout his years of service in San Bernardino County. He took so much pride
in his role as Assessor and I enjoyed working with him in solving problems and
serving residents. It is with sadness that I hear of his recent passing. I wish
his wife Andrea, daughter Kara and his entire family my deepest condolences,”
said Chairman
and Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman. .
"Bob brought years of knowledge and experience to the County and we
will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the
entire Assessor-Recorder team," said Vice Chair and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe.
“Bob Dutton was a dedicated public servant and trusted friend. His
passion for people was evident throughout his years of service in San
Bernardino County. He took so much pride in his role as Assessor and I enjoyed
working with him in solving problems and serving residents. It is with sadness
that I hear of his recent passing. I wish his wife Andrea, daughter Kara and
his entire family my deepest condolences,” said Chairman
and Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman.
Senator Bob Dutton served in the California
State Legislature and earned many accolades for his knowledge and political
acumen. He was elected to California's 63rd State Assembly District in 2002. He
won election to the State Senate in 2004, where he served two terms
representing San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. He was the lead negotiator
for transportation and housing issues. Senator Dutton was unanimously selected
as Senate Republican Leader in 2010, and served on vital State Senate posts
such as Vice-Chair of the Rules Committee, Vice-Chair of the Budget and Fiscal
Review Committee, and a member of Appropriations. As Senate Republican Leader,
he was committed to fiscal responsibility and he fought tirelessly to defend
taxpayers in every negotiation.
"Bob brought years of knowledge and experience to the County and we
will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the
entire Assessor-Recorder team," said Vice Chair and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe.“Bob Dutton was more than just a colleague; he was a dear friend that I
had the pleasure knowing for the past two decades. During our time together in
the state legislature and county government, I witnessed first-hand his passion
for serving his constituents and his dedication to making San Bernardino County
a better place to live. He will be incredibly missed, and I offer my deepest
condolences to his wife, Andrea, and his entire family,” said First
District Supervisor Paul Cook.“Bob loved
his family, his community and his country. He was a leader and a generous soul,
whose advocacy for taxpayers and our county will be dearly missed. Bob never
let his titles or accomplishments go to his head, and he was as content looking
after his dogs as he was pushing through major legislation,” said Second District
Supervisor Janice Rutherford.
Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. also offered condolences to Mr.
Dutton's family.
"Bob was a good and loyal friend and a committed public servant.
Condolences to the family. He will be missed," said Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax
Collector Ensen Mason.
“I am saddened to hear about the passing of Bob Dutton. He was a great
county partner proactively working with my office to prevent real estate fraud.
Condolences to his family during this difficult time,” said District
Attorney Jason Anderson. “I am sad to hear of the passing of
Senator Bob Dutton. Bob was a true public servant, dedicated to the
residents of San Bernardino County. Whether serving in Sacramento, or
most recently as our Assessor-Recorder and County Clerk, Bob had the best
interests of our county family in his heart. It was my profound honor to
work with Bob. In 1990, Bob was invited to serve on the San Bernardino
County Sheriff’s Council. During his 32-years of service with the San
Bernardino County Sheriff Department, Bob’s voice provided perspective and sage
advice to six Sheriffs. His absence is greatly felt, and he will be truly
missed. My thoughts are with his wife, family, and friends during this
difficult time,” said Shannon Dicus, Sheriff-Coroner.
The City of Rancho
Cucamonga, San Bernardino County, and the State of California have lost an
honorable, dedicated public servant with the passing of Senator Bob Dutton.
San Bernardino, CA July 23, 2022 ___