Robert Cecil “Bob” Dake, 60, passed away suddenly on April 27, 2013. Bob was born November 16, 1952 in Fort Worth. His family moved to Houston in 1965. Bob graduated from Bellaire High School in 1971 and from Texas State University in 1975. While at Texas State Bob fell in love with the San Marcos River and the Texas Hill Country. Following graduation he moved to Houston to work in the oil and gas industry. In 1983 he began a custom decking and landscaping business and moved his business to Austin in 1994. But the water kept calling to him, and Bob returned to San Marcos where he lived for the past 13 years. Once there, his days followed a standard prescription for happiness: working outdoors in the Texas heat followed by a restorative plunge in the brisk waters of his beloved river.

A hale and hearty adventurer, Bob had an enduring love of the outdoors and never regretted leaving the corporate world to work with his hands and spend his days outdoors. He was a loyal and generous friend whose smile never faded. Bob loved people and enjoyed great conversations. He was happiest when swimming in the river, hiking in the woods, indulging his sweet tooth, bragging about his son and greeting friendly dogs. He was always grateful for these things. Here was a man who thought he lived in paradise.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Wayne Dake. He is survived by his son Nolan Dake of San Marcos, mother Geneva Dake, three sisters and brothers-in-law, a large extended family and many close friends.

A celebration of life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday May 11 at 725 W. San Antonio Street, San Marcos, Texas. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the San Marcos River Foundation.