About Rob
Robert (Robbie, Rob) Soper grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and although he lived in many places and traveled all over the world, his heart remained in St. Louis.
Throughout his childhood, and especially during high school, he developed many lasting friendships.
Rob attended Bucknell University where he played for their D-1 water polo team. During his years at Bucknell he became part of another enduring group of friends. After receiving his business degree, he completed rigorous training with the Covidien Corporation, where he had a successful career as a medical device sales representative in the Bay Area. During that time, he met Amy Rodrigues and they were married in 2012. They relocated to St. Louis and their son, Knox, was born in 2015. Rob started his own business, Ohana Building Group, and built up his business until the family moved to Marin County. Most recently, he was instrumental in developing the framework for marketing and commercializing a novel medical device that is now nearing FDA approval, while also starting up his own woodworking company, Wood Panther.
Robbie was known for the passion behind his commitments, the contagion of his laughter, and the intensity of his loyalty to friends and family.
He was the first to offer help and the first so many others called upon for his advice, opinions, and recommendations. If he didn’t have an answer immediately, he would dive eagerly into researching the subject, often coming back not only with an answer, but an entire suggested plan of approach. He was a tremendous father, devoted husband, and a loving son, brother, and friend.
Rob’s interests were vast.
He was drawn to outdoor pursuits (hunting, fishing, camping), smoking gourmet meats on his Green Egg, trying out New York Times recipes, baking homemade pizzas in the pizza oven, gardening, bee-keeping, one-wheeling, and, most especially, spending time with his beloved son, Knox. He spent every minute he could spare with Knox, teaching him how to swim (at 5 months old), fish, splatter paint, bat a baseball, toss a lacrosse ball, ride a bike, make circuits, perform science experiments, and bring ideas to life in the woodshop—to name just a few.
Rob’s smile was ubiquitous, his laugh was infectious, and he never missed a chance to play a good practical joke.
His sartorial taste led him to bright colors and seersucker stylings. His love of family extended to his many cousins, who adored him. He was strong in both personality and his physical bulk; his hugs were the absolute best. He was always thinking of ways he could help the people he loved.
The ROBERT N SOPER FOUNDATION
We miss you, Robbie.
This foundation will work to continue Rob’s legacy of love and care for others by supporting trade-based education and programs that foster better fathers.
