Robert Clyde "Bob" Brinkley passed away on Friday evening, February 20, 2009 at the Long Term Care facility of South Lyon Medical Center in Yerington. He was 79.

Bob was born in Olgesby, Texas on October 12, 1929 the son of Clyde and Ruby Brinkley. He grew up in California and spent 6 years of his childhood living on Catilina Island while his Father worked on making the jetties.

In 1947 Bob joined the U.S. Navy and worked in the engine room. While he was home on leave he met his future wife Marilyn Scheinost and they were married in 1952. After serving 5 years in the Navy he went to work for McDonald Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA. He worked there for over 19 years as a tool and die worker and then as an interior designer for commerical aircraft. Bob first came to Yerington to visit his brother, Chuck who had been working on the Sceirine ranch. After his visit he told his wife, "that this was God's country", so they packed up and moved from California to Yerington in 1973.

Bob quickly grew to love the people and scenery of Yerington and wanted to open a business which he opened Bob's Broasted Chicken in 1973 and owned the business for 14 years. He loved the restaurant for many reasons, but mostly because it connected him with the people of the community. He found himself involved in the community including the Lyon County Fair Board, The Kiwanis Club, Director of the Mason Valley Chamber of Commerece, he served on the City Planning Commission and the Easter Seals of Northern Nevada where he organized several fundraisers and telethons. Bob loved to play in the mountains, so for fun he joined the Copper Hills 4-wheel drive club.

In 1987 he decided to retire however that only lasted two years and he went back to selling cars part time for the Crescent Garage for about 10 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marilyn, his brother, Chuck and his wife Donna Brinkley, brother-in-law, Richard and his wife Rose Scheinost of Bakersfield; his son, James; his daughters, Donna Pierce, Cheryl and her husband Lonnie Goffinett all of Yerington; his foster daughters, Pam Tonarelli of Tahoe, CA and Debbie Reed of Redding, CA; his grandchildren, Tamara, Paul and Kristen Pierce, Jesse and Dustin Brinkley, Courtney, Lisa and Jesse Tonarelli; 7 great grandchildren (with 2 on the way) and 10 nieces and nephews; and so many friends in the valley, to many to name, He loved all of you very much. He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, his step-father, Paul Price, his son Douglas and a sister, Betty Viator.

Memorial service will be held 11:00 am Friday, February 27 at the Yerington Vineyard Church 307 Broadway Avenue Yerington. Burial with military honors will be at the Valley View Cemetery.

Family and Friends may sign the online guest book at www.FRFH.net

Arrangments are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911.