My tribute to Robert Alfred Zapata: AKA Bob, Bubba, Zeek, Zap, Pops, Pappy, Pappers, Grandpa. Nov. 16, 1940-Nov. 21, 2025.

After being married to Bob for 53 years, yep, I feel I knew him pretty well.

I met Bob in 1970 when I went to work at the Santa Barbara Police Department as a secretary in the Detective Bureau. Soon after I started my job, Bob moved from patrol into the bureau as a detective.

Two years later, we were married, and from that moment on, I lived the life of a police family — a life that could be unpredictable and disruptive, especially when Bob was working his specialty, major cases.

He was often called out in the middle of the night or on weekends to handle homicides, shootings, robberies, or other various crimes, but through it all he handled the demands of his career with quiet strength and dedication.

Bob was truly a hometown boy. He was born and raised in Carpinteria and Santa Barbara. He attended Santa Barbara High School, where he excelled in track and basketball. He carried lifelong positive memories of his friends, teammates and teachers, especially those connected to sports.

Bob was competitive and driven, and loved to watch football in his free time. I have to admit that even though he was so easy-going, he could get somewhat upset when one of his favorite football teams lost.

Before joining law enforcement, Bob worked various local jobs, including driving a cement truck and working in a marble factory. One day, a customer at the marble shop, who happened to be a police officer, encouraged Bob to apply for a job at the Santa Barbara Police Department. That suggestion changed his life.

Bob went on to have a wonderful 20-year career as both a patrolman and a detective, work he truly loved. After open-heart surgery, he continued serving the community as an investigator for the District Attorney’s Office, later working security at the bankruptcy court, and eventually becoming a marshal at the golf course — his favorite hangout!

As I have witnessed, and after talking to many of his friends, no matter the situation, Bob treated everyone with respect — including those he arrested.

His calm, thoughtful manner earned him deep respect from colleagues and the many people whose lives he touched.

The love and support I have received from his friends since his passing proves the kind of man he was, and the kind of friendships he built.

Mentally and physically, Bob was as strong as they come. He faced major surgeries and illnesses with resilience, and always seemed to bounce back, and he always had such a positive attitude.

Even when I worried or had problems, Bob would simply say, “It’ll be all right” and somehow, it always was.

After retirement, Bob found a true passion in golf. He and I also traveled to many far-off places and shared some of the best times of our lives. Wherever we went, Bob had a way of connecting with people, especially tour guides, who often seemed to take to him instantly.

He had a natural warmth, kindness, and comforting presence that made people feel at ease. That was Bob.

As messages, calls, emails and cards have arrived, I have been reminded of just how deeply loved Bob was. So many wonderful stories have been shared with me, stories that make me smile, laugh, and feel incredibly grateful. And of course, I have my own memories, enough to keep my heart full for the rest of my life.

Bob lived a wonderfully happy life, always doing something he enjoyed and always putting family first whenever possible. He raised a loving family of which he was deeply proud, and the bond they shared was unmistakable.

He was a devoted husband, a family man through and through, and a steady presence to all who knew him.

Rest in peace, Bubba. You will be forever loved and forever missed by many.