In Memoriam: Edward Dobbs

Edward Francis Dobbs, of AAA Rentals in Redwood City, passed away February 22, 2017. Ed started his career at AAA Rentals as general manager in 1985. Through the years, he helped build the small business into one of the most successful rental companies in the Bay Area. After 30 years, Ed became owner of AAA Rentals, working alongside his two sons and several faithful employees. 

 

Ed was born August 24, 1948, in Palo Alto, CA, to Aubrey Ethan and Marguerite Elizabeth Dobbs. He was brother to Rosazetta Jacobs, Patti Delmonte and Aubrey Dobbs.  

In Ed’s early years, he was extremely active in school athletics. Ed was known for his sweet nature off of the field as much as for his aggressiveness on the field. After graduating from Menlo-Atherton High School, he attended Abilene Christian University from 1966-1970 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in education. While at ACU, he was a member of the ROTC program and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. From 1970-1972 he was a hospital administrator at Fort Dix in New Jersey.  

After his military service was completed, he joined the Peace Corps and was based in the Department of Meta, Colombia, teaching physical education. While teaching, he met his wife,  Resura Rozo. They married on March 15, 1975, and soon after had their first child, Gerald Mauricio. In 1976, Ed and his family moved back to California. Their family continued to grow, welcoming another son, James Edward, and a daughter, Jennifer Patricia.  

Ed was continually active in his children’s extracurricular activities. He coached both Gerald and James in baseball and never missed sporting events. He was not only a mentor to his children, but to other children in the neighborhood as well. His "tough love" style of coaching is still admired today by many who he had coached.

Traveling to Colombia was always a highlight of his life. Ed was loved dearly by his Colombian family and friends. He enjoyed the tranquility of visiting the family farm and would spend his days laying in a hammock reading, relaxing and admiring the beautiful nature around him. The "Gringo" was always welcomed and celebrated by all who knew him.

In his later years, his family grew and he was blessed with several grandchildren. Alexa, Aaron, Andrew, AnneLise, Beau, Adrian and Sebastian were so loved by their grandfather. Ed had a special way of making each one feel unconditionally loved and cherished. Whether it was making cookies, singing songs or marching around the yard, Ed made every moment he spent with his grandchildren a moment to remember.

Ed’s faith in Jesus was declared early in his life. God formed his unique character through his family and church involvement, which included Young Life, Abilene Christian University, Bible Study Fellowship, Peninsula Bible Church and the Gideons International Organization. Ed was a willing and joyful member of God’s family and took God’s word seriously. He loved others as he would himself, offering love and encouragement to those who needed it.

Ed was known for his larger-than-life smile, positive attitude and infectious laugh. Many would say that his laugh was recognizable within a one-mile radius...no joke! He lived each day wanting to bring joy into other people’s lives, and we believe that he succeeded in doing just that. We are all lucky to have known such a wonderful and kind human being.

Ed is survived by his wife,  Resura; son, Gerald (Melanie); son, James (Haydee); daughter, Jennifer (Matthew); and grandchildren, Alexa, Aaron, Andrew, AnneLise, Adrian, Beau and Sebastian; as well as his sister, Patti DelMonte; and brother, Aubrey Dobbs.

 

Ed Dobbs' memorial service took place at Peninsula Bible Church on March 4 at 2 p.m. in Palo Alto, CA. 

Memorial donations may be given to the Gideons International Organization (https://www.sendtheword.org/).