Born in Napa, Calif., in 1928, Mr. Patmont graduated from Berkeley High School in 1945, played football at the University of Nevada for one semester, then joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After World War II, he graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 1950, and from Harvard Law School in 1953. He spent much of his working life as an admiralty lawyer in San Francisco, and as a participant in a variety of business ventures.
Mr. Patmont traveled extensively, and at various times lived abroad. He flew his own airplane and was an active sportsman. He enjoyed the company of friends from all walks of life and all parts of the world. To his great delight, but to the consternation of some of his conservative friends, he was an unrepentant liberal.
Mr. Patmont loved the English language and took pride in his skills as a wordsmith. He wrote two volumes of memoirs and the history of Claremont Country Club, of which he was a long-time member. He was also a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States and a variety of other organizations.
Mr. Patmont's motto was "Be good to those who are good to you." He was, and his easy wit, keen intellect and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.
Mr. Patmont was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Arnold Patmont. He is survived by his children, Edward Patmont (Rouaida) of Walnut Creek, Calif., Clayton Patmont (Christine) of Bainbridge Island, Wash., Elizabeth Buchanan (Douglas) of Eureka, Calif., Victoria Pedersen (Peder) of San Anselmo, Calif., and Katherine Millet (Christian) of Dallas. A celebration in honor of the life of Robert/Bob/Dad will be held on Sunday, May 17 at 2 p.m. at the Claremont Country Club.
