SAN BERNARDINO, CA (July 23, 2022) – Senator Bob Dutton (ret), Rancho Cucamonga’s longtime statesman, community member, and friend, has passed away at the age of 71.
An extraordinary public servant, Senator Dutton spent over 50 years serving the community he loved. Senator Dutton leaves behind his loving wife of over 40 years, Andrea, daughter, Kara, and parents, Ted & Jo Dutton.
In 2014, Senator Dutton was elected as San Bernardino County’s Assessor-Recorder, and appointed County Clerk. His philosophy was to ensure San Bernardino County property owners received fair, accurate and timely property valuations.
Leading a department of 250 dedicated county employees, he led by example, treating people fairly and taking pride in providing excellent customer service. He championed veterans, created fraud prevention measures, and had a strong working relationship with county leaders and community stakeholders. He brought integrity and respect to the office.
Senator Dutton served in the California State Legislature and earned many accolades for his knowledge and political acumen. He was elected to California’s 63rd State Assembly District in 2002. He won election to the State Senate in 2004, where he served two terms representing San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. He was the lead negotiator for transportation and housing issues. He was unanimously selected as Senate Republican Leader in 2010, and served on vital State Senate posts such as Vice-Chair of the Rules Committee, Vice-Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, and a member of Appropriations. As Senate Republican Leader, he was committed to fiscal responsibility and he fought tirelessly to defend taxpayers in every negotiation.
“RC Bob” as he was known throughout the community, was a nickname given to him because of his love, dedication, and service to Rancho Cucamonga. He was elected to the Rancho Cucamonga City Council in 1998. He led the fight to eliminate the city’s Utility Tax, which was abolished in 2001. A resident for 50 years, he was actively involved with numerous local charities, always giving back and volunteering his time. He opened a real estate investment and management firm with his father, Dutton & Associates, Inc., located in Rancho Cucamonga and served as a board member and President for the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce.
Senator Dutton received many honors including Legislator of the Year by the California League of Cities, the California State Sheriff’s Association, the California Small Business Association and the California Small Business Roundtable. He also served on numerous community and civic organizations including the YMCA, Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation, and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Council. Senator Dutton’s favorite and most beloved volunteer activity was coaching his daughter’s fast-pitch softball team and helping many athletes receive scholarships to play collegiate sports.
“Bob Dutton was a dedicated public servant and trusted friend. His passion for people was evident throughout his years of service in San Bernardino County. He took so much pride in his role as Assessor and I enjoyed working with him in solving problems and serving residents. It is with sadness that I hear of his recent passing. I wish his wife Andrea, daughter Kara and his entire family my deepest condolences,” said Chairman and Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman.
“Bob brought years of knowledge and experience to the County and we will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the entire Assessor-Recorder team,” said Vice Chair and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe.
“Bob Dutton was more than just a colleague; he was a dear friend that I had the pleasure knowing for the past two decades. During our time together in the state legislature and county government, I witnessed first-hand his passion for serving his constituents and his dedication to making San Bernardino County a better place to live. He will be incredibly missed, and I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Andrea, and his entire family,” said First District Supervisor Paul Cook.
“Bob loved his family, his community and his country. He was a leader and a generous soul, whose advocacy for taxpayers and our county will be dearly missed. Bob never let his titles or accomplishments go to his head, and he was as content looking after his dogs as he was pushing through major legislation,” said Second District Supervisor Janice Rutherford.
Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. also offered condolences to Mr. Dutton’s family.
“I am sad to hear of the passing of Senator Bob Dutton. Bob was a true public servant, dedicated to the residents of San Bernardino County. Whether serving in Sacramento, or most recently as our Assessor-Recorder and County Clerk, Bob had the best interests of our county family in his heart. It was my profound honor to work with Bob. In 1990, Bob was invited to serve on the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Council. During his 32-years of service with the Sheriff’s Department, Bob’s voice provided perspective and sage advice to six Sheriffs. His absence is greatly felt, and he will be truly missed. My thoughts are with his wife, family, and friends during this difficult time,” said Shannon Dicus, Sheriff-Coroner.
“Bob was a good and loyal friend and a committed public servant. Condolences to the family. He will be missed,” said Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector Ensen Mason.
“I am saddened to hear about the passing of Bob Dutton. He was a great county partner proactively working with my office to prevent real estate fraud. Condolences to his family during this difficult time,” said District Attorney Jason Anderson.
The City of Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino County, and the State of California have lost an honorable, dedicated public servant with the passing of Senator Bob Dutton.
If you would like to honor his memory, the Dutton family is requesting donations be sent to the following organizations which promote and support causes that were near and dear to Senator Dutton’s heart: Children’s Fund, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Chino, and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Council.
Funeral services or memorial ceremonies are being planned and will be announced to the community.