Fresno obstetrician gave moms devoted care and attention, delivered 10,000 babies

Rare are the lives that are lived so fully and exceptionally that they defy appropriate description. Dr. Robert O. Wilson Jr. of Fresno, who died Jan. 29, lived such a life.

Over his 39-year career as an obstetrician-gynecologist in Fresno, Bob delivered more than 10,000 babies. Helping his patients start new families gave him immense joy, yet nothing made him prouder or happier than his own family.

Bob was born to Marjorie and Dr. Robert Wilson on July 25, 1948, in Altadena. As a teenager, Bob tagged along with his dad on hospital rounds and was inspired to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Bob earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Linfield College and a master’s degree in biochemistry at UC Riverside. He attended medical school at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, earning his medical degree in 1977.

Bob knew well the legendary medical service his father performed overseas in 1937 during the Japanese invasion of Nanjing, China. Dr. Wilson Sr. was the only surgeon who stayed in Nanjing and worked round the clock to help the Chinese people.

As Bob built his OB-GYN practice in Fresno, he followed his father’s example. Bob believed in treating the whole patient, which always started with listening. He saw each and every patient personally — for four decades — and never let the clock get in the way of a visit.

Never forgetting the heroic missionary service his father performed in China, Bob, who was bilingual, went on medical missions twice a year to Sinaloa, Mexico. As a member of the Flying Doctors of Mercy (Liga), Bob proudly put his gifts to work for those in need.

In his own practice, Bob was known for his “cool-under-fire” demeanor and for always demanding that his fellow doctors treat every member of the medical staff with respect.

In September 2020, Bob was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Even as disease wracked his body, he continued to see patients while undergoing chemotherapy. In December, he reluctantly closed his practice.

Upon news of his retirement, dozens of patients and colleagues wrote and posted letters of love and gratitude.

“Dr. Wilson, you’ve shaped our community in ways that will live well beyond you,” wrote Norma Uragami. “Over the past several decades, the women you’ve treated, saved, cured, delivered their babies, consoled, taught, the list goes on — are all indebted to you.”

Many of the families Bob treated stretched across three generations. His focused listening, soothing bedside manner and confident, exceptional care kept everyone coming back. In so many letters, “irreplaceability” is the common thread. Many wrote that Dr. Wilson was an extension of their families.

Bob’s own family says their father set a powerful example.

“I have found myself to be more similar to my Dad than I ever thought,” daughter Emily said. “I resonate with how he does things, how his mind operates. I will allow that to guide me now as I continue in this world without him. I will honor and remember his kind heart, caring words, and easy-going nature.”

Emily’s brother Tim loved and admired their father in much the same way.

“My Dad somehow accomplished it all: a successful career, happy family, and balanced lifestyle,” Tim said. “However, his real achievement was his continued humility and selflessness throughout his life. It was an honor to take care of him at the end because he had taken care of me my whole life, as well as countless others.”

Bob married Faith, the love of his life, in 2004 in the same Methodist church in Shandon where Bob’s grandfather served as pastor in 1937.

Their routine was one of love and respect. Bob took joyful pride in gardening and cooking. Every night after work, his ritual was to start outside in the vegetable garden and then create a delicious meal in the kitchen. He called both activities his therapy.

On weekends, Bob rode 40 to 50 miles on his bike. He golfed with his close friend Ralph, and they laughed incessantly about their poor play.

Faith and Bob traveled the world and enjoyed SCUBA diving and other adventures together. Bob could never say “no” to Faith. He adored her, just as Faith revered him. She describes Bob as the most universally loved person she has ever met.

“Bob was an incredible listener who always saw the best in people,” Faith said. “He taught me how to live in the present and not waste a single ‘beautiful day.’ He made all of my days beautiful, even the difficult ones.”

When Faith and Bob started dating, Faith’s daughter Mallory was just 6. She came to love Bob as her father.

“One of the last things he told me was: ‘Enjoy your life and teach your children to be good people.’ I will live by those words.”

Bob lived those words all the days of his life. He has passed down an immortal legacy of love, care, generosity and integrity.

A remembrance will be held 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Fresno.