Bobby Max Guess

Bobby Max Guess passed away peacefully at his home on December 6, 2024 at the age of 91. Born in Childress, Texas in 1933 to Claude and Ola Guess, Bob was the youngest child and the last survivor of 8 children. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, and their son Michael. He is survived by his fiancée Jeanne, daughter Capri (George), son Marc (Chantal), and grandchildren Amy, Christopher, Ryan, Daniel, Aidan, and Kate.

After graduating from Childress High School in 1951, Bob joined the Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. After his discharge as a Sergeant, he attended Texas Tech University for one year before moving to San Diego where he attended San Diego State University, receiving both his BS and Masters degrees. He met Carol, his wife of 56 years, in 1959 at SDSU, and they settled in San Diego and raised their three children.

After graduation, Bob went on to a full and accomplished career in education as a high school football, baseball, and basketball coach, English teacher, and administrator. He began his career at La Jolla Country Day, and went on to teach at Santana and El Capitan High Schools. He served as a vice-principal at Santana and Granite Hills High Schools before his appointment as principal to West Hills High School. Bob’s vision was integral in the design and planning stages of West Hills. His great interest in the performing arts led him to push for a professional level theater at the high school, the first of its kind in the district. That theater now bears his name. After serving as the principal for West Hill’s first ten years and establishing the school culture known as “The West Hills Way”, Bob retired, whereupon the City of Santee, in recognition of his contributions to the school, declared a “Bob Guess Day”.

Bob led a varied and interesting life. Besides his career in education, Bob was a Major League baseball scout for 11 years with the Montreal Expos and Toronto Blue Jays, a songwriter and ASCAP member, a stand-up comedian, the author of three published novels, a novella, and a children’s book, and an avid world traveller.

Bob, (known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren), will be remembered by family and friends for his wonderful wit and kind heart. He will be missed by all.

Bob’s ashes will be scattered at sea in a private family ceremony. Memories of Bob may be left on the Trident Society Obituary page. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob Guess’ name to the West Hills High School performing Arts Program at https://wolfpack.myschoolcentral.com or via check to “West Hills Theatre” and mailed to the West Hills Finance Office, Attn. Kelley Herman, 8756 Mast Blvd, Santee, CA 92071.