Robert William Pettigrew

Robert William Pettigrew of Spring Branch, TX crossed over in peace on Wed., September 18, 2024.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Sheila M. Pettigrew; his children, Stephanie Leff (Barry) of Memphis, TN, Venetia “Venny” Zachritz (Walter) of Ashville, NC, Ariana Pettigrew (Brian Garvey) of Austin, Nicole Beall of Spring Branch, and Danielle Beall (Collin Hammond) of Cornwall, England. He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Pettigrew. Bob loved his grandchildren, Benjamin Leff of Houston, Mitchell Leff of Atlanta, Melissa Zachritz (Caiti Pratt) of Denver, CO, and Sara Zachritz (Anthony Baldo) of Santa Fe, NM. He leaves behind loving nieces and nephews all around the country and was the last elder of his generation.
Bob was born in Wichita Falls to Margaret and Virgil Pettigrew on April 6, 1931. He obtained a MA in Geology from UT, Austin. He served in the US Army Counterintelligence CI Division in Berlin, Germany where he met his late wife, Helga Bober Pettigrew. Following his tour, he was employed by ExxonMobil with a 35-year career as a Supervising Geologist. His work in the energy field sent him around the globe including Asia, Africa, Ivory Coast, South America as well as North Sea exploration. While employed with ExxonMobil, Bob lived in Surrey, England from 1975 until 1985 where he enjoyed the culture, art and history of Europe. Retirement brought him back to Texas where he continued as an Independent Consultant. Fulfilling his dream, Bob built a home surrounded by nature on high ground near the Guadalupe River. By his own hands he converted rocky hill county soil into a formal English Parterre Garden. Bob loved to spend his time connecting with nature, always improving his garden and time with his beloved pets. Over the years many recued pets found a safe home with Bob and Sheila. Bob was a talented Artist. He painted in oils. His landscapes and still life paintings were fashioned after the old European masters using local themes from his native Texas. His love of art led him to be President and Treasurer for the Bulverde Area Art Club over the years. Bob was a dedicated parishioner of St. Jospeh Honey Creek Catholic Church in Bulverde. His family will forever miss him and have the deepest gratitude for the staff of Methodist Hospital Sone Oak, San Antonio. Those wishing to honor Robert Pettigrew’s memory are invited to make donations in his name to Bulverde Humane society, www.bulverdeshelter.com or www.wildlife-resuce.org. A memorial service will be held at a later date.