Dr. Robert "Bob" Eugene Winchell, Jr., was born September 21, 1931, in Wichita, Kansas to Mary and Robert Winchell. He and his family moved to Southern California when he was three years old. During World War II, his family moved to Sacramento where he attended Christian Brothers High School. After high school, he attended junior college and junior seminary, followed by enlisting in the US Army toward the end of the Korean war. Upon discharge, he attended Stanford University and earned a Degree of Bachelor of Science. He later earned a Master's Degree at Michigan College of Mining & Technology (now Michigan Technological University or Michigan Tech) in upper Michigan, and lastly a Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Ohio State University.

Bob served as a full professor and taught across the spectrum of course offerings in the Geology Department, including Mineralogy and Crystallography, at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) for 35 years. Bob taught introductory lecture/lab courses and a Clays graduate class as well as Field Geology and other general Geology and Mineralogy courses. Bob maintained a commitment to provide instruction to all levels of students during their time at CSULB. Bob was an unapologetically tough professor, as he wanted all his students to be prepared for the job competition they would face from students graduating from other universities. During his time at CSULB, he proudly served as the President of the California Faculty Association Union dedicated to protecting the rights of faculty members. Aside from teaching, Bob worked tirelessly for causes he believed in, serving on the Huntington Beach Environmental Council and assisting with the work of The Bolsa Chica Land Trust to preserve the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and Bolsa Chica Mesa. These are now the Bolsa Chica State Ecological Reserve, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Bob also provided professional testament numerous times before various legislative bodies opposing proposed development on environmentally sensitive land and in urban areas with significant geological hazards. Bob thoroughly enjoyed coaching an American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) team when his children played and refereed for others later. He appreciated AYSO for being inclusive for all as opposed to the expensive and exclusive club soccer teams. While at Stanford, Bob met his future wife, Grace, and they were married February 1, 1958, in the Stanford Newman Center chapel. The two started a family while Bob finished his schooling and ultimately the growing family settled in Huntington Beach, California. Bob was an excellent father and husband, dedicating his life as a wonderful role model to his three children and providing the best for his family and for their future.

Bob passed away on December 28, 2025, in Vancouver, Washington in the loving care of his family. Bob is survived by his wife, Grace of nearly 68 years; three children, Rob (Elizabeth), Tim (Tammy), and Susan (Scott); and one grandson, Savion. He is predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Joanne.

Remembrances can be sent in his name to support the Bolsa Chica Land Trust at https://bclandtrust.org or the Shipley Nature Center at https://shipleynature.org