Robin Denys Faisant
March 5, 1931-Feb. 3, 2026
Portola Valley, California
Robin Denys Faisant, known to many as Rob, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at The Sequoias in Portola Valley, California. He was 94.
Rob was born on March 5, 1931, in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Eleanor Kathryn Kelley and Ernest Jean Xavier Faisant. He grew up in what was then an undeveloped Hudson River Valley, spending his boyhood exploring forests, hunting, skating on frozen ponds, and cultivating a lifelong love of the outdoors. An enthusiastic athlete, he played football, skied avidly, and was active in the Boy Scouts.
Awarded an ROTC scholarship from the U.S. Navy, Rob chose to attend the University of Idaho, drawn in part by its proximity to excellent ski slopes. There, he was a charter member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and helped organize a ski patrol with fellow fraternity brothers so they could ski for free. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
Following graduation, Rob served three years in the United States Navy during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Lieutenant (Junior Grade). He was responsible for gun batteries aboard the heavy cruiser USS Bremerton before becoming a Naval Legal Officer. After graduating from the Naval Justice School in 1953, he went on to earn his law degree from Stanford Law School in 1958.
Rob practiced law in the Bay Area for 55 years, beginning in corporate litigation and later specializing in estate planning. Throughout his distinguished career, he served his community in numerous leadership roles. including:
• City Attorney for Los Altos Hills, San Carlos, Belvedere, and Atherton • Chairman, Legal Aid Society of Palo Alto • President and Judge Advocate, Navy League, Santa Clara County Council • Director, United Fund of Los Altos (six years) • Director, Los Altos Chamber of Commerce • Director, Los Altos Rotary Club • Assistant Chairman, Boy Scouts, Los Altos District • Vice Chairman, Disaster Services, Red Cross, Palo Alto Chapter • Assistant Director of Civil Defense for Los Altos and Los Altos Hills • Finance Chairman, Republican County Central Committee • President, Menlo Church Foundation
In 1970, he was honored with the Community Service Award from the Los Altos Board of Realtors in recognition of his exceptional civic leadership.
Rob married Virginia Smith on June 10, 1952, and together they welcomed two daughters, Kathryn Lee and Betsy Ann Faisant. As a father, Rob treasured time with his daughters — taking them to the beach, skiing, camping, and organizing backpacking adventures for their Girl Scout troop. He loved cooking and baking, famously making cakes to unwind during law school and later perfecting a tarte tatin.
In 1976, Rob married Nancy Southard Wood. Their marriage lasted 49 years, until Nancy’s death in November 2025, and was filled with friendship, family, travel, and shared faith. Nancy introduced Rob to Menlo (Presbyterian) Church, where he quickly became deeply involved and remained an active and devoted member for the rest of his life.
Rob and Nancy traveled the world together — visiting Paris 19 times — and were renowned hosts who delighted in gathering friends for memorable gourmet meals. Golf and tennis were favorite pursuits, along with his first love, skiing.
Together, they volunteered with the Alpine Meadows Volunteer Ski Patrol. Rob developed a deep interest in snow science and became a Far West Division Avalanche Instructor and Advisor. He served as the U.S. Delegate to the International Mountain Rescue Commission and as U.S. National Avalanche Advisor for five years, collaborating with international colleagues and forming lasting friendships across the globe.
Rob and Nancy also shared a deep love for Mount Hermon in Felton, California. He served on its Board of Directors for 17 years, including 10 years as Chairman and five as Trustee, offering steady leadership and faithful service.
In 2011, Rob and Nancy moved to The Sequoias, where they formed many meaningful friendships. The family is deeply grateful to the compassionate staff and caregivers there for their devoted care.
Rob is survived by his three daughters: Kathy (Tom) Larson, Betsy (Paul) Wheeler, and Kristy (Tom) Palmer; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
His life was defined by service, adventure, generosity, and love — for his family, his community, his faith, and the mountains that shaped his spirit.
Tags: veteran, public service