ESCONDIDO, Calif. – Robert Edward “Bob” Savage, 79, a retired officer with the Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations from 1958 to 1992, passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at his home in San Pasqual Valley, Calif., after a two-year valiant battle with bladder cancer.
During his career with the CIA, Mr. Savage with his family spent more than 14 years in numerous countries in the Far East prior to returning to CIA Headquarters. Subsequent to retirement in 1992, he served under contract to the agency as a consultant on counterintelligence matters until 1999. He served three years in the Army’s Counter Intelligence Corps prior to his agency career. Born in Madison, to Hazel and Norman Savage, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Maine, Orono. While at the University of Maine he was a member of Theta Chi fraternity. Prior to moving to Escondido, Calif., in May 2006, to be near his daughters and their families, he and Sue resided in Rockville, Md. After retirement Bob volunteered at the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C., and then in Escondido, Calif., at the Safari Park. He enjoyed spirited and knowledgeable conversations of current and past events and was an avid tennis player.
He leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Sue; twin daughters, Catherine Gregg and Cynthia Priest; sons-in-law, Keith Gregg and Greg Priest; grandchildren, Robert and Ryan Gregg, Taylor Grace “TiGi” and Andrew Priest of Escondido, Calif.; his sister, Shirley “Shan” Prehn and her husband, Jerry; niece, Elizabeth P. Hogan; and nephews, Jeffrey and Matthew Prehn of Virginia. He was the salt of the Earth. God bless our Bob for holding on and giving it a good fight.
A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 16275 Pomerado Road, Poway, Calif. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to American Cancer Society, San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park or Elizabeth Hospice, Escondido, Calif. Sign the guest book online at
www.obits.nctimes.com.