It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Louis Kempf, 64, of Bakersfield, CA who died unexpectedly on November 28, 2023, from health complications due to a previous stroke. His loss was completely unexpected and his family and friends are shocked and deeply saddened.

Bob was born on August 31, 1959, in Corona, CA to mother Hazel and father Robert Sr. He was passionate about acting from a young age. Bob attended Fresno State University as an undergrad, moving on to earn his Master of Fine Arts degree from UC Davis. After graduating college, he moved to Los Angeles with dreams of acting in television and movies.  His resume began to grow, earning guest spots on TV shows such as ER, Seinfeld, and Caroline in the City as well as writing many skits and plays with the writing troupe Monkey Planet. During this time, Bob would travel to Bakersfield and participate in the Kern Shakespeare Festival each year.

Bob moved to Bakersfield in 2002 where he became a founding member of The Empty Space theatre and taught classes at California State University Bakersfield and Bakersfield College. Anyone who knew Bob knew that he was hilarious, caring, and brilliant. He had an immense love for classic movies, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Beatles (among many other things) and was always a source of positivity and encouragement to his fellow artists. Bob’s family and friends will miss him more than words can say. 

We will always remember Bob for his acting career and his love of theatre. We remember him as a director, teacher, and mentor. We remember him as a writer and doodler and lover of music.  Above all we remember him for, and will always treasure his sense of humor. 

Bob is survived by his brother Phillip and sister-in-law Carolyn, his sister Kathryn, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father Robert Sr. and his mother Hazel. Contributions in memory of Bob can be made here on this site. There will be a celebration of life held at the Bakersfield College Edward Simonsen Theatre on January 5, 2024, at 7:30 PM.

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