Robert “Bob” Louis Van Camp, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on May 25, 2026, in San Francisco, California.

Bob was born in Jackson, Michigan, on May 30, 1970. The son of Navy veteran Bob Sr. and nurse Margaret (née Woehlert), and brother to Theresa, Bob (or “Ralph,” as his parents and sister jokingly called him from time to time) spent his childhood summers at Lake Michigan with his family and attended band camp at Interlochen. In high school, he was a member of the Jackson High School Marching Band. Throughout his life, he was known for his kindness, generosity, creativity, dry sense of humor, and deep devotion to the people and animals he loved. And, according to his sister, Mom’s favorite child.

A two-time graduate of the University of Michigan, Bob dedicated much of his professional life to caring for others. A Registered Nurse by training, he spent many years working in healthcare, first as a pediatric nurse before transitioning into administrative leadership roles later in his career. Most recently, he served as a District Administrator for the California Department of Public Health, where he was respected by colleagues for his professionalism, compassion, and commitment to public service.

Outside of work, Bob was a talented potter and artist, as well as a devoted plant lover. He found joy in creating beautiful pieces by hand and built a vibrant creative community through his pottery studio and artistic pursuits. His work reflected the same care, patience, and thoughtfulness that he brought to the rest of his life. While most of his pieces were functional items such as mugs, plates, bowls, planters, and vases, his most popular creations were the whimsical three-legged piglets, each one handcrafted with care. At home, his pottery and artwork were displayed everywhere, often serving as planters for his many plants. He genuinely believed there was always room for one more plant. To this day, a redwood seedling his husband bought as a gift from Muir Woods years ago continues to grow in their building’s courtyard, having traveled from California to their earlier home in Chicago and then back again when they moved to San Francisco.

Bob had an enormous love for animals, especially dachshunds. Over the years, Saffron and Roxy, and later Berkeley and Bruno, were not simply pets but cherished members of his family. Spanning lives nearly two decades long, Saffron and Roxy filled the home with so much joy that their passing left a hole only more dachshunds could fill. Enter Berkeley and Bruno. Bob delighted in caring for all of them and filled his camera roll with countless photographs documenting everyday moments with the dogs and the people he loved.

Above all else, Bob was a devoted husband. He shared more than twenty-five years with his husband, Jason, building a life together that crisscrossed the country and spanned multiple states, careers, homes, adventures, challenges, and countless ordinary moments that became treasured memories in his camera roll. Whether enjoying a quiet evening at home (Bob’s favorite), caring for their dogs, traveling together, or simply sharing everyday life, Bob’s greatest happiness came from being with the people—and the little dogs—he loved.

A man with a uniquely dark sense of humor, Bob would joke that he did not have or want friends (or the perceived burden of them), while at the same time quietly being loved by coworkers, artists, family, actual friends, and countless people whose lives he touched.

Bob is survived by his husband, Jason; his sister, Theresa Jason (née Van Camp); brother-in-law Mark Jason; nephews Monte Jason (wife Sydney), Karl Jason, Nickolas Jason, and Kameron Jason; mother-in-law Iris Plowman; sisters-in-law Jessica Plowman (wife Jennifer) and Ashley Plowman; and many friends, colleagues, fellow artists, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Those who knew Bob will remember his caring heart, his loyalty, his creativity, his humor, and his remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed and cared for. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Duggan’s Funeral Service, 3434 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to organizations supporting nursing education, nursing scholarships, or dachshund rescue.