Robert Lawrence Kronquist, of Laguna Beach and Dana Point, passed away at home on Jan. 31, 2023. He is survived by his only child Kaitlin Kronquist of Dana Point, as well as sister Diana Johnson of Tuscon, Ariz.; nephews Mike Johnson of Riverside, Calif. and Steve Johnson of Alabama and grand-niece and nephews Jennifer & Dylan Johnson of Riverside and Austin Johnson of Alabama.
Bob was a long-time resident of Laguna Beach, graduating from Laguna Beach High School in 1963. He went on to Saddleback College and then joined the US Navy and served during the Vietnam war in 1965 and 1966. He returned to Laguna Beach and attended Chapman University, graduating with a degree in Business.
Bob worked for the family business taking care of the several properties that his parents owned. He eventually took over The Kronquist Gallery, now 484 North Gallery, on PCH in Laguna Beach, where he especially enjoyed hosting parties during artwalk evenings.
Aside from Kaitlin, his two great loves were the ocean and cars. He competed as a windsurfer for Infinity, sailed his sailboat locally and to Catalina, and kayak surfed at Brooks Street. Bob was a superior athlete in water sports. His other love was cars. He used to race his souped-up Morris Minor with a huge Chrysler engine in the canyon back in the day. He loved tinkering with his other sports cars and vans.
He truly was a Laguna local and loved meeting new people from all walks of life. Bob will be remembered by many as a sweet and generous local who often helped out those less fortunate than himself.
No flowers please. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Bob’s name.
