Robert Newton Denham Jr.

Oct 24, 1947 - Nov 12, 2019

Obituary

Robert N. Denham Jr. passed away November 12, 2019. Robert was born on October 24, 1947 in Montclair, New Jersey to Robert Newton Denham Sr. and Anna Marie Denham (nee Dougherty). His father was a career United States Air Force Officer and his mother was a Pennsylvania coal miner’s daughter. The family moved with his father’s assignments and resided in Newark, New Jersey, Anchorage, Alaska, Long Island, New York, Okinawa, Japan, Phoenix, Arizona and the U.S. Embassy, Bonn, West Germany. Robert graduated in 1965 from General H.H. Arnold High School in Wiesbaden, West Germany. His father retired that same year and moved his family to Sacramento, CA. Robert is a graduate from California State University, Sacramento. He also attended graduate school at this University.

In September of 1970, Robert was hired by the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department. Robert climbed the ladder of success through all ranks and was promoted to the rank of Chief Deputy in 1993. While with the Department Robert received many Citations and Awards in recognition of his leadership, his dedication and his service to the community.
While a lieutenant Robert attended the FBI National Academy, 125th session. The first day of classes, March 28, 1981, was both tragic and memorable because of an assassination attempt of President Reagan in Washington, D.C.
During his tenure as a Chief Deputy, Robert served on a variety of Boards, Committees and Law Enforcement panels. Robert retired in July 2003 after 32 years 9 months of law enforcement service.

Robert joined the Northern California Peace Officers Association (NCPOA) in 1992. Founded in 1934 the primary purpose of NCPOA is to provide scholarships for members of the junior and senior classes enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at California State University, Sacramento. Robert was elected as NCPOA President in 2005, appointed Treasurer in 2010 and became Webmaster a few years later. Robert carried out his duties with enthusiasm and unbounding energy taking on all tasks as necessary for NCPOA.

In retirement Robert continued his passion for golf and pursuit of the perfect game. Robert took great delight in coordinating the annual Pig Bowl breakfast for the Law Enforcement team each year. Robert enjoyed working in his yard with his last major project overseeing the of building his “Studio” by the koi pond and the remodel of the kitchen and the master bath.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his brother David A. Denham and brother-in-law Philip V. Rau Jr. Robert leaves behind his loving, faithful and committed wife of 49 years, Sharen Denham. Also surviving are brother-in-law Richard Rau (Laurie), sisters-in-law Deborah M. Denham and Cathy Rau. He is also survived by his niece Emily Denham (Mark Capone) who has been of great assistance these last few years, nieces Sarah Denham, Karalee Greenawald (Jim), Ashley Bridges (Marcus) and nephew Jason Rau. He is further survived by great-nieces Adriaunna and Gabriella Denham, Alexia Greenawald and great-nephews Jason and Levi Greenawald. Robert will be dearly missed by not only his family but also the many colleagues, associates, golf buddies and friends he met throughout his life.