Surrounded by his loving family, former Willows Police Chief and former Glenn County Sheriff Robert Arthur Shadley, Jr., of Willows, died peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. He was born in Albany, Calif., to Madeline and Robert Arthur Shadley, Sr., on June 20, 1946.
He graduated from Richmond Union High School and attended Contra Costa Junior College. He was a three-sport athlete, competing in basketball, boxing, and football.
He met his loving bride, Mary Louise Young, while cruising “the main” in Richmond in 1967. They married in 1968, and made their home in Pinole.
He began his 38-year law enforcement career as a patrol officer with the Richmond Police Department. He was promoted to detective and then sergeant.
In 1974, Bob and Mary relocated to Paradise with their two young daughters. A lieutenant with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, he later commanded the Narcotics and Criminal Intelligence Unit and served as special assistant to Sheriff Larry Gillick.
In 1981, he was selected as the City of Willows Chief of Police, the youngest in California history at the time, serving for 18 years. In 1999, he was elected Sheriff-Coroner of Glenn County.
He worked closely with the National Crime Prevention Council, Peer Assistance Network, Office of Refugee Resettlement, and Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training. He graduated from the prestigious F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, Va., serving as a sectional representative.
He enjoyed all kinds of outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, hunting, and most importantly golf. He enjoyed many beautiful golf courses, including Lake Almanor, Pebble Beach, and others worldwide.
He loved traveling. He and Mary traveled across the United States five times, visiting every state but the Carolinas. They visited more than 40 countries.
He was an avid sports fan. He loved the San Francisco Giants, Forty-Niners, Golden State Warriors, and Cal Bears.
He was a 50-year member of Elks, a lifetime Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow recipient, and a member of Knights of Columbus and Chico SIRS.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary; daughters Anjanette Shadley, Andrea Porter, and Mary Ann Shadley-Otterson (Patrick); son Robert A. Shadley III, daughter-in-law Summer; grandchildren Zachary Arnold (Kelsey), Greggory Martin (Jessica), Madison Ahlers (Blake), Benjamin Martin, Jack Martin, Cody Otterson, Keenan Otterson, Robert A. Shadley, IV, and Rachel Shadley; nephew Tom Shadley; and aunt, Roberta Wyman. He will also be missed by family and friends and his little nap and ice cream buddy, Trixie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother Thomas Shadley.
All services are planned to take place in Willows, as follows: Rosary at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19, at F.D. Sweet and Son Funeral Home; funeral services at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 20, at St. Monica’s Catholic Church; and burial at Willows Catholic Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at Saint Monica’s. Donations can be made to St. Monica’s Y.L.I., the Knights of Columbus, or the charity of one’s choice.
The Glenn County Observer 