Canyon Lake builder celebrates 87th birthday

Bob Cathro celebrated his 87th birthday with dinner at Duane’s and an overnight stay at the Mission Inn in one of the old but elegantly furnished rooms above the rotunda.

“Everything was first class and a most appropriate place to stay to celebrate a special date,” said Bob.

Bob’s introduction to Canyon Lake started as a flyover and observing the contouring of sites for new homes. He came to Canyon Lake almost immediately and bought property. He moved to Canyon Lake in 1968. Bob’s flying hobby had started as a teenager when he took a high school flying class and purchased the Aeronca Chief, a single-engine, two-seat plan. This purchase was made even before owning a car as flying was his first love.

Bob built a number of commercial buildings in Monterey Park before moving to Canyon Lake. He retired from building in 1981 after building approximately 175 homes and commercial buildings in Canyon Lake, including the motel, Pepe’s and a few of the office buildings.

Bob’s two children grew up here in Canyon Lake and attended local schools. He has one 16-year-old grandson who lives in Arizona with his father and his daughter lives in Belize.