Robert Redford was a ‘kind man’ who loved hikes near San Francisco but had a ‘deep sadness’ after son died 5 years ago, say locals

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Robert Redford spent several years living in Tiburon, a quiet and wealthy suburb with stunning views of San Francisco.

The Academy Award-winning actor established close friendships with his neighbors alongside his wife, Sibylle Szaggars, before passing away on Tuesday morning at 89 years old.

Daily Mail has talked to several of his pals in the area who described the actor as ‘kind but sad.’

Oh my gosh, I remember him so well! He was a regular, seriously – one of my absolute best customers. He’d come in *every* week, without fail. I told the Daily Mail all about it, I was so shocked when I found out who he was!

Everyone knew him as Bob, and he was a very kind and welcoming person. Every week, he’d meet with his wife and friends at the same round table.

‘He talked to the staff and was personable, he asked questions and was interested in everyone.

‘But there was an intense sadness to him after his son died a few years ago. 

The waiter added that Bob was deeply saddened about being away from his son, and it was clear how much he missed him.

‘He felt like a part of him had been lost, it was hard for him to live without his boy.

‘It took a toll on him to see his son die like that,’ added the Tiburon local.

In October 2020, Robert Redford’s son, James, passed away from cancer at the age of 58. James lived in the town of Fairfax, a wooded area located about ten miles northwest of where his father, Robert, lives with Sibylle in Tiburon.

James received a diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis, a liver and bile duct disease, in the early 1990s.

After receiving two liver transplants in 1993, he started a nonprofit organization called the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness.

In 1999, James made a documentary called The Kindness of Strangers, telling the stories of people who donated and received organs.

Robert Redford and his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, were parents to four children: Scott, Shauna, James, and Amy Redford.

Their first child, Scott, was born in September 1959 and tragically passed away at two months old from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

In 2017, Redford talked to Esquire U.K. about the death of Scott.

I remember when Robert first shared this with us. He and his wife were so young – just 21 and 20 – and they were really building their lives together, with him starting his career in New York. He admitted it was a deeply upsetting time, and honestly, he wasn’t sure how it would affect them long-term. It was heartbreaking to hear him talk about it.

It was awful, truly, but you just *have* to keep going, you know? Life doesn’t stop. We had other kids, other things to focus on, but honestly? It never really goes away. It’s like…it bubbles up in little ways, things you don’t even realize are connected, but *I* notice. I always notice. It’s just…always there, lurking beneath the surface.

Last year, Robert Redford sold his home in Tiburon, California, for $4.15 million after putting it on the market in December 2024.

According to the waiter, the man was hoping to visit Santa Fe, New Mexico, because his wife enjoys the art galleries there. She actually owns a fine art gallery called Sibylle Szaggars Redford Fine Art.

He expressed his love for Tiburon but felt it was time to move on. He promised to return for visits. Everyone who knew him misses him dearly – he was a kind and genuinely good person, always gracious. We’re heartbroken by his passing.

A friend of Robert Redford, who frequently encountered him on hiking trails, shared that Redford used to be an avid hiker. He was very familiar with the local trails and could identify all the plants and flowers.

‘He liked the local flora and fauna, and was a real nature lover type.’ 

One local resident shared that seeing Robert Redford was a real treat, recalling how she used to wave to him as she walked along Main Street, past popular restaurants like Sam’s Anchor Cafe and The Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina.

The woman explained that he enjoyed strolling around Tiburon, greeting people as he passed. He always wore a hat and sunglasses, but the locals recognized him as Robert Redford. People in Tiburon are respectful of his privacy – they don’t ask for autographs or photos, but they’re friendly and say hello.

Tiburon has been home to many famous people, including Robin Williams, Barry Bonds, and Carlos Santana. Neal Schon, guitarist for Journey, also previously owned property there.

Robert Redford filmed several projects in the Bay Area. He shot parts of his 1972 film, *The Candidate*, which is set in Sacramento, in the Bay Area. The 1992 film *Sneakers* was both filmed and set in the region. Additionally, in 2009, Redford provided narration for *Saving the Bay*, a four-part documentary by KQED that focuses on the Bay Area’s unique and fragile marine environment.

Redford’s 2,824-square-foot Tiburon house was built in 1968.

I absolutely love this property! It’s located on the beautiful Tiburon Peninsula and the views are just incredible – you can see right out over the San Francisco Bay. But honestly, the best part is the stunning panorama of Keil Cove and Angel Island. It’s truly a sight to behold.

This cozy split-level cottage sits on a spacious 0.2-acre lot, completely surrounded by tall Redwood trees. Real estate agent Steven Mavromihalis, with Compass, calls it a private retreat.

According to Mavromihalis, the house is located on a quiet cul-de-sac. It features a large family room, a two-car garage, both front and garden patios, and roomy decks that face south and east.

Redford originally bought the home for $3.1 million in 2020, and it sold for $4.65 million.

Robert Redford owned a property in Napa Valley for 14 years, finally listing it for sale in 2018 for $7.5 million. The estate, known as Danza del Sol, included a main house, an artist’s studio, and a workshop.

The main house had 5,255 square feet of space, including three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. Robert Redford sold this wine country property for $7 million in January 2019.

According to his publicist, Cindi Berger, Robert Redford passed away peacefully at his home in Sundance, Utah, a place he cherished, with his loved ones by his side.

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2025-09-17 19:17