Robert Mark Epstein died at his home in Malibu on Nov. 29. He was 63.
Epstein was born in Brooklyn on Sept. 30, 1941. He graduated from New York University in 1963. Epstein worked for 45 years as a sales representative in the tourist industry. After retiring, he earned a degree from the Art Institute, Culinary Arts Division in Santa Monica. Epstein served in the National Guard and was on active duty in Ft. Lewis, Wash. from 1968 to 1970.
Epstein enjoyed cooking, horseback riding and was a perpetual student of Jim Wylie. He also enjoyed arguing about politics and was determined that everyone appreciate his socialist ideology.
Epstein is survived by his wife, Victoria; daughter Janine; son James; sister Barbara Mayfield; stepbrother Richard Marks and stepmother Adele.
A memorial service will take place on Thursday at 12 p.m. at the Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, which is located at 6001 Centinela Ave. in Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Southern Poverty Law Center, P.O. Box 5632, Montgomery, AL 36177 or Equine Education Fund, located at 15252 De Pauw St., Pacific Palisades 90272. Donations can also be sent to the Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue.