Robert L. Bua; Co-Founded Nonprofit Agency

Robert L. Bua, chief executive officer of Bridge Focus Inc., a nonprofit organization with two alcohol and drug prevention and intervention centers in the San Fernando Valley, has died in Burbank. He was 45.

Bua died Sunday of lymphatic cancer, said Leah Bridger, clinical services director of the organization.

Born and raised in Glendale, Bua graduated from Glendale Academy in 1964 and began working in the youth services field. In late 1960s, he co-founded Bridge: A Way Across Inc., a nonprofit alcohol and drug prevention and intervention center in Burbank that received several Los Angeles County grants, including one to develop a model for community-oriented alcohol abuse prevention.

In September, 1989, Bua’s organization merged with Panorama City-based Focus Center for Education & Development to create Bridge Focus Inc., which operates in Burbank and Panorama City. Bua became chief executive officer and president of the Bridge Focus board of directors, Bridger said.

Bua is survived by his parents, Joseph and Stella Bua of Glendale.

A memorial service is planned for 9 a.m. Thursday at Church of the Hills at Forest Lawn Memorial Park-Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive. Arrangements were made by Forest Lawn Mortuary in Glendale. Donations can be made in Bua’s name to Bridge Focus Inc.