Robert Crumplebottom

Life Leading Up to The Sims
Robert Crumplebottom was first mentioned in The Sims Hot Date as a description for "Crumplebottom Park", a park made in memory of him. He then was mentioned again in The Sims Vacation in the description of the Crumplebottom chandelier, which goes like this:

"This lamp is a remarkable recreation of a stage prop for the late, great Robert Crumplebottom. The original chandelier became famous when, during his annual winter charity performance, the lamp dropped a full two stories, landing upon the esteemed puppeteer and ending his short, but inspiring life. This replica is a testament to both his brilliance and his unfortunate end."

Robert Crumplebottom was a renowned philanthropist and puppeteer.

Life Leading Up to The Sims 2
It is revealed in The Sims 2, that Cornelia Goth's maiden name was "Crumplebottom", and it is clear that Robert Crumplebottom was a relative of the family. His wife is (now) the elderly and crotchety Mrs. Crumplebottom, who first appeared in The Sims Hot Date as Ms. Crumplebottom,which was later revealed as Agnes Crumplebottom. Robert took his wife's last name. His madien name was Clamp.

Life Leading up to The Sims 3
In The Sims 3, Mrs. Crumplebottom appears as her younger self with a ghost of the deceased Robert, which is the cause of her crabbiness. This proves Robert died long before the start of The Sims.