The son of an Irishwoman from Chicago and a Swedish railroad man, he was one of 11 children and – after considerable Depression-era migration – grew up mostly in Highland Park near Los Angeles. He served a two-year stint in the U.S. Navy between World War II and Korea. He was a printer’s mate because he knew from the age of 12 that he wanted to be a printer. That became his career, which started as a Linotype operator and ended in sales.

He married Shirley Mae Ginter (Sterling) and adopted her 3-year-old daughter Cynthia, who never thought of him as anything other than her daddy. Son John was born in 1954 and, after an 11 ½ year gap, son James came along followed by sister Cathleen Ann. Cathie had severe cerebral palsy and Bob would spend the next 36 years as a caregiver – a role he stepped up to with love and fortitude.

Despite the demands of his work and of caring for a handicapped child, Bob was exceptionally supportive of his other children, enthusiastically encouraging their passions and endeavors.

Bob lived for most of his adult life in La Crescenta. He coached several youth baseball teams and early on was active in YMCA programs. One of the qualities that carried Bob through the challenges of life was a bullet-proof optimism. He believed that people and life were good and getting better, and he believed in the best of America. He was a patriot in the most straightforward way, and as an old(er) man you could count on him to dress in red-white-and-blue for almost any occasion.

After Sterling and Cathie died five weeks apart in 2005, Bob bought a red convertible and began to travel, reconnecting with his brothers and spending summers in Sisters, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by nine siblings; his wife Shirley Mae; daughters Cathie and Cynthia; and grandson Kenneth. He is survived by sister Mabel; son John Cornelius (Roxane); son Jim Cornelius (Marilyn); grandchildren Victoria, Christina, Tiana, Marissa and Ceili.

Bob’s last years were challenging as his health failed, but he received loving care from John Cornelius and his family and ultimately passed quietly and peacefully, knowing that he was well-loved.

Fare you well, Fare you well

I love you more than words can tell

Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soul…

There will be a celebration of Bob’s life on March 21 from 1-3 p.m. at Montrose Church, 2409 Florencita Dr. in Montrose.