On Monday, June 8, 2009, Robert S. Carlson passed away suddenly at the age of 86, having lived healthily and happily up until the very end.

Bob is loved by and will be deeply missed by his wife Margery, his sister Renata Trojan, his four children, Bob Jr., Jon, Pati, and Betsy, his son and daughter-in-law Michael and Cheryl, his six grandchildren, Devlyn, Jason, Christin, Katy, Jordon, and Robbie, his granddaughter-in-law Z, grandson-in law Cody, and his first great grandchild Hank. His brother Fred passed away earlier this year.

Bob was born May 10, 1923 in Erie, Pennsylvania to Margaret and Julius Carlson, the eldest of three children. Bob attended college in Michigan before enlisting in the Army Air Corps, where he proudly served as a Lieutenant in the select group of Night Fighter pilots, so named because they flew in the dark, low to the ground and were the first to fly with radar. After the war, he joined the American Sterilizer Company (Amsco), and truly enjoyed a long career selling medical equipment to hospitals all over the world. His knowledge of surgical procedures and equipment prompted many of his friends and clients in the medical profession to refer to him as Dr. Carlson, an honorarium he genuinely deserved. After his retirement, Bob continued to volunteer his time, knowledge and compassion to Direct Relief International and to the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon, and to be an active and proud member of the Elks Club and the Cosmopolitan Club.

Most of all Bob was a kind, generous and loving man. He possessed a rare combination of intelligence, wit and charisma that immediately put him at the center of any conversation, much to the delight of those who had the pleasure of his company. He traveled extensively and enjoyed all the richness the world has to offer. He was a great connoisseur of food, wine and beautiful places. He spent his free time playing tennis and golf, doing crossword puzzles, reading mysteries, watching his favorite baseball team (Angels), and proudly following the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He loved nothing more in life, however, than Gery, his beloved wife of 64 years, born Margery Ruth Hutchison, she continues to reside in Lompoc. To those of us around them, Bob and Gery's love somehow seemed to grow with each passing day. Their love enriched the lives of those around them and remains a continuing source of joy and inspiration to us all.

A memorial ceremony and celebration of his life is planned for Monday, June 15 at 1:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, Lompoc. Inurnment will be in the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow at Saletti's Restaurant.