Bob Whittaker

Robert John Bob Whittaker peacefully ascended into heaven on November 20, 2013, in Whittier at age 93. A resident of Whittier for more than sixty years, Bob was born July 08, 1920 at his family home in the city of Los Angeles, California. Raised in Los Angeles, he graduated from Franklin High School in 1938 and married Beverly Jean Brevig on November 8, 1941, at St. Ignatius Church in Highland Park, CA.



During World War II, he served as a Specialist 1st Class in the United States Coast Guard from 07 Aug 1942 to 20 Nov 1945.



Before and after the War, Bob worked for the Bank of America, and then for Shopping Bag and Vons Grocery Company as a Payroll and Accounting Manager. He enjoyed his job, particularly helping employees at the store level. His family and home, however, were his highest priorities in life. He loved family gatherings, especially at Christmas time, when the little ones would wait for Santa and later open their presents. He also loved the neighborhood kids, teaching them baseball at the park or taking them to the beach where he would demonstrate the lost art of body surfing. After retiring, Bob often said that his favorite job was as a crossing guard at a local elementary school where he got to know all of the kids by their first name and enjoyed helping them and talking with them each day.



Bob is survived by his three children: William (Deborah) Whittaker, R. Michael (Veronica) Whittaker, and Ann La Porte; seven grandchildren: Michael (Kim) Whittaker, Robyn Whittaker, John (Jaime) Whittaker, Jennifer (Greg) Vickrey, Kelli Whittaker, Christopher La Porte, and Patrick La Porte; and five great grandchildren: Eden Whittaker, Ryan Whittaker, Erin Whittaker, Mackenzie Vickrey, and Delanie Vickrey. Also left to mourn his loss are the many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and numerous friends who were always considered family by Bob. He also had a special place in his heart for two exchange students who became an important part of the Whittaker family: Connie (Keith) Ramirez Hoffman, and Hiroshi (Sachiyo) Hoshino.



He was preceded in death by his dear wife of more than 71 years, Beverly Jean (Brevig) Whittaker; his parents, Leroy Arthur Whittaker and Frances A. (Mahoney) Whittaker; and his siblings Mary Rose (Whittaker) Hopkins Kennelly and Roy Francis Whittaker.



A grave side service will be held at 10 a.m on Monday, December 2, 2013 at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 2161 S. Fullerton Rd, Rowland Heights, CA. The Memorial Service will be held later that day at 1 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2013 at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 East Philadelphia Street, Whittier, CA 90601.



In lieu of flowers, a donation to From Maddis Closet, a children's cancer charity, or another charity of your choice would be a beautiful remembrance of Bob's life.



From Maddis Closet, 15519 Surrey Lane, La Mirada, CA 90638, Phone: 562-943-3684, EIN 54-2173455, http://www.frommaddiscloset.org/donate .



Arrangements provided by White Emerson Mortuary in Whittier, CA.