Robert "Bob" Carl Schaefer

Robert "Bob" Carl Schaefer, 79, passed away on October 31, 2020 after battling pulmonary fibrosis. Born on October 14, 1941 in Alhambra, Bob was born to his parents, William & Gratia (Humphrey) Schaefer. For the past 36 years, Bob was inseparable from the love of his life, Yolanda Espinoza. They met while their sons played baseball together, and were married in 1989, celebrating 31 years of marriage and family life together. A kind and gracious man, Bob will be missed deeply by his family, friends and his entire community.

As a boy, Bob grew up living all over southern California while his father worked in different positions with the phone company. This made life challenging for him as a young man, but Bob's life was typified by challenges that grew his strength and character. After finishing high school, Bob joined the US Army and spent time travelling the world, including being stationed in Germany during his service. He began to push himself, physically, during his trainings. He was able to do 165 pushups in three minutes. His experience in the military continued to help shape Bob into the man that he would become, loving his country and learning how to be in service to his fellow man. After being discharged from the Army, Bob exercised his courage and tenacity to begin working in the repo industry repossessing automobiles. After some time taking incredible risks for other peoples' property, Bob decided to try and get into something a little less "risky." Bob considered following in his father's footsteps by applying to work at the phone company. Simultaneously, Bob also applied to work with Southern California Edison Company. He was resolved to work with whichever utility contacted him first. When the call came from Edison, Bob set his mind and heart to doing an excellent job. He started as a lineman and worked tirelessly until he retired as a regional manager for the company after 32 years. Bob's motto was always to "learn as much as you can," which propelled him at every phase of life to grow, succeed and lead others.

Throughout Bob's life, he had a passion for fitness and health. This passion served him well to keep him healthy and always "on the go" with work. But in retirement he decided to use this love for health as means to help others. He became a personal trainer and wanted to help others - particularly the elderly - in the area of physical therapy and exercise. At the recommendation of his wife, Yolanda, Bob applied to work at the YMCA of Greater Whittier. Bob is described by his family as having worked in a career with Edison for many wonderful years, but when he joined the team at the YMCA he came alive in a new way - serving in a vocation perfectly suited for this passionate man. Bob worked with the "Y" for 18 years before finally retiring as the Associate Executive Director.

Bob had many dimensions to his life. He was an avid outdoorsman; loving hiking, fishing and camping. He was also active with his church congregation, Family Church in Whittier. He took great care of himself, physically, but also mentally & spiritually. His attitude was contagious and he always had a positive impact on people he would interact with throughout his days. He was larger than life. His family, friends and the communities he associated with are better off for having associated with him.

Bob is survived by his wife of 31 years, Yolanda (Espinoza) Schaefer (married October, 1989); his children, Stacie Schaefer, Chris Schaefer, Ryan Schaefer and Erik Montelongo; eight grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.

A Graveside service will take place at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier on 3/13/2021 at 11:00AM.