Robert Emmett Waite

Robert Emmett Waite (Bob) January 26, 1924 - February 17, 2010 Always one to make a grand entrance, Bob was born in an elevator on January 26, 1924 in Redlands, California and took his final bow on February 17, 2010 at age 86. He was the son of a pioneer citrus growing family and grandson of one of Redlands' founding fathers. After graduating from Redlands High in 1942, he joined the Army Air Corps and was stationed in England during WWII. He came home after the war and eventually settled in Torrance, CA. While working at Northrop Aircraft in 1953, he met and later married co-worker Dorothy Graves. Bob had a creative mind, always inventing new gadgets including a rocking tank the kids could sit inside and "rock" into battle; and the famous camper he built himself - complete with really cool fins on the top - that went on the back of his pickup and carried the family on many memorable vacations in the 60s. The family moved to Bakersfield in 1964 when he and his brother-in-law bought Kernville Stage and Freight Lines. Each day, the mail, freight and passengers were delivered to the Lake Isabella area via the winding Kern Canyon Road. There were many adventures along the way, and Bob, a master storyteller, added fascinating new details with each re-telling. He served as Grand Noble Humbug of the Peter Lebec Chapter of E Clampus Vitus and particularly enjoyed singing and playing the concertina in the Clamper Band as well as the "Trash Hike" camping excursions. In 1973, he and Dorothy moved to the ranch east of town where he farmed fruits, vegetables and several acres of walnut trees. Bob became actively involved with the 60 Plus club at CSUB, where, at 80 Plus himself, he served as vice president. He was a self-described "terrific ticket taker" at the Dore Theater as well as numerous CSUB sporting events. He had a keen and clever sense of humor, and frequently led the 60 Plus humor and sing-along groups. He loved the limelight, and even enjoyed a stint playing Santa at Rosewood. After Dorothy's death in 2001, mutual friends introduced Bob to the recently widowed Elaine Downing. They were blessed with the gift of a second sweet love and enjoyed nearly eight years together, sharing fun, laughter, love and many outings in Bob's red Mustang convertible, "Ruby". In addition to Elaine, Bob is survived by daughter, Joyce and son-in-law Stafford Cox of Long Beach; son, Mark Waite of Roanoke, Virginia; extended family Debbie and Todd Ross of Bakersfield and Kent Downing and Hilary McKenna of New Zealand; sister, Mary Young and niece, Mary Abbott, both of Redlands; grandchildren, Amy and Sarah Cox, and Andy, Vicki, and Daniel Waite; and great-grandson, Asher. The family wishes to thank the stellar nursing staff at San Joaquin Hospital for their kindness and tender care of Bob and the rest of us during the past few weeks. A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, February 27, 2:00 p.m., at the White Oak Clubhouse at The Greens, 2209 Snowdrop Drive, Bakersfield. Burial will be March 1 at 11:00 a.m., at Bakersfield Veterans Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin. www.bakersfield.com/obits