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Robert Dees Obituary
1948-2011
Rob Dees of San Pedro passed away November 3, 2011 at his mother's house in Torrance from complications of colon cancer. Rob was born in Greenville, Alabama and moved with his family to the Hollywood Riviera section of Torrance in 1956. He graduated from South High in 1966 and Troy (Alabama) State University in 1974. Rob's lifelong interests included surf and car culture and music-especially live music. He was a regular at Redondo Beach's Sweetwater nightclub and the beach at Sacred Cove in the 70s and 80s. Rob loved Opel automobiles, his timeshare in Mexico, Gram and Emmy Lou, Auburn football and, above all, a good time. Opinionated, articulate and witty, he could turn the answer to a yes or no question into a 20 minute story. Rob described himself in his last months as looking like a size medium elephant in an XXL elephant suit. In June, dozens of his friends from around the world joined him at a party thrown by Mike Cekalovich and Debbie Klett. Rob is survived by his mother Edith and sister Edie and was predeceased by his father, Lt. Col. (retired) Robert W. Dees. The family sincerely thanks Rob's devoted friends who supported him during his illness. Also his hospice nurse Eileen Miller and caregivers April and Sonia, who bestowed many kind favors on our curmudgeon. He was one of a kind and left a huge hole in our hearts. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com. Go to www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Dees
Christina Grace
November 5, 2012
To Edith and Edie,
I will also miss your Robert Jr. He was my beach buddy, a big brother, an escort if needed and a friend. He gave me advise on car repair, stereo equipment and music, although he thought I had good musical,taste.He was a great source of entertainment to me personally. I throughly enjoyed his company and he will greatly be missed.
Mark & Devereaux Salcido
November 2, 2012
Robb,
Hope Life's Good On The Other Side...
At my Vanderlip cottage 1974
Jared Eaton
October 26, 2012
Rob was a good friend to me and many others because of his wit, humor and was an exceptional raconteur. He had the qualities of a southern gentleman and didn't buy into the materialistic life style and enjoyed the simple life and spent much of his time in the beauty of nature at Sacred Cove where I met him. He lives in our hearts. Aloha
Debbie Klett
October 24, 2012
It's been almost a year since I said good bye to Robb but so many of his conversation play back in my head. He's given me perspective on various life issues I struggle with. I was honored he wanted to share the last few months of his life with me. Robb will always live in my heart. <3<3<3
Richard Stacy
July 16, 2012
Rob was one of Sweetwater's favorite sons and will surely be missed and remembered when we we all gather together again for probably the last time in September.It's just the kind of event he lived for.
Bob Francis
June 30, 2012
Rob was one my best friends for over 30 years. We traveled together and spoke every day. I waited for this day to make this entry because he now is truly gone. My wife passed away Sunday and I know Rob greated her with open arms. Take care until we meet again.
Via con dios mi amigo
Clay
March 16, 2012
Well, damn. I didn't know you were gone. RIP, neighbor.
Friends to the END...We Miss You!
Michael Cekalovich
February 3, 2012
Mabel Escobedo
February 2, 2012
I met Rob @ TMMC. He was one of my pt. As soon as I met him, we jus clicked. Rob u were a great guy and u well be missed. I'm very lucky to have been able to here all your stories, and thanks for sharing tears with me. <3 always MABEL
November 15, 2011
rob has been my friend since the 4th grade and that was a long time ago. we built model cars together, rode bikes like mad and walked to the beach every chance we got. i dont think we ever disagreed about anything, rob was so easy to be with. in our teens and twenties it was music! we saw gram and the burritos many a time and spent great evenings at the palamino. i dont know how i would have gotten through my divorce without his support, a truer friend never was. thx to mike for putting together the party for him, i was able to spend a couple days with him and man did he enjoy that party. i'm so grateful to all his friends who were able to make it. we spoke almost every week after that and rob was his most irreverent self, i dont think anyone could make me laugh as much as he did, he had a real way with words and ill miss those conversations so much. he was truly the brother i never had.i loved him dearly and will miss him greatly. my love to mrs dees, one of the sweetest persons ive ever met and to edie too. rest easy rob, you will always have a place the hearts of many, many people. tom & robyn
November 11, 2011
Robb, My friend and neighbor...I moved into the condo next to Robb back in 1998. I moved to San Pedro from Phila. area and Robb became my next door neighbor and first friend in California. Over the years, we visited almost daily...we shared many a meal. I can honestly say that I have never known anyone like Robb. We shared amazing converstion ( with Nascar or College football in the back ground) and if not for the constant phone calls he recieved from his many friends, we may have actually finished a few conversations. Robb was the most articulate debater of political commentary that I have ever known or ever will know. I learned much from this Southern gentleman and now a believer of most of his rebel ideas. I am missing you brother but we will cross paths again....Robert
November 11, 2011
Rob's father and my father knew each other in south Alabama. Rob and I met in the early 1970's in Troy, Alabama. Rob used to call himself a walking warehouse of useless information. Rob could talk at length on any topic. I always enjoyed being with Rob and I will miss him dearly.
James Logan (Sanford, Florida)
November 10, 2011
Rob....political and cultural guru.......arbiter of good taste, subtle fashionistics and discreet deportment....we became friends 39 years ago entangled in southern rock and southern belles...we talked often and several times we saw one another when he returned to Dixie....
i miss already the vigor of his personality...he was a good and loyal friend..............john mcvay, china grove, alabama ...
Kay Lewis
November 10, 2011
Our dearest pundent, Rob. Always had an opinion... Even though I didn't know about your party, I'm thankful for our most recent conversations and feel better knowing that you were comfortable "going" when our country was in such political upheaval. Luvya.
Linda Grgas
November 10, 2011
Rob, I met you 20 years ago and then we became reaquainted last year. I loved your dry sarcastic sense of humor and like mindset on many of today's social issues. You are a true southern gentleman and a born rebel. You will be sorely missed by all of us who know you.
Pam Vickers
November 9, 2011
My buddy Rob, I already miss your cheerful HELLO for the last 30 or so years every 3 weeks that you would come to my place to get a haircut. You always had your funny jokes and stories to tell me and kept me up to date on old friends, and especially your opinions on the colors I would paint my walls. Rob and I shared the same birthday week and always had a discussion on how perfect we were cause we were Virgos . My prayers and love go out to your Mom and Sister
November 9, 2011
I met Rob at Sacred beach , we became fast friends and neighbors , we had many good times going to concerts , he turned me on to a lot of great music , now when i hear that music i sure do think of him, i'm sure i'll see you at the beach someday hopefully many years from now , peace to all , Jerry
Lynn
November 9, 2011
You will be missed Rob. RIP my friend.
stan Morrill
November 9, 2011
We just want to say how much Rob ment to us, I have known Rob from 1974 from Sacred cove, and we always loved seeing rob at the sacred partys and at the clubs , We will truly miss Rob, But we will keep him in our hearts and we will remember him the rest of our life.
Stan and Marleen Morrill
Peace to you Rob and to you dear Mother and Sister Our love to you both
Stacy Parra Lewis
November 9, 2011
So many memories and so many great times and fantastic music. Robb has been in my life since I was 16 years old at Sacreds. We shared alot similar interests in music. We enjoyed good food and wine during the 80's and 90's. Blessed to have spent some time together in June. Will miss you my friend.
May there be great music whereever you are...
Stacy Parra Lewis
Robert Haffey
November 9, 2011
I met Rob through mutual friends many years ago. While we only saw each other on occasion we looked forward to the times when we were together. I always thought Rob was interesting, outspoken and most of all a real gentleman. It's hard to fathom that I won't have these opportunities to have our discussions…Rob you will be missed.
November 9, 2011
Nothing was ever really happening unless Rob was there. He was unique, understated and great fun. His time was too short, but he will always be with us.
Curt Ensign
Joanne Brebes
November 9, 2011
Robb was a true gentleman, which I always appreciated, since they are few and far between in these parts. He was always polite and generous, and possessed a sharp wit and clever sense of humor. He was truly one of the good guys, leaving us with smiles and happy memories mixed with tears and sadness as we face dealing with missing our friend. This is a big loss, especially for his family and Michael. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rob Dees Jr. 9.8.48 -11.3.11
Michael Cekalovich
November 9, 2011
The Passing of a loved one is always a difficult time for everyone, friends and family alike. Robb was like both to me family in the form of a brother from a different mother and a good friend of 34 years so regardless what I write here it will fall short at least to my own ears as to what his friendship meant to me. When I learned of his passing I brought my Ducati motorcycle to life and rode all night into the early quite dawn thinking of all our adventures the names, people and places over the years and each and everyone was as ULTRABITCHEN as the next. Robb was a true renaissance man and lived Life by his terms even up to the end, He always and did it all with the style and grace of a Southern Gentleman.
My Heavy Heart goes out to Mrs. Edith Dees and His sister Edie aka #2 (that is whole other story) not only for their loss but their patience, wisdom and tireless effort and love to all. Thanks to Eileen Miller and caregivers April and Sonia for service and commitment beyond any hope of earthly rewards.
The Road Goes On Forever And The Party Never Ends...
Via Con Dios Amigo~
Pete Stafford
November 9, 2011
To my Brother, friend, who made our many days and nights together always a memorable one! Your memory will always be in our hearts and minds, we love and miss you Brother. ~ Pete Stafford ~
November 9, 2011
My condolences to my new friends,Edith and Edie. I go back about 20 years with Rob. He is in my head and heart. We shared great conversation,and beer at Tommy's Yacht Club. Also went to some live music events together. I can hear his voice in my thoughts. Will see you Saturday. All love...Joe Torres
November 9, 2011
Robb was cantakerous and charming, sometimes in equal amounts. I spent many hours talking about music with him, and many hours listening as well. I will miss his easy laugh and friendship. See ya at the beach, Robb.
Denise Bauer
November 9, 2011
My deepest condolences for your loss of a treasured son, brother and friend. I will keep him and you in my prayers. ~ Denise Bauer ~
Robb Dees Jr. 9.8.48 - 11.3.11
Michael Cekalovich
November 9, 2011
The Passing of a loved one is always difficult time for everyone, friends and family a like. Robb was like both to me family in the form of a brother from a different mother and a good friend of 34 years so regardless what I write here it will fall short at least to my own ears as to what his friendship meant to me. When I learned of his passing I brought my Ducati motorcycle to life and rode all night into the early quite dawn thinking of all our adventures the names , people and places over the years and each and everyone was as ULTRABITCHEN as the next. Robb was a true renaissance man and lived Life by his terms and even up to the end and did it all with the style and grace of a Southern Gentleman.
My Heavy Heart goes out to Mrs. Edith Dees and His sister Edie aka #2 ( that is whole other story) not only for their loss but their patience, wisdom and tireless effort and love to all. Thanks to Eileen Miller and caregivers April and Sonia for service and commitment beyond any hope of earthly rewards.
The Road Goes On Forever And The Party Never Ends...
Via Con Dios Amigo
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