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Robert M. Content

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Fairfax Senior High School University of California Los Angeles University of Southern California

Robert Content Obituary

Robert M. Content (Bob)

Robert M. Content (Bob), longtime Hermosa Beach resident, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, June 24. Eighty-nine years young, Bob was well-known for his patriotism, his passion for teaching, mentoring and mediation, his sense of humor, and the moniker B. Content. Bob was born in Los Angeles on June 1, 1923. He attended Fairfax High School where he earned accolades as a track star. During World War II, he enlisted in the Navy and served as a fighter pilot, flying off aircraft carriers. After the war, Bob maintained his active reserve status for 25 years, amplifying his dedication to country and service. Upon his return to civilian life, he attended UCLA where he graduated with a degree in political science. At UCLA, he also met and married fellow student Sara Martha Hays. After graduation, the couple lived in Albuquerque, NM and Denver, CO where Bob was an FBI agent. Upon leaving the agency, Bob became an educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District, teaching 1st to 6th grades and leading programs for the gifted and talented. While working in LAUSD, he received his M.S. in education from USC. He also combined his interests in American History and patriotism by developing a special CBS television documentary series entitled "For Which We Stand', which featured 6th grade students meeting important political figures and visiting government agencies, monuments, and historic sites. Bob and Sara, who was also an educator in the South Bay community, had three children and worked together in the summers as owners and operators of Be-Con Day Camp. During retirement, Bob maintained an active schedule. He obtained a Ph.D. in education administration from Columbia Pacific University, received credentials in mediation and conflict management and traveled the world teaching English and promoting peace. As a longtime member of the Hermosa Beach Rotary and supporter of the Hermosa Beach City School District, Bob developed several programs fostering community service, such as "Kids Helping Kids". Until his 88th year, Bob could be seen, most mornings, riding his bicycle on the Strand or working out at Gold's Gym. Bob is survived by his three children, Michele Content Brown (Shelley), Robert H. Content (Bob), Laurie Anne Content, and their mother, Sara Hays Content, his former wife, Stephanie Cole Content, his four grandchildren, Ryan and Alexandra Brown and Gavin and Connor Ross and an extended family of loving and caring friends. In memory of Bob Content, donations may be made to the Hermosa Beach Rotary or the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation. Please sign the guestbook
at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.

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Published by Daily Breeze on Jul. 4, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Content

14 Entries

Carolyn lopez

August 1, 2024

Mr. CONTENT WAS A GREAT TEACHER HE WAS MY SONS TEACHER IN THE 6TH GRADE HE THOUGHT HIM A LOT OF GOOD THINGS HE NEVER FORGOT HIM AND HAVE BEEN A BETTER PERSON FOR HAVING BEEN TAUGHT BY MR. CONTENT.THANK YOU FOR HELPING MY SON.

Daniel L Rivera

July 30, 2024

My fondest memories of my formative years in education is due to the the greatest educator I have ever had the honor to be one of his students was my fourth grade teacher of Room 22 153rd Street Elementary School Gardena CA ,was none other than the legendary Mr. Robert M (Bob) Content. Whom I respectfully knew as Mr. Content. Mr. Content was a remarkable person whom I deeply admired. As my teacher he was instrumental in cultivating my love for education. He was "the role model teacher" who took interest not only in the basics of academia, but he was also kind and caring. I remember when my baby sister was about to be born I went to class that day and told him the news, Mr. Content asked for updates through out the day even pacing in anticipation of her birth. He rejoiced when she arrived March 25, 1977. My middle sister also had the honor to have him for sixth grade teacher as well at the same school. Mr. Content was also present at my sixth grade graduation. On the back of my graduation photo he wrote words of inspiration and encouragement stating how proud of me we was. He also wrote that I had great potential, encouraged to never stop reading the books and that someday I would be a history teacher. When I graduated high school I also enlisted in the United States Navy where I served in Naval Aviation Services Sixth Fleet aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz CVN 68 during the Cold Era under President Ronald Regan. After leaving the Navy I have dedicated my life to teaching and learning it is a lifelong process. Mr. Content is the most influential teachers in my lifetime. In my prayers I give thanks God for men like him who will stand up for the children for they are our future.

Rick Hartnack

December 20, 2020

Mr. Content was my teacher and counselor at Becon Day Camp in the mid-1950s. On one occasion he took us to Los Alamitos to watch him fly his Navy Jet. It changed my life. After college at UCLA (just like Mr. Content) I became a Naval Flight Officer and flew 220 combat missions in Vietnam. That lead to a life of success and fulfillment. He inspired me.

Mona Henderson

July 24, 2012

Mr. Content (affectionally aka "B" Content was my 6th grade teacher also at 135th St. School. Love and peace be with all of you who were lucky enough to have known him.

Kathy Valikai

July 16, 2012

Bob was Mr. Content to me. I was one of the many children whose childhood was filled with memories of Becon Day Camp. --- Becon Day Camp is the best. It will take you through the West -- To the beach, the park, the pool. Becon day camp is so cool.
What a rich and warm life you led. I am sad to learn of his passing.
Love to his family, Kathy Larson Valikai

Nicole Ransom

July 7, 2012

Bob was my neighbor here in Hermosa. We shared an alley where I would often find him going or coming on his bike from Golds Gym. He was so dedicated and inspired me to stay active. He gave me a great piece of advice once telling me to look in the mirror everyday and tell myself 'I love you Nicole'. Always promoting the power of postiive thinking and self affirmation Bob was a bright light in my day. Many of us in this neighborhood will miss him tremendously.

Mary Davidson Goss

July 6, 2012

I was sorry to learn of the passing of "Bob" Content, who was my sixth grade teacher in 1965/66 and one of the most beloved teachers at 153rd Street Elementary in Gardena. Mr. Content was more than a teacher: He was an excellent moral instructor; compassionate, concerned personal counselor; and an engaging, fun friend. My condolences to his loved ones.

Debbie Jackson Johnson

July 6, 2012

Mr. Contest was also my 6th grade teacher at 153rd Street School (1966). He truly cared about us as students. He had a great sense of humor! I loved how he helped me learn about and understand math and percentages, and to know my best feature - he said my eyes sparkled! May he Rest In Peace and may his family be comforted in sweet memories.

Karen Akune

July 5, 2012

Mr. Content was my 6th grade teacher at 153rd St. School (1962). He was possibly the most memorable and inspirational teacher that I have ever had. I remember how he emphasized handwriting to which I am very grateful, and he really taught the meaning of patriotism. It was during my school year that he took the group of LAUSD kids to Washington DC. Although no one from 153rd went, we were all very proud that he represented our school. Thank you, Mr. Content for dedicating your life to kids and education.

Marlene Miretti

July 5, 2012

Mr. Content (as we always called him as kids)was my 6th grade teacher at l53rd St.School in the early sixties. I remember him as being very patriotic, sweet, kind and caring. My mother Mimi Miretti was very active in the P.T.A. She is now 92, still living in Gardena. She is the one who informed me of his passing. Thank you Mr. Content for your lifelong impression you had on me.
Love,
Marlene

Sharon Martinez

July 4, 2012

I had the pleasure of growing up with Bob and Skeeter as a Be-Con Day Camper and attending the same high school as the Content children. My aunt and uncle ( Dorothy and Burnell Beckham)were educators and owners of the Be-Con with the Contents. Bob was an amazing man and I am glad I knew him. My condolences and hugs to the family. Rest in peace Bob.

DAVE DWOSKIN

July 4, 2012

AS A KID I WOULD LOOK FORWARD TO BE-CON DAY CAMP, BOB WOULD TELL STORIES OF FLYING IN WW II. IT SOUNDED SO COOL I DECIDED TO TAKE UP FLYING NOW RETIRED AT 65 I REMEMBER BOB WITH GREAT RESPECT, WE NEED MORE BOB'S IN THESE TROUBLING TIMES RIP MR. CONTENT

Neil Gunny

July 4, 2012

My 1st grade teacher in 1957 (Cowan Ave. Grammar School); even at age six, my friends and I could sense the presence of a great man. Indeed, Mr. Content forever changed the life of my dimunitive best friend, Clark, by recognizing a developing hip deformity that was timely corrected through an orthopedic brace. (Clark would go on to enjoy a stellar athletic career) I am but one of thousands of aged students who will forever remember Mr. Content.

Mark Choate

July 4, 2012

Bacause of Bob, I will be a better person. I'm not a relative, I don't know Bob, I never even met him. I only read his obituary. What a life well lived. Meeting Bob this morning was a nice way to start to July 4.
Thank you, Bob.

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