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BORN
1939
DIED
2010
Robert Van Zelf Obituary
Coquille, Oregon
1939 - 2010
Bob was born July 26, 1939 in Nyssa, Oregon. He moved to California as a young boy attending school in both Scotia and Fortuna, California where he graduated from high school in 1957. Following graduation he joined the U.S. Army and served as a Military Policeman in France, Maryland and Alabama receiving an honorable discharge in 1960. He returned to California where he became a Deputy Sheriff for Humboldt County. In 1965 he joined the California Highway Patrol until in 1974 he transferred to the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) in Redding, California where he worked as a Senior Special Investigator. Bob worked 30 years in Law Enforcement by the time he retired. After retirement he worked part-time as an insurance fraud investigator.
Bob was past President and Honorary Life Member of the Shasta County Peace Officers Association. He was also a strong supporter of the NRA and the rights of people to possess firearms.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother Chris and Inez Van Zelf.
He leaves his wife, Meddie of Coquille, Oregon, three children, Robert of North Bend, Oregon, Andy of Vacaville, California and Rene of Redmond, Oregon. He had 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Van Zelf
Noli Lockhart
November 23, 2010
My Mom recently informed me of Bob Van Zelf's passing. Although I have not been in touch w/Andy & family for a number of years now, I wanted to send prayers & my sincere condolences for your loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Dezra Guthrie
November 11, 2010
Bob will be deeply missed by our family. He was a wonderful man and family friend.
Lois Sweeney
November 8, 2010
I was a member of Bob's family for ten years and although I have not talked to him recently, we kept in contact through e-mail. I send my greatest sympathy to his children and grandchildren. He had many good qualities that will be missed.
Lois Sweeney
November 8, 2010
My sympathies go out to Bob's family. I was part of his family for a number of years, and his loss will be substantial.
I haven't seen Bob for a number of years but we did keep in touch via e-mail. I know he was in a great deal of pain for the last number of years and I hope he is at peace now.
November 8, 2010
I was part of Bob's family for ten years and although we kept in touch I had not seen him for awhile. I do hope he had a chance to spend some time with other family members as I know they will miss him a great deal. My sympathies go out too all his close friends and relatives.
Lois Sweeney
November 8, 2010
I was part of Bob's family for ten years and although we kept in touch I had not seen him for awhile. I do hope he had a chance to spend some time with other family members as I know they will miss him a great deal. My sympathies go out too all his close friends and relatives.
Bob Sewell
November 7, 2010
During one's lifetime they have only a very few special friends whom they acutally consider as extended family members, rather than just as being a friend. Bob was not only a brother to me, but he was a very special family member to my mother, father and children. He and member's of his family attended many of our family functions. I worked with Bob the majority of my career, and I trusted him with my life as he did with me. Bob was a true friend, family member and a very good man. I and my family wish to extend our sorrow, sympathy, and best wishes to the remaining members of Bob's family and friends. He was a good person who will not be forgotten.
The Sewell's
November 7, 2010
I had the privilege of working with Bob back in the 80s and 90s, assigning him surveillance cases to check the activities of insurance claimants. I can't recall that Bob ever had a bad day. He was always cheerful. When he had a report ready he would call me and say, "Are you ready for a cinnemon roll?" Then we would meet at a place like "the Shack" restaurant in Redding. He always brightened the day for me. He was a decent, caring man and he will be missed. He never forgot friends and family. I hadn't spoken to Bob for many years, but just knowing that he is gone makes the world a little less bright.
//Ed Huey
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