Robert Nobmann

Robert John Nobmann, 78 passed away from complications of a fall. He was living at the Anchorage Pioneer Home.

Bob was born in San Francisco, CA and grew up with his twin sister, Nancy Nobmann Pentz. During his early years the family lived in Alameda, CA, Washington D.C., Sacramento, CA and Scarsdale, NY. Bob graduated from Lincoln Elementary School Eighth Grade, Alameda, CA; Scarsdale High School, NY, 1953; Lafayette College, Easton, Pa with a BS in Civil Engineering, 1957; and Central Connecticut State Teacher's College, with a Teaching Certification, 1961.

During high school Bob enjoyed playing tenor saxophone in the Harbor Lights Dance Band and Clarinet in the West Chester Symphony Orchestra.

In the 1950's Bob worked as an engineer for Shell Oil Company in the New York/New Jersey area. He taught physics at Jonathan Law High School, Milford, CT for seven years, 1961-1968.

During that time he met Elizabeth (Betsy) Detrich and they were married July 1, 1967. They moved to the Bay Area of California where Bob worked as an engineer for Chevron, Western Operations, Inc. out of San Francisco and San Jose from 1968-1974.

In 1974 Bob and Betsy moved to Anchorage, AK where Bob became a manufacturer's representative and engineer specializing in aviation fuel handling products.

He had a lifelong enjoyment of flying and is a licensed private pilot with ratings for instrument, commercial, instructor, floats and skis. He ferried numerous aircraft from the lower 48 states, and enjoyed pleasure trips to Baja, CA, Prudhoe Bay, AK and Oshkosh, WI. He logged over 3500 hours from 1961 through 1998. One-third of his flying time was devoted to instructing others. During his years in Alaska he served with the Civil Air Patrol and received the Commander's Commendation Award for outstanding duty performance.

Bob's sense of humor was an endearing quality. He was a good man, honorable, generous, and a devoted, supportive husband. He believed in doing things now and acted on that belief. Adventures included rafting the Colorado River, dog mushing in the Brooks Range, flying the Alcan Highway 19 times, and traveling to Hawaii each year. He will be missed and fondly remembered by his wife of 46 years and other family members.

He was predeceased by his parents, Myrtle M. Graham and Clarence J. Nobmann; and his sister, Nancy Pentz.

He leaves his brother-in-law, Paul Pentz of Glastonbury, CT; nieces, Marcia Pentz-Harris, of Charlottesville, VA, Debra Pentz (Mike Strugar) their children, Saylor and Zachary of Boulder, CO; sister-in-law, Martha Young, of Hanover, PA, nephew, Scott Young, of Spring Grove, PA and niece, Heather Young of Omaha, NE.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's honor may be directed to Food Bank of Alaska 2121 Spar Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501-1855 (foodbankofalaska.org) or Lafayette College, Box 3000 Easton PA 18042.

A celebration of life will take place at the Anchorage Pioneer Home, 923 West 11th Avenue on December 4, from 3:30-5:30 p.m.