Robert A. Sniffin

Robert A. Sniffin

May 8, 1939 January 6, 2003

Bob was a native Californian who made his home in Bakersfield for nearly fifty years. He first discovered an affinity for foreign languages in the Army Language School at Fort Ord where he studied Russian in preparation for overseas duty. While stationed in Germany, he intercepted & interpreted Russian Communications through the Berlin Wall during the Cold War.

Following his discharge from military service, he pursued his education at Bakersfield College, then went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Russian at the University of California Stanta Barbara (UCSB) and a Masters Degree in Slavic Languages at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Before following a calling to teach, he worked in the insurance, health and welfare, agriculture and oil industries and was a journalist for local newspapers.

Involvement with his children included coaching baseball. As a sports enthusiast, his passions were professional ice hockey, baseball and football, while creative pursuits were invested in fiction/poetry writing and sculpting. Avid reading and an ongoing interest in history and politics made him a natural for political debate on current issues.

Teaching English to non-English speaking students at the Bakersfield Adult School were the most fulfilling years of Bobs varied career and his affinity for foreign languages had come full circle. He applied his accumulated resources in languages, history and the social welfare to teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). He was also involved in program development, academic counseling and the mentoring of students.

Preceding Bob in death are his father, Grant C. Sniffin; and his oldest son, Robert W. Sniffin. He is survived by his wife, Raquel Sniffin; his mother, Inez Sniffin; two children, Grant and Lara Sniffin; two step-daughters, Pilar Cruz and Margarita Gonzalez and her children, Kasandra, Jazmin and Angelo; and his sister, Terry Lyne Frazier and family all of Bakersfield. His brother, Daniel K. Sniffin; and sister, Sandra Doll and families reside in Fresno. He also leaves cherished nephews, nieces, in-laws, friends and students.

In lieu of flowers, the Bakersfield Adult School at 501 So. Mt. Vernon Ave. is receiving all donations to the Robert A. Sniffin Book Scholarship Fund: established in Bobs memory. The fund will provide adult ESL students with financial aid for school supplies and textbooks.

For memorial service information, please contact Greenlawn Southwest at 834-8820.

Greenlawn Southwest Mortuary

Funeral Directors