Robert Owen Small

Robert Owen Small passed away on March 29, 2006 with his wife and daughter at his side.

Bob was born on Jan. 28, 1924 in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon graduating from Wakeman Ohio High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and bravely served our country during World War II, engaging in battles at Bougainville, BSI, the Northern Solomons, Guam, Guadalcanal and the Marianas Islands.

After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1945, Bob entered the Michigan state Police recruit school, graduating and eventually being promoted to Lieutenant, commanding his own post in Munising, Mich., for which he served 20 years until retiring in 1974 and moving to California with his wife and children.

Bob's passions were his family, fishing, sharing his Marine Corps and Michigan State Police stories, animals and feeding the "night crew" (his wild animal friends whom they fed upon their back porch).

He is survived by his loving wife, Yvette Small; daughter, Lori and husband Michael Tripe of Santa Maria, Calif.; son, John and wife Eileen Small of Nipomo, Calif.; sister, Marian Tseng of Encino, Calif.; brother, Jack Small of Louisville, Ky. and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Small; father, John Small; wife, Freda Small and sister, Jean Austen.

As per his wishes, no services will be held at this time. Friends and family will have an informal gathering in Santa Maria in the near future.

Bob's family wishes to thank all those who have lent their prayers and well wishes and are deeply grateful to Butte Home Health & Hospice for their compassionate assistance. Donations can be made to the National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190-5362 or call 1-800-822-9919. Arrangements are under the direction of Scheer Memorial Chapel.