Robert Paul "Bob" Shimmin

May 3, 1920 - March 5, 2010
Our beloved husband, father and grandfather left this earth on Friday, March 5, 2010. Bob was born, raised and schooled in Duluth, MN. Upon leaving school he sailed the Great Lakes as a licensed yeoman. When World War II broke out he was accepted into Naval Officer Training School at Fort Trumball, New London, CT. As a newly commissioned officer, he served aboard the USS Drew APA #162 in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific War Zones, rising to the rank of Lt. Cdr. On October 7, 1944, while on leave from the Pacific Theater, Bob married the love of his life, Marilyn Brooks, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Downtown Torrance. In 1950, during the outbreak of the Korean War, he was recalled to service, sailing aboard the U.S.S. Mountrail #213. After the war, they returned to Duluth. Soon they felt the calling of beautiful, warm, sunny Southern California, and they relocated first to Torrance, then to Rolling Hills Estates. In 1958, Bob established L.A. Diesel Parts, Inc. in the Port of Los Angeles, where he worked side by side with Marilyn for the next fifty years. Being self-employed allowed him, and Marilyn to travel extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe. His favorite destination was the Isle of Man, as he was so very proud of his Manx heritage. As his health began to decline, he brought his son-in-law, John on board to run the corporation he so dearly loved, but he still requested daily briefings about what was transpiring there each and every day. Now that work was no longer an option for him, and being an avid card player, he anxiously awaited his son-in-law, Mike's visits so that they could resume their games of cribbage. As a young teenager, Bob was a part of the most active Chapter of DeMolay in the State of Minnesota. In 1947, he became a Master Mason at Palestine Lodge #79 AF&AM in Duluth, MN. After moving to California, he joined L.A. Harbor Lodge #332 F & AM, Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Masons, Knights Templar, Al Malaikah Shrine, and Beach Cities Shrine Club, where he was President in 1980, and Royal Order of Jesters L.A.Ct. #84. Bob was predeceased by his brothers, Bill, George, Phil, and Jerry Shimmin; and by his granddaughter, Brooke Marie Spindler. He is survived by his wife of sixty five years, Marilyn; daughters, Susan Shimmin-Okey (Mike) of Shingle Springs, CA, Cathi Shimmin Spindler (John) of Torrance, CA; grandaughter, Katherine Brooks Okey of Shingle Springs, CA; and grandsons, Adam John Robert Spindler of Torrance, CA, and Evan Benjamin Spindler of Las Cruces, NM. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Sage House, in San Pedro, for providing a loving, activity-rich environment for Bob. They also wish to recognize Royalwood Care Center for the outstanding and professional care given to him. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 13th at 11:00 am at Green Hills Memorial Park Chapel, Rancho Palos Verdes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Los Angeles Shriners Hospital For Children, 3160 Geneva St., Los Angeles, CA 90020. Please sign the guest book at dailybreeze.com/obits.