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Robert Alshuler Obituary

ALSHULER, Robert E. Robert E. Alshuler, age 86, died at his Newport Coast home, November 18, 2006, from natural causes.
He was born August 9, 1920 in Racine, Wisconsin. At 14 months, he moved to Southern California, attended Fairfax High School and continued his education at UCLA. In 1942 he graduated UCLA with a BA in Political Science. While at UCLA, Bob distinguished himself as a student leader and athlete. He was Student Body President his senior year, Cadet Colonel in the ROTC, captain of the UCLA basketball team and President of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Bob served in the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant, during WW II, and was wounded in the South Pacific's Palau invasion in 1944, earning a Purple Heart medal. Following his return from the war, Bob married Alice Wheaton and began a successful mortgage banking career. Bob founded Metropolitan Mortgage in 1950 and served as President of the Southern California Mortgage Bankers Association in 1964 and California Mortgage Bankers Association in 1968. Bob joined Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and subsequently served as President of Chief Executives Organization (CEO). Bob applied his wise counsel as Director of a number of public companies including Everest and Jennings, Consolidated Oil and Gas, Imperial Savings and Loan and Princeville Development. Bob continued energetically to serve his alma mater providing tremendous leadership and support. He served as President of the UCLA Alumni Association, University of California Regent, founding Trustee of the UCLA Foundation, and on the Executive Committee for the Pauley Pavilion arena development. Bob initially resided in the San Fernando Valley; in the 1970's moved to Newport Beach and found and married the love of his life, Patricia Chisholm Lyon. Bob and Patsy traveled the world while living in Newport Beach. They had a home in Palm Desert where Bob served as President of Marrakesh Country Club. Bob also enjoyed golf, fishing and swimming. Bob influenced all who knew him with his wisdom, intuitive leadership, humble nature, sincere friendship and incomparable sense of humor. Bob is survived by his wife of 32 years, Patricia Alshuler, his daughter, Katie Voss and her husband, Jack; his son John Alshuler and his wife Linda; his stepsons, Randy MacDougall, Sandy MacDougall, Tony Lyon and their families; five grandchildren, Rob, Dennis, Charlie Alshuler, Nettie Cook and Emilie Voss. Private Memorial services for Robert E. Alshuler will be held in Newport Beach. Bob requested that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Nov. 19, 2006.

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Terry and Leslie Mooney

November 28, 2006

Leslie and I first met Bob Alshuler in September of 1984 in Munich, Germany.We've visited many countries together and are lucky to have had him for a friend and mentor. He was a "Swell Guy" and we'll miss him dearly.

Lynn Olson

November 27, 2006

Dearest Pats,

Mary K. at CEO just sent news of Bob's death. It is just impossible to believe...no one had more life than Bob and he truly lived on the "Sunny Side of the Street." I can see him now in top hat and tails, eyes twinkling with love for you, and that gorgeous smile. We had some great times, didn't we? Ya' know what Bob would say, "c'mon be happy." I hope that time will come again for you.

Much love,
Lynn

Alan & Anne Simon

November 24, 2006

Anne and I had the pleasure of knowing Bob throughout our years in the Chief Executive Organization. Bob always looked for the best in others and gave the best he had...

We will miss him

Anne & Alan Simon

Susan Schick

November 23, 2006

I feel fortunate, beyond words, to have gotten to know Bob over the last ten years through my friendship with his wife, Patsy. I will never forget the meals he cooked, the cocktails he served, the twinkle in his eye and the shake of his head at Patsy's jokes, song for every occasion and playful antics (mostly for Bob's benefit). He will be sorely and surely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Harry A Trueblood Jr

November 22, 2006

As a close friend and business associate in his role as a director of two public companies of which I served as CEO, I was able to observe first hand Bob's great perspective as well as his wisdom,character wit,competiveness and integrity. He was always a gentleman and also a gentle man. It was a rewarding experience each time we visited with one another whether by phone or in person which we did frequently for almost thirty years. I will miss him terribly as will all those who knew him well or even casually.

Kurt Gattmann

November 22, 2006

Mr. Alshuler has always been a man bigger than life itself. He was, in my memory, my father's best friend, and at Dad's funeral nearly fourteen years ago, Mr.A gave his loyal devotion to him by openly sharing his affections with family, friends and strangers, alike. He was like that, full of love, laughter, kindness and sincere kinship. I caught my first fish on his runabout, the "AliBob," on Lake Arrowhead, and I know he was more excited about the accomplishment than I. Years later, on his custom boat, "Cinco," he showed me how to fish for sandabs off Catalina Island, and just as importantly, taught me how to prepare them for elegant dining. The USC vs. ucla rivalry was never better fought than between my father and his friend, settled best by their two-lap races in the pool or to the beach from the fantail of our boat,"Sea Oak." When I learned of Mr.A's last voyage, I bought a cigar, drove to a hilltop, and watched the sunset. He'd given me my first cigar, forty years ago in Descanso Bay, and thankfully, I felt him with me again. Dad was there too, welcoming him aboard. Thank you, Sirs. You were the best life has to offer, and I know you are loving your eternal reunion.
KLG USC'69

Jim and Karen Cunningham

November 21, 2006

For six years we had a great next door neighbor in Bob. He daily walks with his dogs were welcome sites.
He showed class and dignity. A real pleasure to know.

Joan DiMaio

November 20, 2006

I didn't know Bob personally, but I felt I knew him through Katie's words and actions over the last 20 years. What an incredible human he was. I'm sorry for your loss, but God needs him now!

April Aubery

November 20, 2006

I don't think anyone ever had anything but the very best to say about Bob. He was a friend, mentor and peacemaker to all those who knew him. A lovely man with a beautiful manner, a gentle way and eternal wisdom which he unselfishly dispensed to all who knew him. Heaven has a new angel who will continue to watch over each and every one of us.

Mark Neumann

November 20, 2006

Mr. "A" will be dearly missed. He made so many contributions to society. My thought and prayers are with you, Mrs. "A" until you join your dear husband again. My thoughts and prayers also go out to all of his family members. Although I have not seen him for many years he left a lasting impression on me as a true gentleman, businessman and scholar. God bless you Mr. "A".

Brenda Barr

November 20, 2006

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Michael Slater

November 20, 2006

Wow - I can't believe he's gone for now. What a wonderful person he was to everyone around him. He always took the time to see how you were doing and he had a great sense of humor. Mr. "A" was a friend and truly great man. I'm sorry he's gone for now but look forward to a good laugh with him in the future. May he rest well in heavan and may Mrs."A" be well until she is with him again. My sincerest regards to the immediate family.

Dennis Borowsky

November 19, 2006

Bob was a true gentleman. He always went out of his way to greet me and ask how things in my life were going. Bob's sincerity was always appreciated. I enjoyed knowing Bob and sharing many evenings discussing things going on in today's world and of course...sports. Bob will be missed.

Sandy MacDougall

November 19, 2006

I read the book about the WW II South Pacific's Battle of Peleliu where Bob fought bravely for our country. In battle and in life, Bob was a leader of man and was respected by his peers and family. I am glad he kept his head down and survived. Bob walked softly and carried a big stick. We will remember him fondly.
Sandy and Sharon MacDougall

Allan MacDougall

November 19, 2006

Bob was a wonderful man and a beacon of integrity. He is an inspiration to me. Best, Lanny

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