Robert Samuelson

SAMUELSON, Robert Faithful husband, dedicated father and grandfather, beloved brother, and builder extraordinaire, passed away Sunday, the 17th of February in his home. He fought the good fight against mesothelioma cancer. He was 81 years old, born on July 8, 1926. Bob, a California native son, attended Hollywood High School, graduating in 1944. He moved to La Canada in 1950, and made this city his home. He was an avid golfer along with his wife, and a member of Oakmont Country Club in Glendale, California, and Sunrise Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. Bob was a terrific dad and grandpa to his family, an active community leader in La Canada, and a faithful church member of the Lutheran Church of the Foothills in La Canada, and an active regent of California Lutheran University. For several years, he served as President of the La Canada Chamber of Commerce, and was very instrumental in bringing the YMCA to La Canada, leading the construction program. He worked with the "Camp Fire Girls" program, was recognized with the "Les Tupper Service Award," and was an honorary chairman of the YMCA Capital Fund Drive. As member of the Lutheran Church of the Foothills, he was the chairman of the Sanctuary Building Committee, and helped to fulfill any need the building required, from a new kitchen, to eliminating the bee swarm from the well-known statue of the arms raised to the sky. Bob was especially pleased to be part of the dedication ceremony last spring at California Lutheran University where he was involved in funding and building the "Samuelson Aquatic Center," a state of the art facility for water sports. Also on campus is the "Samuelson Chapel," named after his father. Bob and his brother Jack are co-founders of the Samuelson Brothers Construction Company, founded in the summer of 1946. They have been in business 62 years, and have been recognized for their expertise in the execution of many important, innovative buildings in Southern California and beyond. Bob's handprints can be found on numerous buildings in La Canada and throughout California. He had a commitment to an expanded view of community, providing affordable living opportunities, being a founder of Beacon Housing. Bob is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Doris Samuelson, their four children, Gail, married to Gary McGinnis, Brooke, married to Scott Bustrum, Scot, married to Lizbeth Samuelson, and Jill, married to Jhoe Abejon. Bob and Doris have twelve grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and another great-grandson on the way. Bob Samuelson will always be known for his generosity and philanthropic efforts in various and unique programs, benefiting education and faith-related endeavors. Services will be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Foothills, 1700 Foothill Blvd. in La Canada, California. Bob will be missed by his family, friends, and community. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Lutheran Church of the Foothills, 1700 Foothill Blvd. in La Canada, California, 91011, or Beacon Housing, 5000 Edenhurst Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90039.