Robert Jay Edelman

Robert Jay Edelman January 31, 1948 - May 17, 2012 Bobby, as so many of us so fondly called him, was born, along with his two sisters, in Panama because his American parents (who were both in the Second World War, his mother Cathy in the Army, and his father Sol in the Navy) were living there after WWII. He worked as a math, physics and computer science teacher in Bakersfield for 38 years. He taught at Garces Catholic High School, West High, Liberty High, and Bakersfield Junior College. He also taught at Cal State Bakersfield, where he trained students working toward their teaching credentials. Bob was raised in Stockton, CA, where he and his neighborhood buddies, Brian Dorsch and Mark Mekjavich, fancied themselves "Huck Finns" and had the freedom in those days to explore and spend time kayaking, sailing, and camping on the Delta. He attended Herbert Hoover Elementary, Daniel Webster Junior High, and St. Mary's High School. He was a brilliant young chess champion, High School Student Body President, and Boys State Senate Representative. Bob then went on to graduate from the University of San Francisco and he received his master's degree from the University of New Hampshire. Without question, he was, throughout his life, a leader. He loved sports and was involved in wrestling (as his younger brothers can attest), and he played and coached basketball and football. He loved to golf and, following his retirement, he was able to devote more time to perfecting his game. Exploring was something Bob made time for; he traveled throughout Western and Eastern Europe, including Russia, as well as throughout the USA. Bob had a great sense of humor, often dry, like his Dad's. He was totally selfless when it came to friends, family, and community. As many people know, Bob was a master at building and repairing and always generous to help anyone who needed him. He would go anywhere and do anything for his friends and family. He had a great number of skills and talents, one of his greatest being his sharp mind, geared for math, physics, analysis; and some think his mind was close to photographic. He loved good books and was a big fan of Conan Doyle's, which he enjoyed and also exploring the streets of London and old England. He was much loved, and without having to say it. He knew how much those who knew him well loved him, and now how all of us have been blessed to call him son, brother, uncle, friend, and benefactor throughout his exemplary life. We celebrate and salute Bob's life. The kind of life Bob lived is an inspiration and a testament to others. He was taken from us all so suddenly and yet, as a man with great inner strength, we knew he was at peace; and he, when his time came, knew he would move from this mortal coil to where his parents and those who passed before reside. So we leave him with them in much love and joy and will, as we know he would want, continue to think of him fondly and with humor, always seeing that happy glint in his eye every day. Bob was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints. He served eagerly and dutifully in many leadership positions and was beloved by his fellow church members. His parents, Cathy and Sol Edelman, left us all before Bob. The following are among the many who will miss him, including his surviving relatives: sisters, Pat Gustorf and her husband, Jon, Joan Legarrea and her husband, Angelo; and his brother, Doug and his wife, Delphine; and brother, Greg. Also his numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews, and cousins, along with many cherished friends, including Cheryl Peterson and her entire family of children, grandchildren, and related family and friends; and his very good close and oldest friends in Bakersfield, Leroy and Norma Sacchini. So many, including his Uncle Phil, Uncle Ben, and Aunt Marilyn, will miss him. It's fair to say that ALL who knew Bobby would all agree and say, "Bob, what a great guy." Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2012, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Southwest Memorial Chapel, 2739 Panama Lane. A service will be held on Friday, May 25, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation starting before the service at 9:00 a.m., at LDS Church, 316 A Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the newly established Bob Edelman Scholarship Fund can contact bobedelmanscholarship@gmail.com. For condolences please visit www.greenlawnmortuaryandcemetery.com. Greenlawn Southwest www.bakersfield.com/obits