Robert Gleason

Gleason, Robert P.

Robert P. Gleason of Solvang passed away peacefully at home, Thursday Oct. 30th. Bob resided in the Santa Ynez Valley for 63 years of his long, full life.

Bob was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, on August 24, 1922. His high school years were marked by numerous basketball and football honors. Bob attended Northwestern University on scholarships in both sports. He became an outstanding varsity member on both squads. While at Northwestern, Bob became a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. After graduating with an Engineering degree, Bob joined the Navy, attended flight school at Pensacola Fl., and became an Ensign. The war ended before Bob could be transferred to the Pacific Theatre, though he was a navy Instructor pilot until his discharge in 1948. Bob then moved to California, joining a number of old football buddies in the Rexall Drug store business in Hollywood, Ca. By 1950, Bob was a manager of a Rexall store located in Honolulu, Hi.

Bob enjoyed weekends at Lake Arrowhead where he became acquainted with Ellen and Oren Taft, of Rancho La Querencia, Alamo Pintado Road. Oren passed away in 1949 and Bob and Ellen remained friends as they made plans for the wedding of Ellen's daughter Venetia to John Gleason, Bob's brother. Ellen had been running the ranch since Oren's passing and raising her other two children, Lee and Oren, by herself. In 1951, Bob and Ellen were married in Hawaii, and returned to the ranch working together to raise award winning English Walnuts. While running the ranch, Bob also owned and operated the Santa Ynez Valley Boat Company. This store was located in the same building where the El Rancho market resides, today.

Bob lost Ellen in 1969 and moved to Solvang. He then went into business with Vincent Evans who owned Pea Soup Anderson's restaurant. The two soon opened the Danish Inn restaurant. Bob's business relationship with the Evans family lasted for the next 20 years. The informal, Klunse Club was begun at the Danish Inn, with founding members, Bob, Cookie Birkholm, Neils Jensen, Lars Larsen, Per Andresen, and Vince Evans.

Bob was instrumental in forming the SYV Chapter of the Los Angeles Vikings, Charitable Men's Organization. He rose to the rank of Chief, was known as The Meister, and will be formally remembered during a BBQ by the present Valley Vikings.

Bob was also a 50 plus year member of the local Vaqueros de Los Ranchos, out living all other Vaqueros Viejos to become Vaquero Numero Uno! Bob loved this honor and the attention, at each spring ride. Bob also loved golf and was a long time member of the Alisal Golf Club.

Bob enjoyed annual summer trips to his family home in Port Edwards Wisconsin, and was treated royally by a host of good friends there. Bob also enjoyed travelling abroad, and his closest friend and travelling companion was Charles Greenwald, owner along with his wife, Paula of "Paulas Pancakes". While Bob and Charlie were on their trips, the two loved looking up new and far flung recipes that they could bring back to their respective restaurants. To this day, the Greenwald family has been an important part of Bobs life.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister, and his wife. He is survived and loved by his step daughter Lee Taft Johnson (Merv, deceased) of La Canada, Ca., step son Oren Taft (Helen) of Boulder Co., nephews, Michael and Patrick Gleason of Palo Alto Ca., and Michael's children Kelsey and Jared (great nephew and niece), together with 6 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-greatgranddaughter. Bob enjoyed a full and productive life. He will be missed by all who enjoyed his company.

A private graveside service will be held at the Oak Hill Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's name, may be sent C/O The Vikings of Solvang, Post Office Box 293, Solvang, Ca 93464