Robert M. "Bob" Lathen

LATHEN, Robert "Bob' M.-- age 57, passed away after a brief illness July 24, 2002 at Kaiser Santa Clara Hospital surrounded by family and friends. Bob will be fondly remembered for his colorful sense of humor and wit, and his love of history, music and trains. He had a deep appreciation of the culture and history of the Bay Area and the San Francisco Opera.
He was a retired Office Manager from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 428. After four decades of dedicated service where he helped create and implement the union's data processing system, the first of its kind for a retail clerk local in the western United States. He participated as a board member of the Local 428 Credit Union and was a past delegate to the Central Labor Council. He served on the Social Planning Council of the United Way and was a member of the Citizens Advisory group to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. He was a member of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, Organ Historical Society, and Local 428 Retiree Club. Under former Governor Pat Brown he was the official organist of the California Democratic Party and the organist for the Christian Science Church and First Christian Church in Vallejo, CA. He was a graduate of California State University-Sacramento, holding a BA in Business and Music.
He is survived by his parents, Stanley & Bernice Lathen of Vallejo. Brother of Stanley Lathen Jr. and Donald Lathen both of Vallejo, JoAnn Roberson of Jonesborough, TN and the late Christina Barajas. Uncle of Gary Lathen, Barbara Lathen-Miller, Margi Story, Debbie Messer, and Mary Castell. Also survived by his Aunt Helen Richards of Campbell, CA. and special friend Linda Conversa of Tracy, CA.
Memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. at the offices of Local 428, 240 S. Market St., San Jose. Donations to the National Association of Railroad Passengers, 900 Second St., NE, suite 308, Washington, DC 20002-3557 are preferred. For further information please call DARLING & FISCHER GARDEN CHAPEL, San Jose at 408-998-2226. And to all his friends, Bob says "See Ya'.