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BORN
1945
DIED
2019
Robert Blum Obituary
Robert David Blum, 73, of Merced, CA, passed away peacefully at his home, Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, after a long illness. Robert was born on Dec. 28, 1945 in Los Angeles, CA, one of three sons to Alan Blaine Blum and Virginia (Singleton) Blum. After graduating from Corona High School, he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War as a pathfinder and helicopter door gunner in the 101 st Airborne division. Among many other decorations, he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and the Purple Heart in 1966. He was a life member of the 101 st Airborne Division Asso. and the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Members Asso. Robert was married in Corona, CA in 1967 to Kathy Ann Koch of Buffalo, New York. After relocating to the Merced area in 1984, Robert spent a long career working for the Merced Irrigation District until his retirement as a Director of Administrative Services in 2010. He enjoyed arts and crafts and in particular he enjoyed refurbishing old straight razors and working on stained glass. He could be found most days during retirement spending time working on projects or watching the San Francisco 49ers. One of his fondest memories over the last 20 years was cooking community fundraising meals with Mike Salvadori and the Salvadori cooking crew.
Robert is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathy Ann Blum, of Merced, California and son, Jon Christian Blum, of Roseville, California and many, many friends. The family would like to thank Hinds Hospice of Merced for providing exceptional care. He will be laid to rest in the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella on Friday, November 1, 2019 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robert D. Blum
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Blum
Sponsored by The Blum Family.
Tom Cox
February 13, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We were together in the 178th ASHC from the company's very beginning at Ft. Benning where we trained together, then went to VN on a troop ship together, among others things we both flew door gunner and were best of friends during that time. He was an exception soldier and we had many, many memorable times together through it all. I am sure his passing leaves a huge hole in so very many hearts...my deepest sympathies to all his family and friends.
John Corley
November 15, 2019
Thank you Bob (lz6) for your advice and guidance with my son over the years. I will miss our conversations. Someday we will meet, but not for a while.
November 2, 2019
Bob was one of the good guys. Our condolences to Kathy and the rest of the family.
Paul Jarvi Mariposa, Ca
Kyle Ford
October 31, 2019
I'm sorry for Bob's passing. I looked up to him as a mentor in life. I will enjoy a nice cigar in his honor.
Richard Deaton
October 29, 2019
Bob--neighbor,friend and a real hero he will be missed. Condolences to Kathy and Jon
Kristine Morris
October 29, 2019
Jon, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was such a smart, funny man and will be greatly missed. Hugs to you and your mother.
October 29, 2019
Bob was such a smart and funny man, as well as a compassionate Administrator at MID. He will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his family.
Bonnie Willey
October 29, 2019
So terribly sorry to learn of Bob's passing. He was a great man and the best ever boss to work with. My fondest memory of him was how he lovingly cared for the feral kitties around the MID building. He will be missed.
Mary Jo Campodonica
October 28, 2019
He was a great man and an American hero. So sorry for your loss Kathy. We are thinking of you.
Linda Lloyd
October 28, 2019
The next time Lewis gets hold of a really good cigar, he'll smoke it in Bob's honor. We always enjoyed our time with him, and he was quite a talented craftsman!
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