Robert Tempas

Robert William Tempas
09/25/1922 ~ 12/7/2011
Resident of Millbrae
Our dear Dad and Papa has left us. It was a cold, calm, sunny morning with only a few leaves left on the trees. He was finally peaceful, ending months of struggle after his stroke, trying to make sense of the world around him. His children and grandchildren were able to spend time with him, expressing their love and reassurance that a beautiful eternity awaited him in Heaven. He grew up in the farming village of Adell, Wisconsin, the fourth of six children. He served in the Navy from 1944-46. Bob married Helen Christus in 1952 and they were together for 59 years. He was a proud and loyal employee of Western Condensing Co., Foremost Foods Co. and Foremost-McKesson, Inc. for over 40 years. Bob moved his family to California in 1961 for work and continued to raise his family in Millbrae. He and Helen were long time members of First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame. Bob was active in the church, serving as elder, Sunday school teacher, church treasurer and as a long time member of New Horizons. Bob and Helen made many trips to Europe and the Middle East, to experience Helen's Greek heritage and to travel in the lands of the Bible. Bob was a proud and stubborn Dutchman, though he was never able to visit the home of his ancestors. After retirement he didn't sit still much. He was a tax preparer for HR Block and a volunteer with Traveler's Aid at the San Francisco Airport. He worked continuously to improve his mind, studying politics, history and science, and he loved maps. He loved music and instilled that love in his family. He was especially fond of Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Verdi and Bing Crosby. Bob was devoted to his God, his family, and his work. We will carry his memory with us always. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen in August 2011, his sister Mary and brothers Ned and Walter. He is survived by his children Fred (Joan), Mary, Roberta (Brad) and Charles (Amy); grandchildren Rebecca, Daniel (Cathron), Kendra, Darren, Lisa (Reil) and Amy (Matt); great-grandchildren Declan, Jacob, Molly, Vegas and Atom. Also survived by brother Burton and sister Betty. Services will be held on Saturday, December 17th. Visitation and viewing from 9:30-10:30 am at Chapel of the Highlands, 194 Millwood Dr., Millbrae. Memorial service at 1:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 1500 Easton Dr., Burlingame. Donations in Bob's memory can be made to Travelers Aid Int'l;1612 K Street NW #206; Washington DC 20006 http://www.travelersaid.org
Chapel of the Highlands, Millbrae
(650) 588-5116
chapelofthehighlands.com