Robert Russell Gallian

Robert Russell Gallian was born in 1921 in rural Indiana, so his formative years were lived during the Roaring Twenties, Great Depression and World War ll. During this time he grew up on a farm, played high school basketball, worked for the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), and served in the US Army as a staff Sergeant in the supply area, stationed in California. He married Margie, the love of his life, in 1943 while still in the service, and they returned to Indiana after his discharge. He operated heavy equipment (proud member of the Operating Engineers), sold insurance and studied watch-making. Eventually he moved his young family (Stan, Barbara and Mary) back to California. In California he was employed by a vending company, converted to Roman Catholicism, and he and Margie expanded their family by three more children (George, Don, and Rick). He spent time with his sons teaching them how to work on cars and shoot hoops (he was very proud of his hook shot), and he taught both his sons and daughters how to play table tennis (ping pong). Eventually his knowledge of the vending business allowed him to successfully apply for a position as Vending Area Manager for Long Beach City College. During his time there he took advantage of the library (he was a life-long learner), gym (he always kept himself in tip-top physical shape), and recreational classes (taking a canoe trip and learning how to land-sail). Upon retirement at age 62 in 1982, he and Margie travelled in their motorhome throughout the United States and Canada, and established a second home at the Fountain of Youth Spa near the Salton Sea. They moved to Hemet, and enjoyed travelling with family members to Hawaii, Alaska, Washington D.C., and the Grand Canyon. Upon their return to Buena Park 10 years ago, Bob maintained a garden. He also continued exercising faithfully (even challenging the younger generation to arm-wrestling matches into his 90's), did some cooking (experimenting with different ingredients for his cookies and his soups), and enjoyed reading books about business and technology. At family gatherings he was very interested in pulling aside his grandchildren, their spouses and the Great-Grandchildren to discuss their lives. He was affectionately known as "Papa No-Hair".