Robert J. Latham

The world is a better place because of Bob! Humanitarian activist and fun lover Robert J. Latham died peacefully but suddenly June 9, 2009 at age 86 in his Santa Rosa home. Bob was a very intelligent and caring man and took a real interest in the state of the world. His family friends and community will miss his easy smile and generous nature. Born in San Luis Obispo in 1923, he grew up beside six siblings in Chino, CA. A 4H farm boy, Bob was active in school. As a young man he attended Chaffey Jr. College for a year. Then like millions of American men enlisted in the Army during World War II. After the Army he used his GI bill to earn a B.A. at USC. While at USC he found his favorite football team, the Trojans and met the love of his life. Bob and Marilyn married two months after graduation, and Bob went on to Claremont Grad School for an MA in Political Economy. The next 27 years was all about family, raising kids and working. Bob loved his life as a teacher. For 36 years he taught political science at Chaffey Jr. College. Bob and Marilyn raised their three children Geoffrey, Bruce and Robin in Southern California in Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga. A voracious reader, he was socially and politically active in; Model United Nations, the Congregational Church and choir, the Democratic Party, local and national politics, the A.C.L.U., Beyond War, and Kiwanis. He and Marilyn traveled extensively throughout this country and to 23 other countries. In 1973-74 Bob, Marilyn and daughter Robin lived in Nairobi, Kenya for a sabbatical year, a once in a life time experience. In 1995, after retiring Bob and Marilyn moved to Sonoma County to be near Robin and their grandchildren. The Latham's found a new home in Santa Rosa, made new friends quickly and enjoyed a healthy social life. Bob liked listening to his favorite big band music, playing contract bridge, golfing, crosswords, Jeopardy and Trojan football. His loving wife of 61 years, Marilyn, daughter, Robin Latham-Ponneck, son-in-law, Barry Latham-Ponneck, grandchildren Erin and Noah Latham-Ponneck as well as all the cousins are sad to loose the last Latham of his generation. He was gentle big hearted man and we are grateful that the world truly is a better place because of him. Donations can be made in his memory to Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County, or Doctors without Borders (New York). Memorial Services will be held on Saturday July 11th at 11:00 a.m. at the 1st Congregational Church of Santa Rosa, 2000 Humboldt St.