Robert Sherwood

1932 - 2021

Robert Sherwood
May 17, 1932 - July 13, 2021
Sacramento, California - Robert Petersen Sherwood, an educator of 37 years with the San Juan Unified School District and LosRios Community College District, passed away on July 13, 2021 due to complications from a stroke. Bob was born in Black Diamond, Washington on May 17, 1932 to James B. and Zina Petersen Sherwood. He graduated from Morgan High School in Morgan, Utah in 1950. In 1951 he married his beloved Merlene Burningham while attending the University of Utah. His college studies were interrupted by a call to service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Bob completed Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Utah. Subsequently, he and his growing family moved to Sacramento where he began his career in education as a teacher in the San Juan Unified School District. In 1965 he obtained a Doctorate in Education from U.C. Berkeley. In the ensuing years he held administrator positions in the San Juan District including principal and vice-principal at a number of area schools. He then spent 22 years at American River College as an instructor and administrator. Bob taught courses in sociology and management, served as Department Chair and was elected President of the Faculty Senate. He also was an Adjunct Professor at Sac State teaching courses in education. Bob and Merlene were active members of the LDS church. After retiring from American River College they served an LDS mission providing tutoring and counseling to students at the LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bob was a family man and lover of the outdoors. He took his family on many camping and road trips that are remembered fondly by his children. Bob was predeceased by Merlene, his loving wife of 59 years, his parents and his half-brothers William, James and Don Sherwood, Emerson and Richard Thorpe and Arthur Binnie. He is survived by his sister Darlene (Clair) Smith and sons Robert (Carol) and Richard (Susan) Sherwood, and daughters Rolene (Frank) Roth and RaNae (Joe) Summers, 13 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, July 23 from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS Sacramento East Stake church, 2745 Eastern Avenue, Sacramento, CA. A graveside service for family and friends will follow at 12:00 p.m., East Lawn Sierra Hills Memorial Park, 5757 Greenback Lane, Sacramento, CA. Because of Bob's love of learning, a donation in lieu of flowers may be made to a school or charity of your choosing.