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BORN
1928
DIED
2020
Robert Striplin Obituary
March 5, 1928 - December 17, 2020
Gold River, California - Dr. Robert Gene Striplin born on March 5, 1928 in Litchfield, Illinois passed away on December 17th. Widower of Betty Anne Cavender, father of Elizabeth Anne Dupraz, Patricia Claire Broddrick and Catherine Elaine Gomez, grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of seven.
He joined the army in the aftermath of WWII, travelling through postwar Europe and Japan and served in Germany and Korea. Following his service, he graduated from Vanderbilt Law School with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence. Dr. Striplin practiced law for seven years in Columbia, Tennessee, but became dissatisfied with this line of work. Returning to college, he obtained a Master's Degree in history and a teaching credential at George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville.
In 1961 he, along with his wife and children, relocated to Sacramento, California where he began his new career as a history teacher for the San Juan Unified School District. Some years later he became a distinguished political science professor at American River College, receiving both Instructor of the Year and the Patron's Chair Award for excellence in teaching. He remained at ARC until his retirement in 1990.
Dr. Striplin was an exquisite human being. A gentle soul, kind and generous, honest to a fault and a true scholar. His amazing sense of humor persisted up to his last days. He immediately charmed all who met him and those who really knew him couldn't help but love him. He based his life on the conviction that people are to be kind, forgiving and loving, qualities to which many aspire but he exhibited effortlessly.
After his wife's death in 2015, Dr. Striplin spent his final years in the home of his middle daughter Patricia. He continued to enjoy the things he liked best in life, reading, traveling, walking, engaging in philosophical or political discussions with friends or family and of course drinking his evening glass of chardonnay. He embraced life, its nuances, challenges and countless joys, and only reluctantly left it behind.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Striplin
Isobel Broddrick
March 30, 2023
I Just want to say he was an amazing he loved his oatmeal cookies,and he was so kind and generous i'd draw for him he was the best and my great grandpa called him Bo Bo. He always went on walks with me and we'd talk about society and what they thing and books it was magical and I will never forget it
Michael VANDERGRIFF
January 16, 2021
I took a long, impoverished road to my BA. I am happy for this road as I got to be a student of Dr. Striplin at American River College. At the time, I didn't know a teacher could be that great. In hindsight, his greatness became even more clear. I have been a management trainer for 40 years and am now transitioning to the role of author. Dr. Striplin, Ralph Todd, and Coach Al Baeta, all of ARC, fed the foundation for my life. Thank you, Dr. Striplin.
Bill Pretzer
January 8, 2021
In 1964-65, Bob Striplin and John Berger taught an innovative freshman course entitled, "Unified Studies," a combination of civics/history/english language. They taught me how to analyze evidence, think through an argument, and communicate it writing. Changed my life (even as a high school freshman) and led me to a career as a historian, the last 10 years as a museum curator at the Smithsonian Institution. I owe them both.
Bill Lake
January 1, 2021
My most favorite teacher of all time. I believe I was a junior at Bella Vista High School, 1961, when the former attorney from Tennessee, the new guy on the block, came to teach in Fair Oaks. I never looked up to anyone more, save my own father. As kind, as gentle, as knowledgeable, and as giving as anyone I've ever known, he has been in my thoughts so very many times since high school. My condolences to the family. The number of minds and souls he has touched is beyond imagination.
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Evelyn
December 28, 2020
I miss you Bob. I’m so thankful God crossed our paths to meet. Yet so sad too during our times together you would tell me about your life when you were young and first married and even before you married too. Thank You Trish for sharing Bob with me too and trusting my care with him too. Prayers lifted for the family
mark tillman
December 26, 2020
One of the best professors that I have ever had. My sister had him as a high school history teacher. My Mother and Betty taught school together. My parents and Bob and Betty traveled to Europe together on one occasion and to UK another time. Bob and I both were political junkies and liked to discuss the issues. What a loss!
Steve LaRosa
December 26, 2020
50 years ago, I took a political science course that Dr. Striplin co-taught with Tom Rohrer. They took opposing views and turned what could’ve been a stale dry topic into a compelling and I have to say, very entertaining educational experience. A very magnetic and charismatic gentleman.
Sally Dinelli
December 26, 2020
An exemplary political science professor at American River College!
I enjoyed attending his classes immensely. Dr. Striplin was one of the best teachers I ever encountered in college.
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