Robert S. Sturgeon

04/03/1924 - 05/18/2011

Robert S. Sturgeon
Robert S. Sturgeon passed away at Marian Extended Care on Wednesday, May 18 after a lengthy battle with diabetes. He was 87 years old.
Bob was born on April 3, 1924 in Phoenix, Arizona to Ruth and Hays Sturgeon, and grew up in San Francisco. He graduated from high school in 1941, and was among the first group of young men drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1943. He was eligible to be discharged in 1946, but chose to enlist in the Army as his career choice. After 30 years of active duty, he retired from the U.S. Army in 1973.
Bob's first tour of duty was in the Post Hospital at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he met his wife to be, Berniece. They were married on October 19, 1946. Bob had many stories to tell of his travels to Brazil, Japan, Bolivia, Lebanon, Leopoldville, the Belgian Congo and Uruguay. Bob's final assignment was in Pasadena, California.
After his retirement, Bob and Berniece moved to Santa Maria in May, 1975, where he became very active in the Santa Maria community. He volunteered his time as a girls' softball coach at Righetti. He assisted at the 1984 Olympic Trials at the L.A. Coliseum, and was appointed Commissioner for track officials for the San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties from 1995-2000. In October 2000 he received the title of Official Emeritus from the Southern California Track and Field Association. During this period he also earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of LaVerne and a Master of Public Administration degree from Golden Gate University.
Bob earned a number of distinguished awards for his service and commitment to others. He was awarded the Masonic Hiram award for his contributions to his community. He was a Commissioner to the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department for seven years. He was a precinct election clerk and later a field supervisor. He was awarded the Grand Cross of Color medal for his service to the Rainbow Girls. He received the volunteer of the year award from the Retired Senior Volunteer program in 1993.
Bob was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Berniece on March 9, 2003. He is survived by his son Douglas of Half Moon Bay, California. He leaves behind his good friend and surrogate daughter, Peggy Greer, who he met through many school events and Chamber activities.
The family wishes to thank the many friends and associates who knew Bob, and enjoyed his company. They would also like to thank the staff at Marian Extended Care who took care of Bob in his final days.
A memorial service will be held on June 10, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at the Masonic Family Center, 700 Lakeview Road, Santa Maria, California. Interment to follow at a later date at Arvin National Cemetery, Bakersfield, California.
To express condolences, please mail Douglas Sturgeon at P.O. Box 3008, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019. For more information about the services, please contact Peggy at greer.greer@comcast.net In lieu of flowers, contributions to Save the Children, 54 Wilton Road, Westport, CT 06880 would be welcomed as this was one of Bob's favorite charities.
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memory Gardens.

Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463
www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com