Robert Selfridge

SELFRIDGE-Robert Selfridge, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 26th in Santa Rosa, California with family by his side. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Marwynne, his four children, Laura Perucchi (Michael), Scott Selfridge (Helen), Carol Selfridge (Hilary), and Donna Arnold (Tom), and his five grandchildren, Nicki, Michael, Kate, Andrew, and Susan. Robert was born an identical twin in Long Beach on April 30, 1924. His family soon returned to Ketchikan, Alaska, where Robert and his twin Richard were raised by William and Norah with their other siblings (Bill, Anne, Ethel, and John). The twins attended and graduated from Washington State University in Pullman where they both competed in track and field. In 1950, Robert was the Pacific Coast Champion in the two mile, coming from behind to win the race held that year in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. During WWII, Bob and Dick enlisted early in the Coast Guard and were stationed in San Francisco. A tragic bout of polio took his brother's life in 1952 and Robert forever missed his best friend and twin, Richard. Robert and Marwynne settled in Whittier in 1953 and opened their first pharmacy, Lambert Pharmacy in 1955. The drugstore became a neighborhood institution for over 40 years and Robert was known as "Mr. Bob" to both his clients and devoted staff. Before retiring and closing the pharmacy in 1997, Bob was part owner in three other pharmacies; Selton Pharmacy in Whittier with long time partner Erick Burton; Diamond Bar Pharmacy and San Clemente Pharmacy. His passion in life was sports of all kinds. He and Marwynne traveled the world for summer Olympics, starting in Tokyo 1964 all the way through Sydney in 2000, only missing the 1980 Moscow Olympics which the United Stated boycotted. He loved golf and all its challenges. Later in life Bob joined the Whittier Choraliers and sang bass in various Barbershop Quartets. He was a lifetime member of the service organization, Sertoma, and firmly believed in duty and service to his community. The world is a better place because of his leadership and kindness to all. The family would like to thank his caregiver, February Coleman and the staff at both Merrill Gardens in Whittier and Brighton Gardens in Santa Rosa for the care they provided this wonderful man during his declining health. A memorial to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, November 6th, 1-4 PM, at Saint Matthias Episcopal Church, Uptown Whittier, 7056 South Washington Avenue.