Robert Dean Culbertson

Robert Dean Culbertson A second-generation San Josean, third Californian and an electronic engineer for Eitel McCullough of San Carlos and Varian of Palo Alto, died March 15, 2007 at Lakeport, CA, where he was living in retirement for the past five months. Mr. Culbertson's innovative research at Eimac resulted in many important patents in the electronics industry, principally heading research that developed night vision goggles for the military. Mr. Culbertson was born in 1924 and was educated exclusively in the San Jose school system (Woodrow Wilson Junior High, 1938; San Jose High School, 1942) graduating from San Jose State University in 1950 with a degree in chemistry. During his early years Mr. Culbertson was a paper boy for the San Jose Mercury News in 1941. He joined the Army Air Corps in World War II which sparked his life-long fascination with aircraft and model airplanes. He married his wife Betty Jansen in 1947, and with three sons, Steven Dean, Jeffery Dean and Robert Dean, IV, lived throughout the Valley in Willow Glen, Campbell, San Jose and Los Gatos, ultimately enjoying retirement in "the Villages" where he was a 26-year resident. After retirement, Mr. Culbertson remained an active consultant to many engineering firms and with his "mad-scientist" profile intact caused a home garage fire during one experiment. Bob Culbertson, famous among his friends for his ever-present smile, sharply inquisitive mind and voracious appetite for scientific innovation, was president of Spectrmat in Watsonville, a manufacturer of porous refractory metals, from 1990-1993. An avid bridge player, collector of Jazz music, restorer of antique automobiles, he also loved golf and shared his many interests generously with his wife and three sons. Bob and his family were also known for opening up their home for many friends to stay when needed. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty; a sister, Betty Stockham of San Jose; three sons: Steven and Robert of Lakeport and Jeffrey of Oakland; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Amy and Alex Arredondo; grandsons, Steven and Kale; and one great-granddaughter, Sofia Arredondo; and two daughters-in-law, Andy and Kim, all of Lakeport, CA. "The car is not a playground" A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 pm, Monday, March 19, 2007 at Chapel of the Lakes, 1625 High St, Lakeport, CA. Family requests donations to American Diabetes Association, San Francisco Office, 1900 Powell St., Ste 285, Emeryville CA 94608. For further info call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary (707) 263-0357 or (707) 994-5611, or www.chapelofthelakes.com