Robert C. Gair

Robert (Bob) C. Gair
January 24, 1933 - December 22, 2013

Bob was born into this world on January 24, 1933 and joined forces with his parents, Donald Burlingham Gair and Georgia Corrington Gair and sisters Beryl Elaine (Sanford) and Donna Reigh (Griffin) and formed a family that would live in the San Gabriel Valley in California, for over one hundred(100) years. Bob passed from this life on December 22, 2013
after a lengthy illness from San Joaquin Valley Fever and dementia. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters several years ago.

Bob was a graduate of El Monte High School (1951) and an honorably discharged Veteran of the U.S. Navy (1951-55), serving in the Korean War as a radioman and receiving a commendation for duty. On December 11, 1953 he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Lindsey, in the campus church at Pepperdine University. They reached their 60th wedding anniversary in 2013 just eleven days before his death. Bob settled his family in Baldwin Park in 1957(on a chicken ranch) where all three of his children, Kathleen, Kevin and Kirk, grew up. He loved to sit under the pepper tree while smoking his pipe with Amphora tobacco and reminisce about how the area was once "orange groves and chicken ranches."

He began a commitment to that community that lasted for over 45 years. He joined the local Lions Club, the American Legion, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Athletic Boosters Club. Also during those years he enrolled in classes at Pepperdine University to take religion classes to learn the Bible so "he would not feel stupid in Sunday School classes." He grew to love those studies and eventually graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in religion and Greek. His love of advanced religious studies continued the rest of his life.

He became involved in the Jr. All American Football "Baldwin Park Roadrunners" program in 1967 when each team had a different name. He served as a coach, member of the Board of Directors and President for two terms. He even housed the equipment in the old chicken barn on his home property. He successfully ran for a seat on the Baldwin Park Unified School District in 1972 and served in that position for 25 years, serving as President for 9 consecutive years. He was instrumental in the creating of the Santa Fe Fundamental School. He was chosen as "Citizen of the Year" by the Chamber of Commerce in 1989. He also served as Deacon in the Baldwin Park Church of Christ. Bob loved his work with all the organizations, but he was known for his impatience with long meetings. His favorite grumble was, "Stand up, Speak up and Shut up," which he whispered unsuccessfully.

After many years in the food processing business, fast food business and roofing sales, Bob retired to Tehachapi, Ca , in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Linda and their daughter Kathleen Gair, two sons, Kevin Gair and Kirk Gair (Jeanette). Six grandchildren, Jared Ceja (Sue), Cameron Ceja (Mary Ann), Ashley Whitmore (Darin), Stephanie Ward ( Garrett ), Cristina Gair, Tiffany Gair and nine great-grandchildren, Aidan, McKenzie and Wyatt Whitmore, Lauren and Roman Ceja, Amelie Ceja, Jonathan, Sarah, and Kaitlyn Ward , his sister-in-law, Paula Stirman (Reed) and mother-in-law, Iola Dever. Bob loved family, religion, politics, classical music, his Scottish heritage, smoking his pipe, and most of all little babies. He took great pride in the name he was called as a grandfather, "Da".

Heartfelt gratitude to T.C. Robinson, Pastor and close friend who during the 3½ years Bob was too ill to physically attend church, he regularly telephoned, and sent books on theology to keep Bob's spirit uplifted and his faith strong. Special thanks to Evergreen Arvin Healthcare and Hoffman Hospice for their outstanding medical treatment and for the caring and kind acts of support especially during the last week with Hospice care. Thanks, also, to the Women's Jonah Study Group at Tehachapi Mountain Vineyard for their prayers and spiritual support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bob's favorite charity: St Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN, 38101-9929. According to Bob's long standing wishes and arrangements he was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea with family members in attendance at a private service.