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Robert Crommelin Obituary
5/10/1928-7/20/2017
We are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Robert "Bob" Crommelin. Bob lived an extraordinary life, both professional and personal. Born May 10, 1928 in the Presidio, San Francisco, CA while his father was U.S. Army active duty, the Army played a large role in his life. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War; graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and served in the Army Reserves until he retired with the rank of Colonel after 30 years. Bob's childhood dream was to be an Engineer, which he fulfilled in 1955. He graduated in the 1st class of Transportation and Traffic Engineering from University of California, Berkeley with a Masters Degree. He remained a lifelong supporter of Cal Berkeley..Go Bears! He was well known and respected in his profession and many related associations including the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) where he served in various capacities over the years. He received their Lifetime Achievement and International Honorary Member status, among others. He only recently retired after 60 years. While he was proud of these accomplishments, his biggest joy was loving life with friends and family. He met & married the love of his life, Barbara Jane Crommelin in 1956. They have 4 children: Stanley (Mary) Crommelin; Randy S. Crommelin (decd.); Janis Crommelin Hoover & LeeAnn Crommelin (Dr. Bruce) Holmes. They have many grandchildren and great-grandchildren but were especially close to grandchildren: Robert "Rob" (Tonya) Crommelin; Erika Holmes; Ashley Holmes (Randall) Smith; Timothy Holmes(who nicknamed him "Grump") & Amanda Banks; Great-grandchildren Kailey & Barbara Crommelin and Olivia Jane Smith. Bob was a man full of Fun, Friends, Life and Love. He was active in the Santa Monica Yacht Club, Mission Hills Country Club, and others. His generosity was legendary, often saying "it's ok Kid, you're worth it." He put similar energy into both his professional & social life, using his engineering skills to perfect the ratio of Gin: Vermouth in his martinis! After a couple, one of his favorite songs to sing was "Pennies from Heaven." Well, he's there now and we'll all miss him tremendously. He will be interred in the Presidio with his parents and beloved wife Barbara.
No services are planned.
Please sign his online guestbook at: http://www.legacy.com/link.asp?i=ls000186222777
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Crommelin
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LeeAnn Holmes
September 16, 2017
Hi Dad
I really miss you! I'm trying to do all you would want to honor your hard work! It's quite amazing but dragonflies seem to be following me everywhere! I'm glad you are here & can move without pain!
Janis Hoover
August 20, 2017
Well grumps, it's been one month today since you had to leave us. Still can't believe I won't hear your voice again. There are no words to say how much I miss you. I did try to have a " gin " martini at the grill, but to no avail. It just reinforced how tough you were to be able to drink that ! Whew, it was strong. The Atria had a lovely memorial for you and you would have been impressed by the turnout. I must say I didn't realize how many " lady " friends you had there. It's true you will be missed by whole lot of people who had the good fortune to know you, but I can't believe they could miss you as much as I do. Keep watch over us all and I will look to the stars often as I do when I talk to mom and Gary and now you. Love you dad
Mickele Cunard
August 9, 2017
Bob and Barbara are some of the Daily Grill's favorite guests. We miss them both and cherish our memories with them
Bruce Terrell
August 9, 2017
Bob, I'm so sorry you had to leave us, you'll definitely be missed.I still remember the line you said at your birthday or anniversary party, about how you and Barb were going to get a divorce but neither one of you wanted custody of the kids, that was funny! Your bartender, and friend Bruce.
Mary Alice & Jack Cunningham
August 8, 2017
Bob Crommelin, a man to be missed and not forgotten. We will miss him, but we won't forget him.
Janis Hoover
August 3, 2017
Aw dad, I will miss our conversations and all the funny stories you had to tell. I will always remember our world famous card games. They were legendary to those in the know. Well, now your with your " podner " my beloved Gary and with my partner out beloved G. G. Or as we all called her " mom " You could always bring Gary to tears of laughter with your California barking spider. Inside joke. I will miss you the rest of my days but mostly I will feel blessed for being a part of your life. Love Janis
John Crommelin
August 3, 2017
Grandpa.I am so sorry we never got to talk or see each other before your passing. I will always hold on to my memories of you and the great times I had on my visits to the Tarzana home. I was always in awe of you as a kid, I can remember always waiting up at night for you to get home from work, It was like waiting for the president of the US ..May you fly with the angels always. Love your grandson, John
Rita Medall
August 2, 2017
Dear LeeAnn,
Burt & I are so very sorry for your loss. We had the privilege of meeting your parents one time at your home and they were delightful. May Jesus wrap His arms of comfort around you, your siblings, children , and all who loved your dad.
Love Rita & Burt
August 1, 2017
May all your wonderful memories be of comfort to each of you. so sorry for your loss. His love will always be with you.
Liz Cox
Suzie Taylor
August 1, 2017
Prayers for LeeAnn, Bruce, Tim, Erica, Ashley, Randall & Olivia! Sorry for your loss!
Ken and Sharon Woodruff
August 1, 2017
Family members affectionately called him 'Grump' but he was like a big lovable teddy bear. Being a brothet and soster in law to LeeAnn just meant we were like family to Mr Crommelin. He always had a big smile and welcoming greeting for our extended family on trips to CA. His hospitality and generosity were awesome. Loved listening to some of his expert witness court case stories, an amazing engineering analyst Giving the kids rides in his Bentley was pretty special! Bob Crommelin"s daughter LerAnn has many of her Dad's most admirable qualities, so his legacy of love for family will continue for future generations❣❤ We were blessed to know Bob and extend our condolences to his family✝
Kathy Stone
August 1, 2017
LeeAnn- I was so sorry to read of your dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope your many memories will help you through the days and weeks ahead.
Robin Spero
August 1, 2017
LeeAnn, Bob and Barbara both played such an integral role in my life as a teenager. We put them through hell. It's hard to imagine how long ago that was and that our folks are no longer with us. Your dad was a great guy (I remember that smile well!!) My prayers are with you and your family at this time. Love, Robin
Erika Holmes
August 1, 2017
Aww, Grump. I'm still in shock or denial. I've instinctively tried to call to chat on my drive to or from work and started crying when I realize you're not there to answer. I miss our chats and how you were always so interested in what I was doing. I miss the history lessons you would give me about your life or your family or music or movies. My favorite memories were of our amazing travels and the inevitable phone call the day before leaving when you or Grandma would say "Hey, are you busy tomorrow? I have an idea...." You were always so generous, not just with gifts, but with love and attention. You were definitely a Grump sometimes, but you were always a good man and I'm a better person because I knew you. Love you forever!
-The Rikster
Ashley Smith
August 1, 2017
This still doesn't seem real. Probably because I desperately don't want it to be. But behind the disbelief and the sadness and the tears is infinitely more gratitude than can ever be described for being able to have such a wonderful grump. I will always admire how hard he worked in the job he loved and how generously he gave to the people he loved. Love you grumpy! And now...off to cry again.
LeeAnn Holmes
August 1, 2017
Oh, Dad... We miss you so much already!
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