Robert "Bob" E. Mortensen

Palm Desert - Bob was born March 2, 1924 and passed away on May 15 in his Palm Desert home in the arms of his loving wife of 75 years, Betty Jean, surrounded by his devoted family. He was 94 years old and led a very active life.

Bob always felt blessed, grateful and proud for what he had accomplished in life. First, his family with Betty: four sons (Steven, Thomas, Bradley and Douglas), four grandchildren (Michelle, Ryan, Brett and Michael), five great-grandchildren (Quinn, Jack, Cole, Greir and Reagan). He loved them dearly and was so proud of each and every one. The saddest day of his life was losing first son, Steven to cancer in 2009.

Bob was an Oakland native. He and Betty were Oakland High School sweethearts and married in 1942. He joined the Air Force in 1942 and leaned to fly (a wish come true). During the war, he flew B-24 Bombers and successfully flew 33 missions. As a First Lieutenant he received six Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He served in World War II at the same time as his two brothers; Roy Mortensen was a P-38 pilot and Bill Mortensen was a Marine.

Bob was a successful Oakland businessman in the flooring business. He took over the Mortensen's Carpet Company from his father in 1946 and expanded it throughout the Bay Area and the United States. The company is now celebrating its 104th year in business. Bob was very active in the Oakland community as a member of the Masons where he was raised to the Degree of Master Mason and Third Degree on March 31, 1949. He was also a member of the Lion's Club. Bob was a board member of several companies including The Boy Scouts of America. He was very successful in the Bay Area real estate with properties in Stinson Beach, Skyline Boulevard, downtown Oakland and others. He was instrumental in obtaining Jack London's cabin from Dawson Creek in the Yukon where London wrote "Call of the Wild" and others. The logs were shipped to Oakland and the cabin was rebuilt in Jack London Square where it stands today.

He was appointed to the Port Commission for the City of Oakland in 1965 by good friend, Mayor John Redding, where he served twice as President of the Port during his 12-year tenure. As President, he brought and expanded shipping business to make the Port of Oakland the second largest container port in the world at that time. He went around the world twice setting up container contracts including the first contract with Japan. He and Betty traveled all over the world making friends while increasing business for the Port of Oakland.

Bob was a dedicated and loyal Republican and as such ran several campaigns for councilmen, sheriffs and for Mayor Redding in Oakland. He also co-chaired Ronald Reagan's campaign for Governor and for President in Oakland. He considered himself both proud and fortunate to know President Reagan on a personal level.

Bob was an eloquent public speaker and spoke often at various events. He was very proud of his speech at the United Nations in New York on International Finance where it was interpreted in every language and broadcast throughout the world.

Bob and Betty retired to Palm Desert in 1991 to live, play golf and just enjoy life.

Bob was always enthusiastic and outgoing, kind and honest, a gentle man with a great sense of humor, but above all, he was a wonderful person who will live on in our hearts forever.

Memorial Services are pending. FitzHenry-Wiefels Palm Desert has been entrusted with arrangements.