Robert Marquis Maxon

1935 - 2006

Robert Marquis "Bob" Maxon

Robert Marquis "Bob" Maxon, the personable and tireless local entrepreneur who conceived the unique Globe Imports retail stores, passed away Sunday, December 24th, 2006. He was 71.

Bob was born August 18, 1935 in Covina, California. His parents, F.T. "Tom" Maxon and his wife and Frieda settled the family in Eureka in 1943. Bob was fond of local childhood memories shared with his brother Tom, and sister, Mary. When they lived on Pine Hill, he grew to love the outdoor life, hunting, trapping and fishing in the nearby Elk River Valley.

Bob met Barbara, his wife of nearly 50 years, when she was employed as a sales clerk at Maxon's Toys & Hobbies. At the time, Bob was developing skills as a retail manager and buyer at Maxon's Music, and Maxon's Toys & Hobbies. She would often joke about his mischievous nature, and remind everyone that she had found him in a toy store.

In 1962, Bob took a big step and opened a new store, Globe Imports, featuring "merchandise from around the world." He partnered in this venture with Barbara and their longtime friend, Dave Robinson. The business grew to become the largest independent retailer of imported goods on the north coast. The "blueprint" that was Globe Imports lasted 38 memorable years. It all began with Bob, and it is unlikely to be duplicated.

Bob trained his sons in business, and was pleased to have his eldest, Robert, join Globe Imports in 1976. His youngest son, Karl, showed his father's strong will in attaining successful careers as a professional cyclist and Certified Public Accountant. Bob never retired, and continued to partner with Barbara and Robert in their Globe Properties division.

Bob's favorite pastime was being on the water. He enjoyed fishing and boating, and shared adventures on the open sea with "Uncle Louie", "Hummy", "Luster", and many others. He was an avid collector of maritime photos and artifacts and created his own special museum, the "Captain's Loft Gallery." Bob was a lifetime member of the Humboldt Yacht Club.

Dancers and musicians will remember Bob as a talented trombonist. He played Humboldt County dances throughout his life with numerous bands, including the Tom Fields Orchestra, the Woody Thompson Dance Band, the Eureka Brass, and For Dancer's Only. He was a lifetime member of the American Federation of Musicians, and served as a board member and business agent for Local 333. Bob's neighbors may have shared in his love of music too, as they probably couldn't help but hear his loud stereo and practice sessions.

Bob and Barbara traveled the world over, collecting memories of far away places and making many friends along the way. Bob was always on the go... he'd roar around in his van loaded down with tools for his fix-it chores. He found relaxation at his "ranch" in Petrolia, where he grew apples, grapes, and bamboo and also in taking long walks on the Fairhaven beach.

Bob was an ardent historian. He served as chairman of the founding advisory board for the Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum and later as a board member of the Humboldt County Historical Society. He was concerned about economic solutions for the future of our port and was an active member of the Citizens for Port Development and RAPIT. Bob was also a proud member of the Native Sons of the Golden West and the American Bamboo Society.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Barbara E. Maxon; son Robert P. Maxon and his wife Barb of Eureka; son Karl T. Maxon and daughter Rachelle, of Coquille, Oregon; sister Mary E. Wilson and her husband Wayne of Fortuna; brother Tom Maxon and his wife Gwyn of Cottonwood; sister-in-law Beverley Sandretto and her husband Rod and numerous other family members and friends.