HomeCommunity NewsRobert Alan Elftman Sr. - 1953-2021 - Obituary

Robert Alan Elftman Sr. – 1953-2021 – Obituary

Bob Elftman was born on July 29, 1953 in Pasadena, California. He lived with his parents, George William (Bill) and Elizabeth Elftman, and his brother William Leigh (Bill) in San Marino. He shared memories of many memorable trips with his family. As he grew up, Bob also enjoyed Boy Scouting, camping and working at Summer Camp O’Ongo, in Running Springs, California. Bob graduated from San Marino High School in 1971 and then continued his studies at Pasadena City College. He enjoyed PCC very much, graduating in 1973. After receiving his Associates of Arts degree, he went to USC where he joined the Chi Phi Fraternity. He graduated in 1975 with a BA in history.
Bob and wife, Susan, met while attending USC and they were married in 1979 and moved to La Cañada Flintridge in 1992. They have three children, R. Alan (and wife Sarah) and Emily, and Timothy (and wife Nicole). After finishing his studies at USC, Bob went to work for his family bearing distributing business, General Bearings Company. He enjoyed working with his parents and brother. He attended San Marino Community Church, Lake Avenue Congregational Church, and Grace Community Church.
Bob enthusiastically cheered on Alan’s, Emily’s and Tim’s sports teams — basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball and Frisbee. He consistently kept statistics during basketball, baseball and softball games. He also did some coaching, including the La Cañada High School boys’ sophomore basketball team and refereeing of the youth sports. Bob was a Dodgers baseball fan. He was fond of watching and attending games with the family and he also enjoyed collecting Dodgers baseball bobbleheads.
Bob brought the family along to watch Rose Bowl parades and games. He made time for many fun family vacations, including skiing in Park City, Utah, summer driving trips to Yellowstone and Carmel, and a Hawaiian holiday. He also planned a great train trip for all five Elftmans through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Bob arranged for visits to Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
He loved the music that the three children played so well in high school and beyond! He enjoyed LCHS band concerts and marching band field show performances. He applauded the UCLA marching band. He cheered for The Ohio State University marching bands and Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. He worshiped at All Peoples Church and listened to his son’s Praise Band in San Diego. He was fond of performances of annual Merry Tuba Christmas programs. Bob celebrated so many important family events, including LCHS graduations, five college and university graduations and two son’s weddings.
Bob happily anticipated each day “at the office” because he excelled at finding the right bearing or part for the application requested by customers. He made many long-lasting friendships with customers and suppliers and colleagues through his business. He continued doing business on his phone from home to find the elusive lubrication parts even after “retiring” from General Bearings Company in 2019.
Bob’s health had been declining over the past few months. Bob had been receiving hospice care at home and he passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 18, 2021. An outdoor funeral service is planned for Feb. 26 at Forest Lawn-Glendale. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to AbilityFirst, (where Bob had previously volunteered) 1300 E Green St., Pasadena, CA 91106 or PCC Department of Music, Tournament of Roses Honor Band Fund, 1570 E Colorado Bl., Pasadena, CA 91106.

Our blessed assurance:
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.” Psalm 116:15

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