Stanley M. Rober's Obituary
Stanley “Stan” Max Rober, was born in Washington, on September 12, 1926, the only child of Hans and Esther (Dalin) Rober. He enjoyed a happy childhood and often shared fun stories of shenanigans with his cousins, goats, sledding and lots of good, clean fun.
Stan began his career in the airline industry at Clover Park Vocational School, training for his “A and E” (aircraft mechanics license). While still in school he began working at Boeing Aircraft on the B-50 assembly line, but moved to the flight line crew once he received his license.
His wife Valeera “Val” (Bures) Rober first mentions Stan in her journal on August 30, 1946. Stand and Val both enjoyed attending Miracle Book Club meetings, but did not officially meet until a missed ferry forced them to spend several hours together on the way to a meeting. Stan asked Val if she’d like a ride in an airplane (with himself as the pilot) and the rest is history.
Stan and Val were married in Val’s parents' home in Tacoma on April 3, 1948, and lived behind Stan's parents in a remodelled garage for several months before moving to Fife, Washington. They had three children, Shannon, Gary and Marlon.
In the 1950s, Stan continued to work in aircraft maintenance at the McChord Air Force base. In 1956, he began with Western Airlines and was trained as a flight engineer.
In August 1957, the whole family moved from Washington to California, living in Buena Park and Pacoima, before settling in North Hills. The family enjoyed many road trips, to visit family and to camp, hike and fish together. Stan and the boys enjoyed scuba diving together and he made sure his daughter knew how to throw a baseball and drive a manual transmission! The Robers were faithful members of Osborne Neighbourhood Church, attending Sunday morning and evening services, as well as Wednesday evening Bible studies.
Stan began working for Lockheed in 1961 and was involved in the L-1011, the P-3 Orion and the SR-71 programs.
Once their children had grown, Stan and Val enjoyed many interesting travels. Some highlights included trips to Germany and a tour of Egypt. Stan enjoyed being able to have Val along on his work assignments in England, Japan and Germany, living in these countries for several months at a time and visiting neighbouring European countries during their stay. Stan and Val also had many long road trips to visit their daughter and grandchildren in Canada.
The last years of Stan’s career were spent as a Lockheed Tech Rep (technical representative) for the SR-71, working as a civilian on U.S. Air Force bases in England, Japan and Yuba City, California. The grandkids loved Stan’s mysterious references to Skunk Works and Area 51 and several of them were able to accompany him on work trips.
Following Stan’s retirement, he and Val returned to their home in North Hills. In 2005 they returned to Washington, settling in Puyallup, where Stan enjoyed gardening, woodworking, family gatherings and more trips to Canada.
Stanley passed away in Tacoma, Washington on December 28, 2020. He is lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his children Shannon Doolan, Gary (Linda) and Marlon (Virginia); grandchildren Jennifer (Terry) Crosby, Jill (Niall) McGrath, Juliet (Trevor) Orcutt, Andy (Kieran Johnson) Thomson, Leah (Brent) Reimer and Jason (Monica) Brady; many great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Stan was predeceased by his parents; his wife Val and his granddaughter Amanda Brady. Stan is interred alongside his wife at Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood, Washington.
Stan was a man of integrity. He was the same person wherever he was – at home, work, church or with friends. He was a consistently upright man of God, hard-working, righteous and kind. He created a legacy that continues to shape his family and friends.
In the pocket notepad he was never without, Stan recently jotted down “John 5:24”.
Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
During the pandemic and isolation of his final months, Stan continued to be practical, loving and faithful to his God. He kept in touch daily with his family in their online group chat, sharing information about his day and stories from his past. One of his last messages was, “Bright sun, good lunch. All OKAY here. Keep safe.”
We miss you so much, but we know you’ve crossed over from death to life and are reunited with your sweetie, enjoying the bright sun and a good lunch.
Due to state restrictions in regards to COVID-19, services are by invitation only. Please join us for a live service broadcast beginning Friday, January 22nd at 11:00am using the link below.
https://viewneral.zoom.us/j/96947821310?pwd=YTZvY1JyY2FjaytTQWcvMmE5V0gzUT09
What’s your fondest memory of Stanley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Stanley?
Share a story where Stanley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Stanley you’ll never forget.
How did Stanley make you smile?