Robert Ruel Roberts

Edward Ruel Roberts was born on June 4, 1925, in Los Angeles, California, to Otto and Amy Roberts. His family lived at Roberts Camp, a resort in the San Gabriel mountains, owned by his parents. Ed fondly recalled the adventures he had as a “mountain boy.” When Ed turned six years old, his family moved down the mountain so he could attend school in Arcadia. He entered Boy Scout Troop 5 in 1937, was a member of a horse patrol, and became the youngest Eagle Scout today at age 14. He went on to Monrovia High School in 1940. One of his teachers assured him he would never amount to anything, which he disproved over and over again throughout his life. He spent his senior year in a special program with the Forest Service in Mt. Shasta. It was while he was at the Mt. Baldy Station that he made the decision to enlist in the US Navy in 1943, but being just shy of 18 years of age, he had to go home and get his parent’s approval. Ed served as a Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class aboard the U.S.S. North Carolina. He fought in eight major battles in the South Pacific Theater and never forgot being “frozen” in fear on deck during a Kamikaze attack. While on shore patrol in April of 1944, he met Beverly Clubb and could not stop thinking about her. Their love affair continued throughout the remainder of the war as they wrote each other in a pre-arranged code so she could be informed of his whereabouts and safety. They were married on October 20, 1945, five days after he returned to the States. In 2013, they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Despite hating school as a teenager, Ed continued his education over the span of 3 decades. From Pasadena City College (AA Degree), he went on to UCSB (BA Degree and Teaching Credential), Cal State Long Beach (Master’s Degree and Vocational Education Credential), and UCLA (Doctoral Degree and Administrative Credential). He got his first taste of teaching at the U.S. Navy Fleet school in Electrical Hydraulics in 1944. He was hooked! He taught driver’s training, drafting and architectural drawing, wood and leather working, and industrial science at Whittier High School and in adult school. While teaching in Whittier, Ed and Beverly spent their summers running Whitiok Day Camp and also ran a construction company to support their growing family. Ed later taught in the teacher training program at UCLA and Cal State Long Beach. After spending a frustrating 2 years at the State Department of Education, he became the Director of Vocational Education in Compton and then in Santa Ana. In 1973, he became the Superintendent of the Orange County Regional Occupational Program. Over the years, Ed held a myriad of jobs: paper boy, hay truck driver, hay stacker, wood cutter, trench digger, furniture maker, bowling pin setter, lifeguard, soda jerk, auto mechanic, waiter, short order cook, saddle maker, leather worker, hardware store salesman, teacher, tobacco shop salesman, Whitiok Day Camp owner, Boy Scout leader, construction company owner, and school administrator, giving him an almost inexhaustible supply of knowledge, advice, and stories. When he retired 1985, he was commended by many for his work over the span of his career. After retiring, Ed and Beverly moved from Fullerton to Rancho Mirage, where he served as the home owner’s association President for many years. He continued to read Doctoral theses for students at UCLA. They enjoyed traveling in their trailer with the Holiday Ramblers group. They purchased a mountain cabin at Lake Arrowhead, and there made many happy memories with friends and family. Ed was a loving, patient, and innovative care-giver for Beverly in her later years. Ed is survived by his children: Gayle and Michael Bardon, Craig Roberts, and Ron and Karla Roberts; his grandchildren: Lisa & Ted Angus, Jonathan & Laura Bardon, John Roberts, Jeff & Sara Roberts, Andrew & Megan Roberts, Aaron & Amanda Roberts, and Alexis & Eric Jones; and his great-grandchildren: Kelsey, Jordan & Mikayla Angus, Dana & Wyatt Bardon, Rivers and Mykel Roberts, Owen & Milo Roberts and Cali Jones. Ed will be dearly missed by so many, and has left a fascinating and wonderful legacy.