Robert Elwell Christianson

Robert Elwell Christianson – embraced life with gusto, February 20, 1920 to November 7, 2018. Bob thrived through 62 years of marriage, including 32 years of retirement in California (San Clemente, Fallbrook, Murrieta) with his love, Verne, who died early in 2018.

Born in Springfield, Nebraska, he finished high school in Garwin, Iowa, and college at the University of Northern Iowa. Bob spread his wings while working summers in the tourist mecca of Pikes Peak, Colorado and serving post-war in Okinawa, Japan.

His advertising career led to a move with Verne (and later with children) to Des Moines, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and St. Paul. Bob's work began with sales, handling farm magazine accounts; he proceeded into management, culminating his career as an advisor on publication acquisitions.

Real estate emerged as his passion; his weekends were spent scouring home sales ads and investing in both historic and up to date rental homes. The California sun and cherished long-time friends beckoned him and Verne to retirement in the state.

Over the retirement years, he loved collecting Native American art, writing for the Village News, using his creative talents with organizations (United Methodist churches, Rotary, two garden clubs, and the Live Oak Park Coalition), chatting with his buddies and their dogs at the park, and playing cards with Verne and friends.

Bob's travel quests were shared with Verne. In retirement, they visited family and friends across the U.S., plus journeyed to South America, Asia, Africa and Europe. He leaves behind two older sisters, Grace (age 100) and Alice (age 99). His life well lived serves as an example to his children Steve, Jill, and Linda and his grandchildren, Stacy, Hanna, Shelli, Stefani, Aaron and Brendan.

A Celebration of Life gathering for Bob will be held at Live Oak Park on Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. Gifts of Remembrance can be made to Live Oak Park of San Diego County (www.sdcps.org/donations, designate Live Oak Park – Robert Christianson) or to the United Methodist Church of your choice.