Robert G. Aitchison
Bob died peacefully in his sleep at 100 years of age. He is survived by Jane and Robbie Fowler, Robert D. Aitchison and David Dolim, and grandsons Bryan and Chris Fowler.
Born and raised in Alameda, he had many wonderful memories of his dogs, adventures on the Bay in his row boat, and working at Neptune Beach, the “Coney Island of West”. He loved airplanes & took a flying lesson when he could save enough.
He graduated from Alameda HS and worked as a draftsman and attended Heald College. In April 1941 he was drafted and sent to Fort Ord. He was in a horse mounted artillery unit with WWI equipment. They marched up the coast, across the Golden Gate Bridge, and guarded the coast at Point Reyes. Each soldier had 5 rounds. Dad always thought that was pretty funny. Tiring of horses, he wanted to be a pilot and was dismayed to fail the colorblindness test. He credits that test with possibly saving his life! He joined the Army Corps of Engineers & graduated OCS as a First Lieutenant. In February 1943 they shipped to North Africa. Coming after battles, they built roads, bridges, water distribution and hospital facilities, and removed mines and booby traps. He always said that he marched across N. Africa and up the spine of Italy. It was quite an eye opening time for him. He was touched by the warmth and generosity of the local people despite their poverty. He was honorably discharged in February 1946.
Bob attended U.C. Berkeley with his wife Rita and received a BA in Civil Engineering. Selling everything, they bought a lot in Lafayette to build their dream home. Bob did the carpentry and Rita was the project manager for their mid-century modern home. 70 years later it is still architecturally beautiful. DIY continued on many projects & we all ran the cement mixer. It was the perfect place for kids to explore and play on the 1 acre lot, our friends were always welcome. Bob and Rita were great hosts and full of fun.
He retired as Assistant Superintendent of Public Works for Contra Costa County. He loved his work and his coworkers, and going for a drive to reminisce as he pointed out the bridges and roads he designed and built. In retirement they enjoyed the company of friends and family and loved to travel. They were overjoyed to become Grandparents and loved to spend time with their grandsons. Bob took up shooting sporting clays, made new friends and shared his new hobby with his grandsons. Dad would generously jump at the chance to help DIY at our homes, and continued to carry lumber and bags of concrete mix into his 80’s.
His beloved Rita died in 2008 after 59 years of marriage. Bob continued to live in their home independently with the help of family, wonderful neighbors and lots of love. Bob was a funny, generous and engaging man with great love of family, his dog Pluto and nature. For a number of years his Grandsons were his caregivers and they have many wonderful and humorous memories.
There have been no services due to Covid 19. Bob was a loyal supporter of the Contra Costa Food Bank & Meal on Wheels if you would like to donate in his memory.