Robert S. Schwantes

Passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90. Robert was born in Lancaster, WI, oldest child of Lillian and Kurt Schwantes. He attended Harvard University, graduating in 1943 with a Bachelor’s degree in History. He married Marion Miles in 1943. He attended the Navy’s Japanese Language School in Boulder, CO and then served in the Navy in Australia, the Philippines, and Japan. He received his PhD from Harvard in 1950. From 1954 through 1988, he worked for The Asia Foundation in San Francisco and Japan. This job was very satisfying to him both professionally and personally, as he enjoyed meeting and working with people from many Asian countries on programs to foster educational, cultural, and economic development. Robert was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Burlingame for over 50 years. He served on the vestry, helped write a history of the church, served on the Columbarium and renovation committees, and assisted with many Rummage Sales. Robert was an avid reader and book collector. He continued to do research in libraries and on the internet and to write articles until the last year of his life. He loved to travel in the US and abroad. He enjoyed time with his family. He was a very patient caregiver for his wife, Marion, in the final years of her life. Robert was the beloved father of Virginia Manley of Carpinteria, CA, Janet Lockwood of Mukilteo,

d id k f WA, and Ingrid Jackoway of Newark, DE. He was a caring grandfather of Eric Graves, Phillippa Manley, Alan Jackoway, and Daniel Jackoway. His loving wife of 66 years, Marion Schwantes passed away 2 years ago. He is survived by his sister, Marcella Graney. His youngest sister, Arletta McCarville, preceded him in death. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 El Camino Real, Burlingame, CA on Sat. Dec. 1 at 11 AM. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to a charity of your choice.

July 11, 1922 – October 25, 2012