Robert Earl Beckwith

He grew up on the family farm in Franklin County, Ohio, with his brother, Richard and sister, June. Bob graduated from Kent State University before joining the Navy. During World War II he served in the Pacific Theatre as second in command of LST 1069. One of his many assignments was to pick-up and transport captured Japanese Army officers who had operated P.O.W. camps. These officers were charged with war crimes against downed U.S. pilots around Chichi Jima. They were taken to Guam for trial and convicted. This operation was documented in the book “Sorties into Hell”.

After World War II, he taught school in Ohio before coming to California to get a business degree from U.S.C. Bob then moved to Ventura in 1950. In 1955, he opened California Office Equipment across from the San Buenaventura Mission. In 1958, he became the first local merchant to sell a new technology, portable calculators. Soon after, he relocated to 2767 E. Main Street and remained there until his retirement in 2010.

Bob has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Ventura East. His club presented him with a recognition award for over 59 years of perfect attendance. Bob was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow, and was named a benefactor by the Permanent Fund of Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

As part of the “Old Guard” Bob was known by many throughout the business community for his philanthropy and good will over the years.

He leaves behind his brother, Richard Beckwith; and sister, June Apati.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura, on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 5:00 P.M.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.