(January 20, 1926 - February 14, 2020) was born in Dunnegan, Missouri and
raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was the son of Zota and Earl Gilpin. He had an
older sister, Marie Murphy, and an older brother, Harold. As a boy, Robert loved
animals and science, often bringing strays or injured animals home to care for.
He loved fishing and hunting with his dog Robin.
Bob enlisted in the Navy during WWII. He was in the South Pacific on
aircraft carriers and then stationed in the Philippines. He later attended the
University of Nebraska and then USC after relocating his family to California. He
became a chemist, eventually buying and running Gooch Laboratories in Los
Angeles with his partner Roger Miller.
Bob married Jeanne Russell in June of 1953. They were blessed with 3
children; Catherine O’Neill, Diane Huffman, and Robert. The family enjoyed
camping, hiking, fishing and visiting Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite with their
lifelong friends Dorothy and Irvin Collins. Bob was a do it yourself man, able to
fix most anything. He took pride in his home, yard, and garden. He built the
barn and stable for the family horses, a playhouse for the kids, and was proud of
the backyard pool he maintained. Bob’s love of animals continued with the
family pet dogs and cats, who often accompanied the family on trips. He enjoyed
weekends and extended trips to the family cabin in Big Bear. He especially loved
spending time on his boat at the lake, whether fishing or just taking a relaxing
cruise. Bob always put family first in his life, and he was both a wonderful
husband and father. It was his love and support of family, high morals, strong
work ethic, and selflessness that he will most be remembered for.
Bob and Jeanne enjoyed traveling together and took trips to Europe,
Hawaii, Alaska, and Asia with family and friends. In 2002 Bob and Jeanne
relocated from Burbank to Auburn in Northern California. There they enjoyed
the beautiful northern Sierras and local fishing in the area. Though heartbroken
after losing Jeanne in 2016, Bob continued to live in his own home, of course with
a canine companion, until 2019.
Bob is survived by his 3 children, 6 grandchildren: Corey Bauer, Megan
Lacey, Taylor O’Neill, Kevin Huffman, Glenn O’Neill, Heather O’Neill; 4 great
grandchildren: Cameron Bauer, Hailey Bauer, Declan Mraz, and Jonathan Lacey.
All of them will miss him temendously, but are very thankful for so many happy
memories.
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