I had the honor and privilege to be married to Robert for almost 37 years. We met when I was just 14 and he was 28 years old and we were the best of friends for many years before getting married.
He truly taught me how to communicate and express my feelings without losing my temper, something that did not come easy for me. He was the calmest person I ever met, didn't believe in raising his voice to get his point across. Very logical in every aspect;  he could make you see his point of view with facts.
His vast knowledge about facts was amazing. I don't think I have ever met another person that knew so much about everything without BSing about things. He just knew stuff. How he acquired so much information and retained it is beyond me.
He was always there to help friends and family. He regarded his work buddies like family and loved  to spend time with them, so much so that even after he retired he would always show up for lunch whether he had company or not just in case even one person showed up.
Something  that many people don't know is that Robert use to be a runner; before he had his back surgeries.  He loved to run and would run up to 10 miles in one afternoon, enjoying his time alone, which he said gave him the time to think things out and resolve issues.
He was an exemplary father, who taught the boys to be perfect gentlemen and always respect people. He used to say that the most important thing in life was your credibility, so always be honest and truthful . Thank God they followed his advice. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd degree.  He was proud of that.
He was my best friend and I miss him greatly. My only concession is that once day we will be together again.  In the meantime, run fast my love and one day I will catch you.

Almost a year.... I have you in my heart. Every little thing reminds me of something you said, something you did; we had amazing time together and you will always be "Gramps". 

Thank you for honoring us to be part of your family and allowing us to be part of your life.

Love you Gramps

Pop,
     A lot has happened this past year since we all lost you. I think about you all the time and wish you were here to share both, your wisdom and opinions. I can't help but see a part of you and myself in little Robbie. Himself and Kaylani ask about you from time to time wishing you were he to put a smile on their faces. 
     I know a lot of sons whom have good relationships with their fathers always say their Father was the best person they knew. I can't help but to think if they really thought that was true or if they were trying to keep a positive outlook on their fathers memory. I CAN and honestly say you were truly the most interesting man alive to me. I loved to hear your stories about your travels, people you have met and life experiences. Everything was incredible and I find myself passing your stories onto the new people I encounter in my life as well. I miss your humor, but most of all, I miss your wisdom. You always had an answer for any problem life through at you. In some ways I think you were cheating because I can honestly say you were able to talk God into giving you the "cheat sheet" to life!
    I miss you Pop, even now I am teary eyed while writing you this letter. Please help keep an eye on your grand kids, hope you are organizing heaven with spread sheets and as always Pop, I'll save you seat at the movie theater!

Well Robert it's been almost a year since we last spoke. Remember it was at Tony's and the two of us were meeting for the weekly "retired" luncheon although I have yet to retire. You always shared your knowledge of finances with me and Carl which we had greatly appreciated. As we finished eating and I said I had to get back to work since some of us were on a schedule, you would remark with a smile "well some of us have to go home and get in our afternoon nap". You were a dear friend and have truly been missed. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. You were my Papa Smurf. Had it not been for you we wouldn't have been as secure financially heading into retirement. Please keep watching over all of us and guide us through our remaining years. We loved and miss you old friend. The O'Neills, Carl and Debbie

Robert loved the cinema and particularly old black and white war movies. Anyone that worked with him knew that he loved spreadsheets and would often use them to plan out vacations and trips with the upmost of minute details being planned out on them.
Robert was a generous supervisor and took care of those under his command. In one instance while in the Army he was called in a day early from field exercises. On the morning his platoon was due back he showed up at 04:00 and provided coffee and pastries to his troops. He was not only a courteous professional, but a caring soul. His generosity extended into the later years with various projects with the Knights of Columbus and sandwich ministry at St. James Catholic Church.
He was not only generous with his time but also felt it was important to educate solders in financial matters often giving presentations on invest strategies, the importance of retirement planning, and imploring the value of saving money for rainy days. In fact, this was not only isolated to the military community but he was invited by MSGT Gary Schofield to give those same presentations to the local high schools in his neighborhood.
He loved getting together with his Wednesday lunch buddies, Ann, Alice, Deb, Robin, Jan and Trish. Where they discussed not only their personal lives, but work and the other issues to try to solve the problems of the world with brilliant resolution!
As a father he led his life by example. He honored the philosophy honesty, of family, treating people with respect and killing your enemies with kindness. He was a strict disciplinarian when it came to the value of an education, but realized the importance of encouragement. His children's successes were his success.
As a husband he was a gentleman to the core; always a loving husband. He taught Terry the art of being patient; and not to throw things. He educated her on the importance of communication. He was her best friend and they did everything together. They knew each other since she was 14 and he was 20. They shared life of almost 37 years.

Dear Terry
When I got to Viet Nam, Robert was there to meet me, and I knew right away that I was lucky to be assigned to his Post.  We called him Eski, and as Company Clerk, he did all he could to make our stay as tolerable as possible.  Whatever we needed, he always found a way to help us.  I'll always remember the many times that he would go to the mess hall and get peanut butter and crackers for us after we had one of those raw chicken meals that no one could eat.   Everyone depended on him to keep the company going, and he did a fine job of it.  Many years passed since our time in Viet Nam, and I'm sorry we didn't keep in closer touch.  After I retired from dairy farming a few years ago, we reconnected and had many enjoyable phone conversations.  I miss talking with him and am sorry that we never made the trip to visit you and Robert.

I did not know Robert for that long, but wished that I had met him in my youth. What a great person. Generous to a fault, willing to help anyone and everyone.
He had so much wisdom, knowledge, and advise that would have helped me not make some of the mistakes I made. I miss talking to him.I think of him often, wishing God had not needed him so soon.

Kjell Skollingsberg

Terry, we know Robert is keeping very busy using his spread sheets to help God organize Heaven. We will miss him Greatly. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you, not only during this hard time, but always.

Love, Kjell and Sandi

Terry I am so sorry to read about Robert.  I know it has been along haul for him.  I wrote my condolence eariler but I guess it do not post.  I so remember how Robert would bring his surprise cart to the office on special ocasions with a cake and flowers for you.  God has added a very special Angel to the flock. My thoughts are with you and God bless you throught this difficult time.  Mary Galagan 
T

I have known Robert since the third grade at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary School in Sun Valley CA. We attended Bellarmine-Jefferson High School in Burbank. We recently celebrated our 50th class reunion. We share the same birthday.
I will remember Robert as a happy, gentle and kind person. 
My love and prayers go out to all his family with a wish of deepest sympathy.

OBITUARY

Robert Richard Escamilla

November 17, 1944 – April 7, 2015

Palm Downtown Mortuary & Cemetery

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