Robert Lewis Furtch was born October 25, 1929 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was the third child of four born to Frank and Bertha Furtch. When Robert was 14 years old the family migrated west to California where his father found work in the Bay Area shipyards. In 1948 at the age of 19 Robert began working for Hiram Walker Distillery in San Francisco from where he eventually retired 42 years later in 1990.
In 1955 Robert began Bible studies with a Seventh-day Adventist Pastor where, upon learning Bible truths, he made the decision to dedicate the rest of his life to Jesus Christ. Robert was baptized into the Philadelphian Seventh-day Adventist church. Robert was a faithful and enthusiastic steward of God's Word and began giving his own Bible studies to family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. In the late 1950's Robert met and married the former Ms. Maxine Rogers and together they raised eight children, Michael, Andre, Edwina, Alonzo, Gail, Stanley, Anthony and Angela.
While a full-time employee at Hiram Walker, Robert always worked a side business in the evenings. He believed in hard work. A child of the Great Depression, Robert loved to earning a living to support his family. Pop knew the values of a dollar - he'd rub the ink off a dollar to make sure two weren't stuck together. Robert was never selfish, he generously gave of his finances, time and other resources to anyone in need. Although Robert did not hold a college degree was a student and teacher of all things. His method of teaching was simple, he taught by example and faithfully lived his values.
In every city where Robert and Maxine lived, the church was the nucleus of the Furtch family. Robert was ordained as an elder at the Healdsburg Seventh-day Adventist church in 1966. From church to church and city to city ministry was a mainstay in Robert's life until the very end. Serving as Sabbath school teacher, Robert led popular Sabbath school classes with animated yet practical discussions of the lesson. Pop served in several capacities of the church, but it's often said that hospitality was his favorite ministry. Robert loved welcoming visitors and members alike into his home for a Sabbath meal. Robert never developed the relationship of a best buddy, but the number of people who call him "friend" is innumerable. Only heaven knows the number of people who were impacted by his kindness and generosity.
Robert has left a living legacy to his children and grandchildren. He was the impeccable example of faithfulness, hardworking, generosity, consistency, honesty and strength. His unbiased counsel will be missed and his unshakable faith is his greatest gift to his family. HIs famous breakfast potatoes are a close second. It's now the charge of his children and grandchildren to preserve his legacy. We pray that each child and grandchild will endeavor to live their lives like Pops and let the character of Jesus be the foundation of their existence. It's important that they remember each day that they are his living legacy.
Robert was proceeded in death by his parents Frank and Bertha Furtch and children, Edwina Furtch and Andre Furtch. he leave behind precious memories in the heart of his loving wife of 60 years, Maxine Furtch. Robert deeply mourned by his children Michael Furtch, Alonzo Furtch, Gail Lasker-Whaley, Stanley Furtch, Anthony Furtch and Angela Rodgers. There will be a void in the hearts of his siblings, Mary Benn, Luvella Dennis and Frank Furtch Jr. and his 21 grandchildren and 14 great- grandchildren. Robert will be sorely missed by his church families, a host of relative's and all those who called him friend.
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