Robert G. Sommers

Bob, 61 of Eureka, passed away Monday, April 11, 2011 at Pacific Rehabilitation & Wellness Center following a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Bob was born October 7, 1949 in Englewood, New Jersey to Gloria and Richard Sommers. Following graduation from New Milford High School in 1967, Bob joined the U.S. Army. He served his country for two tours of combat duty in Viet Nam and graduated from the U.S. Army Engineer School. Bob later became a refrigeration contractor operating his own business providing repairs and maintenance for truck air conditioning, HVAC systems, commercial refrigerators and freezers, including all related construction, plumbing and electrical work. Bob pursued many interests. At age 14, he became the New York State Billiards Champion in his class. As a young man, he played baseball and was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. After a losing season he would remove his Yankee's ball cap and threaten to burn it. Bob enjoyed fishing rivers, lakes and the ocean. He also enjoyed many family camping trips. Bob married for the second time to the love of his life, Jan Ford. They enjoyed many travels together by car, RV and cruise ship. After retiring, Bob and Jan traveled in their motorhome to many of the places Bob still wanted to visit. Many people heard Bob sing in his wonderful tenor voice. His sense of humor was very amusing. He liked "The Honeymooners" and during a visit to New York City with Jan, he approached an open manhole and shouted down, "Hey Norton!" His favorite show was The Three Stooges. He owned them all and enjoyed watching them many times. Bob is survived by his wife Jan, older brother Richard, children Stephanie Haedrich (Gary), Ashley Sommers and Robert Sommers Jr., stepsons Gary Brown, Jerry Brown and numerous grandchildren. Bob was predeceased by his parents. At Bob's direction there will be no funeral services. As a military veteran, his ashes will be scattered at sea. There will be a memorial celebration of life Sunday, May 1, 2011 at the Moose Lodge, 4328 Campton Road, Eureka from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. For more information call 707-443-1073. In lieu of flowers please contribute to Hospice of Humboldt or American Cancer Society in Bob's name. Bob Sommers a strong, loving and caring man "Why, Soitenly!" Arrangements under the direction of Pierce Mortuary, Eureka, CA 707-442-3751, www.piercemortuarychapels.com.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard on April 24, 2011