Robert Darrell Ferdon

Born to Joseph and Mildred Ferdon on July 18,1933 in Boone County Township, Illinois into humble circumstances, Robert Darrell Ferdon was one of eight children. His father died suddenly when Robert was only 13, leaving his mother alone to raise six boys ranging in age from 11 to 17. He grew up in the small rural atmosphere in and around Belvidere, Illinois. As long as he was able, he always looked forward to returning home for reunions with his former classmates of Belvidere High School Class of '51.

Following his HS graduation Robert did a brief stint with the Naval Reserve, then joined the USAF. Requesting to be sent to Korea, the Air Force decided to instead send him to Germany to train to become an air traffic controller. He found himself stationed at Tempelhof Air Base in Berlin, Germany. This is where he met his future wife Ursula, and the birth of daughter Patricia followed in 1956. Receiving an honorable discharge from the USAF in 1956, the family returned to the US. Robert was hired as an air traffic controller with the Federal Civil Aeronautics Authority (becoming Federal Aviation Administration in 1958) and settled in Torrance, CA. In 1960 the family left southern CA behind, moving north to open the new McClellan RAPCON facility, and settling in Fair Oaks, CA. David was born 1960 in Sacramento, CA.

Growing up we were the fortunate beneficiaries of our father's wanderlust. Every summer our family looked forward to a camping trip to one of our beautiful National Parks or historical sites, sometimes combined with visits to family in Illinois or Canada. A lifetime of memories was provided by these annual expeditions. His favorite form of relaxation throughout the year was lying on his stomach on the floor, immersed in one of his Readers Digest condensed novels. But when summer vacation came around, not a single summer adventure was wasted.

Unfortunately the family was devastated by the death of Ursula in 1981, following a battle with cancer. Robert found himself a widower at the young age of 47. He continued working and was fortunate enough to comfortably retire in 1988 at age 52, having served the FAA for thirty-two years.

Adventurous and fearless, always stubborn and independent, dad found new hobbies in retirement. He received his scuba diving certification. He also decided to learn how to sail and bought a 27' sailboat which he named 'Sin Cuidados' (without care). He became a certified Captain, able to navigate by the stars, and had many sea adventures. By far, his biggest sailing adventure involved sailing days across the Pacific Ocean to deliver a sailboat from California to the Fiji Islands. How many of us would have the courage to attempt such an undertaking? Skill (and luck) carried him through the task without incident and he returned safely home to Fair Oaks.

Robert remarried in 1998 and he and wife Christel spent their time in pursuit of new adventures together--traveling, cruising and exploring the world. Their final trip was just four years ago, a Mediterranean cruise through the Greek Islands. Unfortunately, just after returning from this exciting experience, tragedy once again befell the family. A terrible auto accident seriously injured both Bob and Christel. Although he was able to rehab from his injuries, he continued to endure pain and spent the remainder of his days caring for Christel who was left paralyzed by the accident.

Refusing to accept help or admit defeat, he was stubborn, strong, defiant and independent to the very end. Always pushing himself forward and never looking back. A man of many admirable qualities, he always pushed the limits. On 02JAN17, with spirit intact, his body could tolerate no more. Reaching the age of 83, he outlived his parents and all of his siblings, wife Ursula and numerous extended family members, co-workers and friends. Quite an impressive journey for a depression-era farm boy from the fields of rural Illinois.

As we say goodbye, we are left to reflect on a rich and full life well-lived. A life filled with much accomplishment, memories and experiences.

Now the time has come to rejoin his beloved wife Ursula. May they rest peacefully together for the remainder of time. Both are deeply loved by their family. Both will forever be missed.

Robert is survived by wife Christel, son David, daughter Patricia, grandson Matthew, and extended family in Illinois and Canada, as well as many friends and acquaintances.

Services will be held on Friday, February 24th at 12:00pm at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park & Mortuary, Fair Oaks, CA