Robert W. Eagan

Robert (Rob, Bill) William Eagan was born June 9, 1929 in Valley, Nebraska to Thomas and Ann Eagan. His was a long and adventurous life. He embraced his Irish heritage and he inherited his great story telling from his mother and his poetic bent from his father. His life story was like a good book that one reads, and that one does not want to lie down or complete.

He was raised in Nebraska, Colorado, and California. His father’s work led the family to travel from state to state for work in the railroad stockyards. He lived in Valley, Nebraska; Derby and Denver Colorado; and then San Diego, California. He graduated in San Diego where he met, dated and then later in life married Patricia Owens. He had polio as a young child and his father had him lift a young calf each day, ride his horse to and from school for exercise and this helped to build him into a strong young man. He joined the military after high school and served in the Philippines, Panama, Puerto Rico, China and Japan. He was in charge of all Embassies for the Army Security Agency for Central America and was in the 82nd and 101st Airborne with the Army Security Agency, Signal Corps. He was very proud of having been in community production of “South Pacific” while in Panama. He brought down the house with his performance and his dress as a rather manly looking island dancer. His ensemble was complete with coconuts, wig, grass skirt, and a ship painted on his belly that he could make roll like it was on the ocean waves! He was also talented at being able to wiggle his eyebrows, ears and etcetera with great control! He could really entertain the kids in our family!

He had two previous marriages. From his first marriage to Sandra, he was blessed in becoming a father to his very much loved daughter, Carol Ann, at her adoption. After Sandra’s death, he remarried. He and his longtime friend Rose spent many happy years together until her death. Patricia Owens had always been in his mind as a very special person and someone he had cared about in high school. They met again at their 50th high school reunion in 1997. The spark was still there and they were married 10 years later!! Monseigneur Mark Campbell officiated at their wedding in the historic mission in Old Town, Immaculate Conception, (built by Father Junipero Serra). They laughed many times about her not remembering him. He knew her instantly, but she said, “He had black hair then!”. He had a wonderful remainder of his life in giving love and being loved by Patricia and all her family. It was a miracle for them both to come together after so many years and to experience love together.

How could we describe him? He was so many things: a charmer, dreamer, daring, an inventor, genealogist, builder, musician, comforter, singer, actor and entertainer, story teller, poet, joyous, humorous, a great friend, a lover, full of ingenuity, and able to undertake about anything he decided to do. He had the biggest and most loving heart. He could talk with his eyes (could anyone express so much with their eyes? Mischief, joy, tenderness and love)! He was a source of laughter, energy and kindness. We remember him as someone who loved them “completely”. Hearing him say: “I love you completely” only gave solidity to the knowledge that he did, because that was always expressed through his actions.

He was an ordained pastor (Church of the Rising Hibiscus) and he performed marriage ceremonies for his daughter and son-in-law and his nephew and niece. They were proud of that! He lived many years in Massachusetts, Florida and then remained in California until his death. He leaves behind his “Love” Patricia and her precious family, his beloved daughter Carol Ann, son-in-law Duane, 3 grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and abundant friends.

Alzheimer’s took him from us on June 15, 2013 at the age of 84. He continued to recognize those he loved and to share that spark we knew so well. He did this though his continued affection, love of story-telling and songs. We will miss his singing to us “When Irish Eyes are Smiling”, Tura Lura Lural” and all his repertoire. We will miss his Irish smiling eyes, and his Loving heart until we again meet.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1pm on Tuesday, June 25th at Santa Sophia Catholic Church Church in Casa de Oro. 9800 San Juan Street, Spring Valley, California 91977. There will be a wake following the funeral. He will be buried with Military Honors at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 10:30 a.m.

Memorials may be given in Robert's memory to either Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Sharp Grossmont Hospice or Sharp Grossmont Hospice, 11th Hour Program.

Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.

Eternal rest grant unto Robert, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace. Amen.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

II Timothy 4:7-8

Condolences, stories and pictures may be offered at www.conradlemongrove.com .

Arrangements are made under the direction of Conrad Lemon Grove Mortuary.