Halle P. Robb

Halle graduated from the California Maritime Academy in August, 1945. He was class President and was voted “Wittiest,” “Biggest Rough House,” and “Most Stay-at-Home” by his classmates and was given the nickname “Hallipi”. He loved telling the story of his first experience being the night watchman on a cargo ship at sea at age 21 and how it was scary but also a very proud moment in his life. He had a very long, rewarding, and successful career at Esco Corporation and retired from his job as the President of the Industrial Service Centers at age 65 after 43 years of service. He loved to travel and got many opportunities to travel overseas on business trips – Australia, the Philippines, and Pakistan were a few of the countries he visited and enjoyed. His friendships spanned the globe, and he enjoyed hosting friends, friends of friends, and family of friends whenever they would come to town. He once met a Philippino gentleman in Los Angeles on an elevator who looked worried. He asked him if he could help him in anyway, and the man said he was looking for a coat for his son. Halle spent the next few hours with him showing him where to shop and looking for just the right coat to take back home. Years later, Halle was back in the Philippines and had the chance to reconnect with his friend. He took him to the mine that he owned and gave him a generous present from the mine for all the kindness Halle had shown him when he needed help. He was so very well loved by his classmates, coworkers, and friends.

Halle loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He was married in 1948 to his wife Virginia (“Ginger”) and they had five children – Steve, Jeanne, Diane, Bill, and Linda. Other family include son-in-law Brian, grandchildren Kathryn (and husband Jamie), Kelly, Matt (and fiancée Hannah), Jordan, and great granddaughter Evelyn. His fondest memories include those times with family spent traveling to places like Lake Tahoe and Hawaii or just hanging out spending time together laughing and being silly. His love for, support for, and pride in his family were immeasurable and unwavering. He was such a wonderful example of how kindness and generosity is rewarded with kindness and generosity in return.

His memorial service will be held at the Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar on Saturday, January 27 at 1:00 pm.