In mid 1998 i started at Crown Dodge and there met Mr. Crown. Beyond his wisdom, intelligence as a businessman and his sharp goodsense of humor. He would everynow and then crack a lil joke that catch me offguard and get me laughing. But also knew he couldnt allow a salesman to get too confident and slack off. But his good heartedness and his willingness to help each and everyone of us individually at times will forever remain in my heart. He would often remind me of my potential and even gave me advice when he noticed i was saddened by a divorce. Promoted me twice altho he normally would leave that to the GM in place. He Knew that given the opportunity id make him proud and care for his business as if it where my own and im glad to have proven him right 99% of the time. lol. Overly ambitious id let him know i wish to be like him at times. Where i remember he'd reply Tony you wouldnt want to sleep in my pillow. I got alot to think about. Careful what u ask for. ( with a smile) Lol. Im sad i was workin elsewhere when he passed but later came back. Because i'll always consider it home. Im happy that searching for the company's email, i ran into this. I finally got my chance to say. Mr Crown. .... Thank you, much love and youre the best. R.i.p:(
Tony Cardona

October 8, 2018 the world of the automotive business lost an individual who was unequivocally respected and regarded with as one of the great “car men” of his time.  He was known for his good character, generosity and most notably known for being fair and honest.  The man I speak of is Bob Crown; my teacher and mentor. 22 years ago I was fortunate enough to begin working for Mr. Crown at his Dodge Dealership as a finance manager.  Over the next 2 decades I worked for him as a finance director, sales manager, general sales manager and finally as one of his partners/part owner of Crown Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram.   
Mr. Crown, You showed me the “ropes” in business and in life.  Your favorite motto, which I also live by, was “Life is a Negotiation”.  
You told me that when you are speaking to someone you are either making a negotiation or a confrontation.  Being cleaver and crafty you knew that a negotiation was the preferred tone of speech.    
Although you taught me many aspects of the automobile business and life lessons,  2 of the last things you said to me shortly before you passed away was: 
1.     Taking one of the many trips around the Dealership in your golf cart and you said to me, “Don’t ever let the dealership get run down. " 2.    We were in your office and you asked me if I was ready “to sit in Your chair?”  I said “not yet”.   It is only now that I realize what you meant. 
I am going to miss hearing from you, the laughs,  your teachings and advice.  Most of all I am going to miss knowing that I had someone I could go to in times of trouble for answers and resolutions.  I am going to miss my friend.  
You laid the foundation and together your son Bob and I will continue to make the Dealership successful and keep your legacy going.
You made me promise that I would do the things you did, but do them better.  I will keep my promise.  It is with all my sincere heart that I thank you for making me a better person.  Your student, Gus

A legend has passed. My heart goes out to all of the Crown Family. I am forever thankful for Mr. Crown for the opportunities that he had given to me and my family.

RIP sir.

Mr. Crown,
  I will miss you tremendously as the leader and teacher at Crown Dodge. I always looked forward to the time we spent in your office listening to your advice and most importantly your stories which I truly enjoyed ( it didn't matter how many times I heard them!). I especially enjoyed our conversations on what would make Chrysler better and our Country better.  I know that sometimes you seemed a little tough, but every time that you told me something and I sat down to think about it, I realized that you were right! I never felt under appreciated because you  told me several times " Your doing a good job Steve". When ever you told me this I would be walking on clouds for the next couple of days. I am truly going to miss our talks and stories, but I will keep doing my job as you were standing there with me and telling me " Your doing a good job Steve". 
  I will always remember the fun memories that still make me smile and laugh when I think about them. I will never forget my trips with you on the golf cart at work. I don't know if you enjoyed them as much as I did, but I always remember the first rule about riding with you was " Hold on TIGHT at all times!. I remember one time I was riding on the back seat and we started going slower and slower. I knew something was wrong since I never saw you go slow on the cart! It turns out that the batteries were dying quickly. I got out and started pushing and you said " Hey it's starting to work again. It just doesn't go fast enough!) I pushed faster and faster and by the time we got back I was wore out! You then told me that we should walk the lot again since you didn't trust the golf cart. I looked at you with sweet running down my face and you just smiled at me and said " I'm just kidding, Thanks for the push. 
 I will always remember the lessons that you taught me about this crazy car business and your stories that I will never forget!
 I will miss you Mr. Crown

I have a lifetime of memories with my Uncle Bob.  I have never known life without his strong presence -from all our family vacations growing up, to him giving the "toast to the bride" at my wedding, to meeting him in Palm Desert and watching him shower my daughters with the same adoration that he showed me.  He even warmed up to my husband after about a decade :)  He was bigger than life, opinionated and a fierce lover of his family.  He was so generous and hosted us to many memorable dinners and if our friends were in town, they were all invited, too.  To say that I will never forget him is an understatement.  A personality that big doesn't just disappear.  I think we will always feel his presence and reflect on our memories with him with joy.  
Rest in peace, Uncle Bob.  I knew you wouldn't go out without a fight and it wouldn't have been like you if you didn't.
And, Auntie Grace ... we love you to the moon and back.  We can't imagine the depth of your loss, but we will be here to listen and visit and laugh and cry and share with you in your grief.
With love,
Teri, Ray, Allison, Jamie, Erin and Cate

I want to offer my condolence to the family.  Best car dealer I ever known.     

                     GOD BLESS THE FAMILY
                                                          

Robert A. Crown Eulogy
 
Generous, insightful, intelligent, tenacious, driven, strong, larger than life, loyal, thirst for knowledge, passionate, determined, innovative.
 
Those are just some of the words used to describe Dad in condolences I received this week.
But how he always said he wanted to be remembered was simply this:  “He was tough, but fair and honest.”
 
It’s hard to reflect on a lifetime in only a few days.
He loved to work. I remember my first job working for him at Vista Ford. I was 13. He paid me $40 a week. I don’t know if it occurred to me at the time that it was a dollar and hour, but it allowed me to drive the cars around the lot.
 
I do remember that he’d leave for work in time to arrive by 8. I had a mo-ped at the time so it took me a bit longer to get there but I don’t believe I ever got there before he did.
And of course, most nights he was amongst the last to leave.
 
Even in later years, he loved to be at the office. Of course, by then his productivity had slipped a bit…but we never said anything about that. Everyone loved having him around.
 
He always had quite a gathering in his office and there were always many stories. He was a great storyteller.  Most of which we had ALL hear before…many times.
But they gave insight into how he became the man he was.
 
From his days growing up in the orchards, to selling heavy equipment all over BC, And his 58 years in the car business.
While he no dought enjoyed telling those stories, He used them to teach as well.
And I know that those lessons, which were repeated to me and others so many times, will never be forgotten.
Lots of discussions were held in that office too about how to fix Washington DC, the Dodgers and Chrysler

Robert A. Crown Eulogy P2
He genuinely loved selling cars and teaching people to be better salespeople, holding sales training meetings right to the end.
What’s Funny is that for someone with 58 years in the car business, he wasn’t a car enthusiast at all. In fact, one of my friends told me Dad, when asked what cars he liked, replied “I like what sells.”
And of course there was Golf!
He loved playing and played every day when he could, sometimes twice.
A lot of our best family times were at the desert where he was more relaxed and able to enjoy entertaining family and friends. He loved entertaining and was quite a host!
 
He cared deeply about his family and we always knew that we came first. His eyes lit up and he beamed when he talked about his grandkids.
He called his granddaughters almost daily. I’m sure it felt a little overbearing at times. But they were always on his mind and I know they understood how important they were to him.
Of course his Grandson was always on his mind too and he asked me about him every day!
 
Bobby once said he needed to get a job so that he could get an iPhone. Well granddad heard about this and said to him
“I heard you want a cell phone” to which Bobby replied “iPhone Granddad, iPhone.” He got his iPhone.
 
Of course, he loved my Mom too!...And relied on her for security and support. He couldn’t stand to be home alone without her, even wanted her to be in the same room with him. He was right to rely on her because She stood by him always and comforted him right up to the end.
He cared deeply about his siblings and nephews and nieces, calling them regularly and especially in their times of need.
 
He deeply loved his parents…and took great solace and pride in having the means to provide financial comfort and security for them later in their lives

Robert A. Crown Eulogy p3

As a father, he showed me a sensitivity some may not have realized he possessed because of his hard outer shell.
And while it was sometimes challenging to work together and then spend leisure time together as well, he had an ability to ‘flip a switch’ and just be my Dad. Asking me how I was and checking in on current events in my life.
I always knew he had my back and his advice, whether for personal or business, was insightful and always welcome.

I have lost my safety net. I always knew that if things went badly for me, I had him to turn to. And I know many others regarded him in the same way.

My Mom has lost her rock. 
For 58 years she honored and adored him, loved and cared for him.
I know he took great comfort in that. And I know he loved, respected and appreciated her very much. 
The home she made for him allowed him to refresh and recharge to have the energy to persevere and succeed.
Yes, He was her Rock, but She was his port in the storm.
 
So for me, the world is a different place today and while many have lost their mentor, their leader, their friend, their loved one-I have lost my lifeboat.
 
I know I was very blessed to be able to call him my “Dad.”
I will never forget the lessons he taught me, the standards he set and the example he lived.

Sorry to hear about your dad. I always had nothing but respect for your dad. What a lot of people didn't understand about him is he always had something to teach. He wanted people to be better. It wasn't always about busting balls. I still tell stories about your dad to this day sometimes when I'm trying to teach someone something 😊 
Mike Koss 

I am so sorry for you and your family. Your Dad was a great guy and not just another dealer. He was tough, yes, but he was loyal and always took care of his people and partners. I too will miss him. He was top notch and he had nothing but respect from me and Chrysler. He was determined to get where he wanted to go and achieved what most people only dream of. He was not afraid to take risks and worked very hard and earned what he got. 

Best to you and your family. I will miss our lunches and always enjoyed the company and companionship. 

Uncle Bob always made us feel welcome by opening up his home for a California visit.  Always very generous and ready to share a joke.  I appreciated how important it was for Uncle Bob that his grandchildren got to know their many Canadian relatives.  Our last family reunion in 2017 celebrated the 150th Birthday for Canada. Everyone was asked to wear red and white- Uncle Bob wore “purple” . He was draped with the Canadian flag for the group picture- believe or not. With love , the Clark family.

Mr. Crown
I would like to thank you for everything you had done for me. I will always remember your jokes that you told us in our sales meetings. You played such a big role in countless lives and you will be sorely missed by everybody that you around. I know that you were a tough man to be around sometimes but all you wanted was the best from me. I will forever be thankful for what you had done for me even though there were times I didn’t deserve it. You will always be remembered and thank you for everything rest easy Mr. Crown you deserve it and I still let customers believe in Lala land. Haha 
Until we meet again sir 

Found these photos of  Uncle Bob. 
The first picture was taken in March 89 before Joe turned 2 years.  The second was taken at the family reunion at Spruce Grove (2000)

Robert-
 
I just wanted to express my condolences on your Dad passing away.  I have many great memories of your Dad in a very short time period.  Mr. Crown was truly a an amazing man.   I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with him and he helped me gain experience early in my career.  Sometimes it wasn’t easy but the lessons I learned from him were very valuable and helped me with my career and many leadership positions.
 
Please send my best, thoughts and prayers to the family.   

In the early 80's Val and I went to Woodland Hills to visit Uncle Bob & Aunt Grace.  I will never forget a conversation Uncle Bob and I had about business.  I was working in the Pharmacy dispensing medications and he was in the Car Business selling cars.  He looked at me and said very seriously "Jack, we are in the same business."  I was confused as I could not see the similarity.  Uncle Bob replied "We are in the People Business."  I looked at him and said, "Yes, you are right.  We are!"  Uncle Bob always put People first in his personal and business life.  Thank you for all the great memories.  You will be missed!

Bob Crown, you were a generous man.  Harry and I were welcomed into your home anytime and always a car waiting for us to drive.  We had some great family get togethers.  Big meals and you at the head of the table pouring some of the best wines.  You will be missed.  Rest in Peace.

 Mr. Crown I work for you for 20 years at first you intimidated me. But once I got to know you I found out you were very generous and caring man. You cared about your employees and would help and do anything for them if you could. You will be truly missed at the dealership walking into the office and go on as your little hen house.Listening to all your stories over the years found out we had a lot in common as far as Scotland in being a Methodist. And you couldn’t believe I was born in Barstow California. I will truly miss you rest in peace.

Although I (& Donna)  never got down to LA that often,  I do remember the one golf game, the Hot tub,  & the pool.  Not the mention the wine room !.  May you Rest In Peace.  My deepest condolences to all the family.    (pictures date from July 1997)

A letter to Mr. Crown,
     I have been flooded with fond memories over the last seven years, although I feel I've know you much longer through
all the stories you've shared.   Thank you for sharing!  I wish i could hear one more.  

I miss hearing you hollaring down the hall for me.
I miss hanging out with you while you pay your bills.
I'm thankful for all you've taught me and will continue to strive to be what you intended me to be.
I'll never forget the tough lessons when i was sure you'd jump out of your chair!   Or the day after when you'd hollar for me
and ask me "are you still mad at me?"  :) Never! You were right!
I won't be intimidated, the backlash is temporary.
I will not complain or explain because surely Bob and Gus will not be interested in that! 
I am blessed to be a part of this amazing, successful business you created!!  Crown Dodge will soldier on!!
I am so very thankful for our last conversation.
I miss you and loved you dearly,  <3  Sheryl









I am so happy to have been able to spend time recently with Great Uncle Bob in Woodland Hills. He fiercely loved his family and was so so generous to all of us, especially the children. This picture is from Aunt Graces 80th birthday just a few months ago. 

I’ve known Bob since I was born. My grandfather, Milton Linder (Bobs attourny and one of his best friends), would always take me to Crown Dodge a few times a year to see Bob Sr. and Bob Jr., and my grandma (Gerry Linder) would always talk to Grace on the phone. I remember I had a toy Dodge Viper (blue with white stripes), that Bob gave my grandpa to give to me. For years and years, all I wanted was a Dodge Viper to drive (exactly like the toy I had). On my 15th birthday my grandpa started talking to Bob about cars for me. He told Bob the car I wanted and put me on the phone with Bob, bc my grandpa didn’t want to be the “bad cop”. Bob,  said the Viper is a real good looking car BUT it wasn’t the safest. He said he thought I should get another car to be my very first car, and if I want the Viper later, then we can talk. I ended up getting a blue Durango, instead. 
Bob Sr., my family has had such great times with you and your family. You will be so missed. I sure hope you are having a drink with my Grandpa and Grandma in heaven, and playing all of the golf you can play! 
So much love,
Anna (Linder) Wolfstone

I LEARNED MANY LESSONS FROM BOB CROWN ,I LOOKED TO HIM AS A FATHER FIGURE AND PASSED MANY OF THESE GIFTS
ON TOO MY SON IN BUSINESS.
I WAS IN A MEETING WITH HIM AND A FEW OTHER DEALERS 
HE SAID SOME THING TO IRRITATE ME ,AS MY OWN FATHER HAD DONE MANY TIMES, I RAISED MY VOICE IN FRUSTRATION .
BOB REACHED INTO HIS DRAWER VERY CALMLY PULLED OUT A TOWEL HANDED IT TO ME AND SAID IN A FERM VOICE.
HERE YOU NEED THIS MORE THAN I DO.
EVERY ONE BURST INTO LAUGHTER. 
I ALL READY MISS BOB
THANK YOU 

Words can't describe how surreal it is to know we will never see you walk thru the door with a smile on your face telling us " Alright girls what are the rules". In the almost 23 years of knowing you, you have always been a strong will person which makes it even harder to believe that your gone. Just know you will be missed  but not forgotten. May you rest in peace. My most sincere condolences to the entire Crown Family.

I miss the Wisdom of your advice even though sometimes I did not either understand or agree with it. I miss the never ending stories even though you told them 100 times over.  I miss the kick in the shins.  I guess what I am trying to say is that I will miss you terribly .
RIP my Mentor and friend

Mr. Crown, you will be missed.  Thank you for all the wisdom. I am a stronger person having known you. May you rest in peace...

Mr. Crown , you will be missed.  Thank you for all the wisdom. I am a stronger person having known you. May you rest in peace...

Mr.Crown, you have left those of us who have been loyal to you for years lost. Knowing that we won't hear your jokes or your "long distance..." calls seems unreal. You were a mentor to many of us and although maybe i didnt understand it at times...it all makes sense now, you only wanted us to be the best at what we did. You are so loved and respected..May you be resting in eternal paradise..🖤till we meet again.....

So many memories in only 5 years time.  Mr. Crown, you were a great mentor and encouragement to me; from the day I started working for you.  Your example of "You have to get tougher Terry" and "Never let up on those guys" was my challenge daily. You will be missed at the Dealership, but most of all you'll always remain in my heart. Our world was a better place with you here.  May you rest in peace and know that you have created a higher standard in all the lives you touched.  I am happy I will always carry the name you gave me forever "The Apache Princess"

Mr. Crown you where definitely one strong person. It still feels unreal that you are gone. May you Rest In Peace. My deepest condolences to the Crown family.

OBITUARY

Bob Crown

September 8, 1936 – October 8, 2018

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services