Robert Bruce Sheridan passed away on Monday, December 31, 2018, in Laguna Woods, California; he was 86 years old.He died of natural causes, surrounded by his family.

Known as "Bob" in his earlier years, he was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 7, 1932.His late parents were John Paul Sheridan and Elva Louise Knapp Sheridan, both born in Iowa; they were the descendants of Irish, English and French immigrants, Revolutionary War veterans, and some of the earliest settlers of Connecticut and Jamestown, Virginia.Robert loved and admired his siblings Mary Lou Sheridan Pomeroy and Dorothy Jean Sheridan Pagones, both of whom predeceased him; an older brother died of diphtheria in infancy. Looking for better work and warmer climes (Robert remembered the garage doors freezing shut in Arlington Heights), Paul moved his young family west to Van Nuys, California in 1941.Their new home, on Hazeltine Avenue, allowed Robert to keep a horse named Colorado, whom he loved to ride around the San Fernando Valley.

A gifted athlete like his father (who pitched in semi-pro baseball) and sisters, Robert played football at Van Nuys High, graduated from there in 1951, tried out for the Los Angeles Rams as a kicker, and attended and received an Associate Degree from Pierce College in 1953.Robert then enlisted in the United States Army, training in artillery at Fort Ord; ordered to Korea as the cease-fire was signed, Robert was "ordered" to spend the remainder of his three years of active duty in France with the 105th Medical Detail, followed by eight years of Reserve duty.On his way to Europe he performed in a show on the troop ship before arriving in Bremerhaven, using the singing talents he possessed all his life.He spent his leaves in Paris, once visiting the Louvre for three straight days.While in Europe, Robert met Pamela Higson, they were engaged, she emigrated to America, and they were married in early 1957.Over the next 16 years, four children were born to Robert and Pamela: Timothy Paul (b. 3/16/59), Peter Charles (b. 10/25/60), Robert Alexander "Alex" (b. 5/28/63) and Joshua James (b. 5/5/74).Robert and Pamela divorced in 1982.Robert went on to enjoy three other marriages, and enjoyed the last eight years of his life in a happy relationship.

Robert never stopped working.At nine years of age in Arlington Heights, Illinois he had a paper route; in Van Nuys he threw papers as well, sometimes from his motorcycle.In his five decade career in the world of sales, he sold life insurance, fibers used in Astro-Turf, commercial carpeting and floor coverings, chemicals, roof trusses for homes, all manner of building materials, telecommunications systems, and restaurant equipment.From the age of 81 to 86 he was a gate ambassador for Laguna Woods.To say Robert liked to be active is an understatement.

His love of physical activity extended throughout his life.He played football, backpacked, fished and camped with his sons, climbed the East face of Mt. Whitney at age 43, ran thousands of miles around the Balboa basin with a close-knit group of friends, biked, played golf, attended every Van Nuys High reunion, and emceed the last two reunions in 2016 and 2017. He skied until he was 78 years old, and walked, vigorously, until his illnesses this last year slowed him down.He sang everywhere – in high school, on his troop ship, at church, while talking to friends and family, anywhere and anytime the mood struck him.

He is survived by his four children and their respective spouses, Tim and Rosalie, Peter and Megan, Alex and Trish, and Josh and Pamala, and three grandchildren, Kieran, Kent and Ella.

Robert will be laid to rest with military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518, on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 1:30pm.His life will be joyously celebrated at March Field Air Museum, Hangar #2, 22550 Van Buren Blvd. (at I-215), Riverside, CA 92518, immediately following the graveside service.Please visit Robert's memorial page at https://www.mccormickandson.com/obituaries/Robert-Sheridan-3/.