Stafford, Robert E. born March 11, 1927 passed away October 23, 2014 at the age of 87. He died peacefully in his home. Bob, (as his family and friends called him) was blessed with 3 children, 7 grandchildren (one with whom he is joined with in heaven), and 7 great grandchildren.



Bob was born in Missouri - the 4th of 5 children. The family moved to California before his high school years, where he graduated from Lynwood High School. Bob's circle of friends was an industrious group of brilliant young men who were not afraid of any challenge, especially mechanical. Over the years they proved to be a group of true adventurers whose feats included ski races to Catalina Island, spur of the moment travels and other adventures that were clearly out of the ordinary.



There was one adventure that literally caught Bob by surprise, which was when a 19 year old beautiful young woman named Ann, who herself was a true adventurer, moved from Minneapolis, Minnesota to California with a girlfriend shortly after graduating from high school. Her family had wanted her to return to the family farm, but she thought California represented a better opportunity. She got a job in California and in a relatively short time the two met. It wasn't long with non-stop dating, dancing, and outings, with their tight-nit group of friends, that she presented Bob with a challenge that would be the greatest adventure of his lifetime. She and he had a choice. They could either get married or she would move back to Minneapolis. Bob and Ann chose to step out on the greatest adventure of their lives and they were soon married in Las Vegas, Nevada.



Together, their lives were full of adventures, over 25 noteworthy activities, businesses, investments and travels, none of which seem to fit the normal category. Before the age of 19, Bob owned a gas station with his good friend Bill. After a severe motorcycle accident that left Bob seriously injured, the young newlyweds had to overcome a long recovery period. After recovery with the gas station gone, Bob began to work as a machinist, which led to several different growth opportunities. In two years they had their first child, a beautiful daughter who immediately stole Bob's heart. Their son followed a few years later and true to their adventurous spirit, the youngest daughter was born 11 years later.



There was one common theme that fueled every one of Bob's adventures; it was the people that mattered most in Bob's life. Everything Bob did or was involved with came through a connection with friends, soon to be friends and family. Bob lived life loving God and loving the people in his life.



Private services will be held Saturday, November 1, 2014 at McCormick & Son Mortuary in Laguna Hills at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers please make a gift to St. Jude Hospital.