Robert Wayne Garber

Robert W Garber passed away February 12th, 2022 at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital. He was 96 years of age and died of natural causes.


Born in Nebraska in 1925, "Bob," became a lifelong California resident starting from age 13. He grew up in the Watts / South Gate area graduating from South Gate High School and Frank Wiggins Trade School before enlisting into the United States Navy. He served for 2 ½ years at Terminal Island in San Pedro and in Hawaii at Pearl Harbor during World War II.


Eloping to Las Vegas, Bob married Rudene in 1948. They had 3 children, Adrianne (Deceased), Bob Jr., and Roger. They remained together in love, caring for each other for 66 years until Rudene passed away in 2014.


Bob became a long time Whittier Resident starting in 1955, moving with his family to a newly developed neighborhood a few blocks east of where Pioneer High School now stands. In 1963, the family relocated to the Mar Vista house where he lived until his death. You probably saw him working out in the yard as it was his favorite thing to do over the last several years.


He was an auto racer through and through. In the 50's he partnered with 4 of his friends and went Modified Sprint Car racing for several years on all the Southern California dirt and paved ovals, with good success. He himself took up go kart racing at age 53 and won some championships during the course of several years.


Bob was a good and decent man. Liked by his neighbors and a respected businessman in the printing industry. He loved and cared for his family. He gave to the poor and needy.


Bob is survived by his loving family; Bob Jr and Roger, his sons, Paul Bertagna, his son in law, Ana Isabel and Lou Ann, his daughters in law, Jeremiah, Lisett, Drake, and Mallory, his grandchildren.