Robert Douglas
On Saturday, June 8, 2024, Bob Douglas passed away, six months short of his ninetieth birthday. Bob was born in Santa Monica, California, on December 31st, 1934, to Robert S. and Lois Douglas. In addition to raising five children, his father was a beloved local carpenter nicknamed “Happy” or “Hap” and Lois went on to be an administrator of the Astronomy Department at UCLA.
Bob graduated from University High School in West Los Angeles and obtained several college and received two masters degrees from California State University Los Angeles. After graduation, he enjoyed a long tenure as a teacher, counselor, and vice principal. Bob worked with the Santa Monica School District for thirty-three years before moving to Paradise, California, and eventually to Palm Springs, where he continued to substitute teach. He also taught adult classes at Santa Monica College and drivers education at Santa Monica High School, eventually achieving fifty years as a teacher! His entire life was dedicated to civic service and helping children and families.
Bob joined the United States Air National Guard for eight years, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was stationed at Van Nuys Air Force base, servicing F-86 fighters and C-124 cargo planes. His passion for airplanes, cars, and travel stayed with him his entire life. Besides traveling across the country in the family RV—landing in 48 states—he also traveled the world and spent many a weekend on the slopes as an avid skier.
Bob always believed that there was nothing he could not fix, which came in handy not only around the house but also for many friends and neighbors over the years. He passed this value down to his son Robert along with his passion for cars and aircraft. For many years, Bob was a docent at one of his favorite places, the Palm Springs Air Museum. Earlier in his life, he also volunteered at the Santa Monica Museum of Flight. Some of the family favorite trips in the RV were to Air Force museums and space centers. He was a devoted Christian his entire life. He was especially involved as the church bus driver, and pursued the personal challenge of driving and maintaining a 1948 Greyhound for many years after.
Bob is survived by his wife, Evelyn, his son Robert Douglas, his brother Bruce Douglas, step children Josh, Heidi, Jim, and Richard, and grandchildren.
The celebration of life for Bob is Friday, October 4, 2024 ,1:00pm, at The Palm Springs Air Museum, Reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Palm Springs Air Museum: