Sadly, Robert DeVries passed away on March 20, 2014, the first day of Spring. He had been suffering from cancer for the last several months, we are grateful he suffers no more.
The Memorial Service will be
May 10, 2014 1:00 P. M. at
Saint Andrews By-The-Sea Episcopal Church in Pacific Beach.
Casual attire is perfectly acceptable.
1050 Thomas Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
858-273-3022
www.standrewspb.org
Simon Mainwaring, Rector
Robert Orr DeVries was born March 27, 1942 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; the son of Harry DeVries and Mary Katherine Orr DeVries.Robert spent most of his youth in Michigan and graduated from Ann Arbor High School, Ann Arbor Michigan in 1968.
Robert followed his interest in history and politics while attending the College of Wooster. And then graduating from the University of Michigan with a BA American History / Political Science – May 1964 and then an MA American History / Political Science – Aug 1965
For his profession Robert chose the Health Care Insurance Industry. He worked for 45 years for a variety of companies and in different fields of the insurance industry from the Midwest to San Diego. His positions in order were with:
- Railroad Retirement Board
- Financial Auditor, Blue Shield of California
- Claims Examiner, San Diego Foundation for Medical Care
- Pacific Network Representative, Community Care Network
- Aetna until retirement in 2012.
Robert’s attention to detail was commended by his numerous employee awards.
Robert was committed to his community and the United States. His strong belief in the democratic process was shown by his commitment to the Point Loma Democratic Club. Robert was newsletter editor and wrote regular articles for their newsletter over a 20+ year period. He served as the President of the Club as well as an active member on the San Diego County Democratic Central Committee for over a decade.
Robert attended over ten State Democratic Conventions as a delegate.
Robert Received the Vince Andrade / Making A Difference Award for 2002 for his decades of service to the California Democratic Party. Robert supported and volunteered on many campaigns for over half a century, the first being Adlai Stevenson for President in 1956, and most recently Scott Peters for Congress in 2012.
Robert described himself as a Pro-Life Democrat. By this he meant that his two main values were religion and politics. Robert’s first and highest loyalty was to Jesus Christ. Those Christians who knew him well learned much about faith from him. He was a model Christian in all parts of his life. Robert read the Bible and his book shelves were full of religious studies. He gave his time to the church by becoming part of the Altar Guild and donated to missionary work in Africa.
Robert’s third passion was for exploring the National Parks of America. Over the years he planned vacations in order to visit new parks and was able to visit most, if not all, of the National Parks.
He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Robert’s two favorite charities.
Final Frontiers Foundation
1200 Peachtree Street
Louisville, GA, 30434
800-522-4324
www.finalfrontiers.org
or
The California Wolf Center
PO Box 1389
Julian, CA 92036
619-234-WOLF (9653)
www.californiawolfcenter.org
Please forward this obituary to other family members and friends.
You are welcome to contact Robert’s family:
Kate Parmelee 1-907-887-1113
Scott Strohecker 1-619-223-9417
POINT LOMA & OB DEMS 