RANCHO PALO VERDES, Calif. – Robert Dean Uphoff, 78, died peacefully June 15, 2007, at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer. His immediate family was by his side. Robert was born Feb. 9, 1929, in the small town of Hebron, Neb., to the late Ernest and Alice Uphoff. Robert served four years in the U.S. Air Force and later graduated from Doane College with a degree in mathematics. He went on to obtain a Master of Engineering Administration degree from George Washington University. Robert had an illustrious career in the aerospace industry, starting with RCA, then moving to American Bosch Arma Corp. In 1964, he joined TRW Space and Defense Group, where he progressed to the position of director of business development. He retired from TRW in 1990, after 26 years. Robert met his wife of 51 years, Roberta Jeanne Sirois, in Bangor, in fall 1955. They were married May 26, 1956, at her grandparents’ home in Arthurette, New Bruns-wick, Canada. They started a family shortly thereafter. Michael and William were born in Denver, Patricia in Salina, Kan., and Susan in West Islip, Long Island, N.Y. In addition to his busy career, Robert was a devoted and loving husband and father, and an active volunteer in his church. He also enjoyed golfing, bowling, reading, woodworking, and most recently, solving challenging Sudoku puzzles. Robert was predeceased by his eldest son, Michael. He is survived by his brother, James of Dayton, Ohio; wife, Roberta; son, William of Lomita, Calif.; and daughters, Patricia Ellis of Bishop, Calif., and Susan Farley of Novato, Calif.; as well as numerous beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, July 7, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 31290 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Torrance Memorial Medical Association Foundation/Hospice, 3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505.
ROBERT DEAN UPHOFF
