OBITUARY Robert Clemens & Ruth Marie Bush Play Tribute Movie Robert Clemens Bush, June 11, 1927 – October 25, 2018 On October 25, 2018, our beloved Father, Grandfather, Uncle, friend to all sailed on to be reunited with his sweet wife Ruthie. Bob was 91 years old and passed peacefully with his family by his side at his home in Kern County. At age 17, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy and became a medic.
Medical wasn’t the direction he wanted to go. So much so, that he planned on deserting. He wanted to be on the battlefield with his buddies.
As it turned out, Bob would become the only registered Clinical Lab Technician in the entire Sixth Fleet. His medical experience and Business Degree from University of Maryland was a perfect combination which led to his success in later life. The Stuart Company; Owner of Optimo Lodge Bar and Restaurant; Smith Kline and French Field Representative; Spacelabs, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Rohe Scientific Corporation, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; National Sales Manager of Jelco Laboratories, a division of Johnson and Johnson; President of Sonics Research Corporation; Mobile P.E.T. Systems, Inc., Director.
Bob and Ruth’s love story began on November 2, 1946 (72 years ago) in Lancaster, PA when they met at a Halloween barn party. It was love at first sight. Laughing, kissing, dancing or catching a movie every night – They were always holding hands.
Neither of them were happy when learning he was to report for duty on board the USS Dayton CL-105 and would be leaving for the Mediterranean February 3, 1947. They wrote to each other every day until they were married on December 11, 1947. Bob donated their love letters to The Center for American War Letters – a collection of personal wartime correspondence.
After his time served in the Navy, Bob became a dishwasher at Bea and Teddy’s Restaurant, Atlantic City, New Jersey. He and Ruth would eat at the local restaurant – Mayflower Diner. When the owner asked him if he knew anyone who had restaurant experience, excitedly, Bob volunteered himself and his wife Ruthie – who had no experience as a waitress.
With his wife by his side, they worked the counter together, taking orders, serving and preparing the food. The family will miss his John Wayne impersonations, his many jokes – laughter, deliciously planned home cooked meals, good music, sipping bourbon, Sunday champagne toasts, family vacations, saling, miniature golf, camping, Yuma State Fair. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, positive attitude, love for Country, abundant love for his family.
Bob is survived by his two daughters, Trudy Bush of Oceanside, CA and Deborah Bush of Bakersfield, CA. Also surviving him are his two Granddaughters, Rachel Bartolotta and husband Vinny; Amy de Nicola and husband Patrick; Grandsons, Michael Robert Bastidas, Bryan Joseph Bastidas. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Robert’s Memorial Service which will be held on Thursday, November 8 at 10:00am- Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306 followed by a Reception at the Rio Bravo Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of his beloved wife, Ruth.
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