Mr Robert Roland Vail's Obituary
Robert Roland Vail, 87, passed away on June 29, 2017, at his Lake Arrowhead home which he and his wife of 64 years, Rose Vail have shared for the past 35 years. born and raised in Pasadena, CA, an Eagle Scout and a graduate of Pasadena City College, Bob met Rose in NYC while enlisted with the Merchant Marines. Returning to CA to marry and raise a family, Bob and Rose chose the foothills of nearby Sierra Madre.
Bob first discovered Lake Arrowhead on an all-day journey from Pasadena at ten years old. It was on this outing in 1939 Bob developed a lifetime love for the mountains. Summer vacations in Lake Tahoe and later a full-time move to beautiful Lake Arrowhead.
During his retirement years, Bob purchased the North Shore Inn in Lake Gregory and became involved in local causes.
Bob became Chief Engineer at Pabst Brewery in Los Angeles and acquired a weekend passion for dirt bike racing in the Mojave Desert. This led to a lifetime membership in the Pasadena Motorcycle Club; hosts of the annual Greenhorn Enduro. Between working on anything mechanical in his garage, time with family, his endless attention and price of real estate ownership, racing and preparing for the next mountain family trip, there would be little time left for sleep.
Bob was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2006. He was told with chemotherapy and a little luck, he could last another 5-6 months. He opted for a yellow sports car and took mom on a nationwide road trip and had the time of their lives. Returning seven months later, no one mentioned cancer ever again. Yes, attitude is just about everything in life.
God bless your soul.
Services are private.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?