Robert McKenna

Robert T. McKenna (Bob), died on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011, in Paradise, CA, after a short final illness. He had experienced a number of health problems over the past ten years. Bob was born on Feb. 3, 1934 in Oroville, CA, the third child of Edmund L. and Mildred E. McKenna. His father was a manager for Union Ice Company, which required the family to move to Sacramento and then to Chico in 1938. Bob attended Chico public schools,and was working for the Western Electric Company installing Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company central office equipment in 1953, when he joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC). He was stationed in Japan as part of the occupation forces after World War II. Bob was honorably discharged as a Corporal two years later in 1955. He attended Chico State College for two years before embarking on a career in food sales and management. His last position was as the Southern Region Sales Manager for Spreckles Sugar Company, based in Los Angeles from 1982-1995. After retirement in 1995, Bob returned to Northern California and settled in Paradise, Butte County. Bob was a member of Paradise Elks Lodge #2026 at the time of his death. Throughout his life, Bob enjoyed many forms of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, camping, sailing and snow skiing. Bob is survived by his son, Kenneth T. McKenna of Novato, CA and his daughter, Lesley J. Beecher (Hugh) and Lesley's two children, Nicholas James and Ella Grace of Rancho Mirage. He is also survived by his brother, Ed McKenna of Chico, and his sister, Lois Tolles of Novato, CA and their families. We will miss him greatly, but know he is now resting in peace. A Service will be held on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Brusie Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family knows Bob would appreciate donations in his name to Wounded Warriors Project, Toys For Tots, Paralized Veterans of America, c/o Brusie Funeral Home.