Robert Shirley

Robert K. (Bob) Shirley Mr. Shirley passed on December 13th at the age of 93. He was born in Chico in 1923 to a pioneer family. He left Chico State to join the Marine Corp in 1942. His first assignment was to survey and map the Mojave Desert. He could have stayed stateside and served as a General's assistant but wanted to see action instead so he was next on a troop ship to Japan where he landed right after the Bomb was dropped and served in the Occupation efforts until discharge with the rank of Technical Sergeant in 1946. He returned to Chico in 1990 upon his retirement as General Manager of Clauss and Kraus in Sacramento. His many years in the wholesale meat business started at Chico Meat in 1949. He worked at various wholesale meat companies such as Minch's in Red Bluff and Hoffman's in San Francisco as the local companies were forced from business by larger operations. His two marriages, first to June Roush Durst of Corning and Chico and second to Elizabeth (Betty Lou) Byrne of Tule Lake ended when they each died after long illnesses for which he was their caregiver. He loved his time being a "cowboy" at the ranch with Betty Lou's large family. All who knew Bob, know how much he loved the Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco Giants. He is survived by a large extended family and two brothers, Richard and Glen, step children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all of whom love and respect him and will miss him. Always a Marine. Semper Fidelis. Condolences may be made at www.brusiefh.com