Bobbie Woodrow Wilson

A recitation of the Holy Rosary and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Santa Cruz on April 21 and April 22, for Bobbie Woodrow Wilson who passed away at his Santa Cruz home with his beloved family at his bedside. Born in Grand Island, Nebraska, he was 80 years old. Bobbie was raised in Pescadero, California and as a youngster, moved to Santa Cruz. He graduated from Santa Cruz High School, class of 1954, and attended Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Bobbie served his country in the US Army in both Texas and Michigan, and was involved with the army's Nike anti-aircraft missile system. A talented athlete, his army softball team competed in tournaments throughout the country. Upon returning to Santa Cruz after his service in the army, Bobbie worked for a time with Standard Oil before becoming an apprentice electrician, and later as a journeyman and master electrician with I.B.E.W # 234 with a career spanning 50 years. Bobbie loved to spend time with his family, and cherished watching his children and their children compete in all their athletic events. He volunteered much of his time as barbeque chef for events sponsored by the Italian Catholic Federation, The Cardinal Club, and various fundraisers for Santa Cruz High School, and Holy Cross School and Parish. For more than 30 years, Bobbie was instrumental in the organization and staffing of the Dad's Club Basketball Tournament held every December. Bobbie was a longtime member of the NRA, and considered himself a cowboy with many talents and traditions that he loved to share and teach his family and their friends. Many family memories and stories will continue to be shared of his passion for hunting, and the annual Mendocino County abalone trip that was enjoyed for 22 years with his children grandchildren, and friends. Bobbie also loved to fish for smelt in the evening surf, and play Pedro. Bobbie is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Esther Wilson; daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Bill Turner, Kathy and Pete Pappas, Joanna and Todd Manoff; his son and fiancee John Wilson and Kristin Jeffery; his beloved grandchildren: Elicia (Sam), Josie, Carrie, Robby John, Pauli Anna, Bella Sue, and Bailey. Bobbie also leaves his great grandson, Logan, and his two sisters and brothers-in-law, Rita and Ron Busenhart, Shirley and Norman Benedetti; his sister-in-law and brother in-law, Josephine and Bill Ferrin, along with many loving extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Saretta Wilson, and his nephew Ronnie Busenhart. Friends may pay their respects at a visitation to be held on Friday, April 21, at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The rosary will begin at 7 p.m. at the chapel. The mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the Shrine of St. Joseph Guardian of the Redeemer 544 West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, beginning at 1 o'clock p.m. A private committal will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Santa Cruz. Bobbie was a supporter of all his children's endeavors, and a contribution to his son's Cabrillo College Lady Hawks Basketball Program (P.O. Box 1794 Aptos, CA 95001) is very much appreciated. Or if you wish, to a charity of your choice.