Obituary of Robert Orlando Lincoln

Robert O. Lincoln, 83, died peacefully in the early morning hours of February 14th, surrounded by his loving family. Robert (Bob) was born in the old Hanley hospital on Nov. 9, 1929. He was the son of Robert Orlando Lincoln, Sr. and Fay (Whipple) Lincoln; they lived on 13th Ave. in Live Oak. He went to Live Oak School through the 5th grade when his family moved to King St. so he could attend Mission Hill School; where he met his future wife, Mary Lee, in the 7th grade. He was a member of the class of '47 at Santa Cruz High School. During W.W. II, Bob worked in a gas station in downtown Santa Cruz, he spent his nights at Wilder Ranch recording plane activity as part of the US Army Air Force Advanced Warning System. He was also a member of D. Wilders Boy Scout Troop. In 1946 he was parts manager fro Packard Garage on Front St. Later that year he and his father opened a Lumber Yard on Portola Drive and Bob had a Shake Mill that was destroyed by the '55 flood. Bob was active in sales and managerial positions for Pacific Lumber, Wicks Corp and Big Creek Lumber. He loved the challenges of starting a new business and traveling, meeting new people in the business. Bob belonged to the Live Oak Elementary School Reunion Committee, the Soquel Pioneers, and the lumberman Hoo Hoo Club. He was sought after for his historical knowledge, his wit and great stories that will be greatly missed by all. Bob was very proud of his family ties to Santa Cruz. His great Uncle Charles arrived from the CA gold fields in 1856, with grandfather O.J. arriving from Boston in 1879. His dad, R.O. was born here in 1886 and later ran the bulb ranch, Los Robles near Twin Lakes, followed by a career in real estate. His mother, Fay, came to CA in a covered wagon, arriving in Soquel in 1890. Bob had many memories of working in the bulb and strawberry fields during WW II with his "team of friends." We cherish Dad's contribution to our understanding of early Santa Cruz and we hope to carry these stories forward. Bob was preceded in death by his parent R. O. and Fay Lincoln, sister Jean Lincoln Murphy, and his aunt Mabel Lincoln. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years and his children Janet (Phil Rupp), Barbara, JoAnn, Bob (Lisa), and his seven grandchildren who will remember him as a man of strength. Family and friends are invited to join us for a memorial luncheon to celebrate Bob Lincoln's life at the DeLaveaga Golf and Lodge Restaurant, on Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Bob's memory to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, CA. 95066.