Robert August ‘Bob’ Leen

Robert August “Bob” Leen, 92, passed away peacefully on Jan. 25, 2014, in Sonoma. He was born June 8, 1921, in Detroit, Mich. Bob’s father moved his family to San Francisco in 1931 during the Great Depression.

After serving in the Army Air Corps, Bob’s trade of work was a painter. His work included the Golden Gate Bridge and various high rise and residential buildings in San Francisco. He then started a 30-year career working for the federal government as a painter which included the United States Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory (USNRDL), Hunter’s Point Naval Shipyard and finally, the Presidio of San Francisco. One of the unique assignments that he volunteered for while working for USNRDL was a year tour at the Bikini Atolls. There he witnessed numerous atom weapon detonations and the effects it had on painted surfaces.

In retirement, he moved to Grants Pass, Ore., where he and Marge spent 20 years. He was a 15-year member of the Elks Club in Grants Pass, generously donating his time and contributions to better the lives of those less fortunate. He enjoyed surprising others, like the time he bought a pattern and material and made a dress for his wife out of corduroy! Bob got pleasure in doing little things for others and making their lives happier. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Margaret (Marge); son, Robert Frank; daughter, Sandra; and grandson, Mustafa. He is survived by his daughters, Adrianne (Alan) Hegge, of Sebastopol; and Maureen (Fred) Snow, of Sacramento; sons, John (Patty) Leen, of McKinleyville; and Terrence (Rhonda) Leen, of Sonoma. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank John O’Flaherty (Bob’s brother-in-law) for his companionship during Bob’s residency at Vintage Sonoma, as well as their wonderful, caring staff.

Friends are invited to attend a graveside inurnment at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park Cemetery, 90 First St. W., on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are preferred to the American Legion, Jack London Post #489, P.O. Box 578, Sonoma, CA 95476.

Arrangements cared for by Duggan’s Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service. Inquiries can be made to them at (707) 996-3655 or by visiting their website at www.duggansmissionchapel.com.