Robert (Bob) Arwine was born March 29, 1926 in Fullerton, Nebraska. He was the only son of Ulysses Arwine and Irene Kimball. He passed on November 23, 2011.
In 1944, he married Adelaide (Toots) Dodd. Later that same year, he enlisted in the Army and was sent to the Philippines where he trained as a radio repairman. After his discharge, he traveled with his young family to California in search of better opportunities.
In 1961, he opened his own manufacturing business, Electro Sonic Control Inc. The business manufactured equipment for the food processing and beverage industries. His equipment was sold throughout the United States, Japan, Mexico, Canada and Europe. Many of his original designs could be found in companies such as Hershey's Anheuser Busch, Gallo and Heinz Foods. He sold the company in 1971 and began his retirement at the age of 45.
He also held a patent for a nickel cadmium battery charger which he invented. He served on the Manteca Chamber of Commerce, the Planning Commission and as a School Board Trustee. In 1977 he and his wife, son and daughter-in-law opened Manteca Hobby Arts & Crafts.
He and his first wife traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia after the sale of his company. In 1980 Bob bought a trimaran in Florida and sailed it home with the aid of his son. In 1984 Bob made the decision to leave his family and friends behind and sail off for the sunset in his sailboat. Bob traveled for 18 years with Maarit Hardin who he later married in 2004.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Adelaide, his second wife, Maarit, and his granddaughter Shannon Hayre. He is survived by his children, Judy (Larry) Sommerfeld of Lodi, Robert (Rita) of Fairfield and Barbara Brocchini of Manteca, and his grandchildren Kathryn Alson, Robert Arwine, Julie Minton, Angela Silvera and nine great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sisters, Dana Murphy, Mary Goodson, and Ginger Pender, and many nieces and nephews.
At his request there will be no services and his ashes will be scattered in Arizona. Memorial donations can be made to the Women’s Center of San Joaquin, 620 North San Joaquin Street, Stockton, CA or charity of donor's choice.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Monday, December 5, 2011
