Robert Owen St. John, 88, died January 10, 2016 in Manteca where he was born September of 1927 to the late Mark and Irma St. John. He was preceded in death by his son, Gilbert Owen St. John and his first wife, Davy Petterson St. John.
  He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kathryn Swain, sister Pat (Larry) Ray, daughter, Pamela Rene St. John (B0b) Pearl, and step children Bruce (Krissy) Swain, Paul (Karen) Swain, Vicky Runquist, Curtis (Gail) Swain and Nancy (Denis) Ervin, 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, plus many nieces and nephews.
  Robert, often known as Bob, graduated form Ripon High School in 1945 where he broke tradition as the first male cheerleader. He lived a very fulfilled life traveling to 56 countries. This travels began as a Merchant Marine, later as a member of the Peace Corps for three years in Ethiopia, then for pleasure with Kathryn, camping and bicycling across Europe.
  Bob had many careers, starting as a beekeeper with his parents, which included two years as president of the California State Beekeepers Assoc. When he was not occupied with bees or traveling, he took turns selling insurance, owning a bookstore, and a motel. He still found time to pursue his true love, reading and learning.  For fun he acted and directed plays in Calaveras County, and acting in a TV show, Father Murphy.  One of his true passions was playing the trumpet along with many other instruments.
  He is lovingly remembered by his many children for instilling in them a love of reading, learning, traveling and above all, to give and receive unconditional love.
  A Celebration of Life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County, 2272 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, CA on January 30, 2016 at 3:00 pm.
  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Community Hospice, 2105 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA.  Please share your memories at www.AllenMortuary.com.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, January 20, 2016