Robert Locker, Community Activist

Robert Locker passed on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014 leaving a large gap in our community. Bob was a big man with a big heart who loved Pacific Palisades.

He will be missed for his easygoing and caring style of friendship and community involvement. Bob liked just about everyone he ever met, enjoying them, foibles and all.

Bob’s enthusiastic local activism garnered him an award created especially to recognize his unique contributions.

In 2003, our then state Senator Fran Pavley presented him the Palisadian-Post Community Defender Award, “For a Consistent Defense Of Our Community’s Quality of Life.” Senator Pavley plans to adjourn the State Senate in Bob’s honor in the near future.

Bob served as board member, then president, of Pacific Palisades Residents Association. He joined the board of Save Las Pulgas Canyon and was a member of the local Democratic Club. He even tap danced and sang with the entertainment troupe, “Not Ready for Via Players” at Citizen of the Year annual dinners.

He also sat on the Community Council, holding the environmental seat. He enjoyed the moment when working to pass an anti-leaf blower law, he fired up a loud and smelly blower in Los Angeles City Council Chambers.

Councilman Joel Wachs noted, “You folks know how to make a point.”

Bob and his beloved wife Beth were married for 44 years. They have lived in the Asilomar bluff area in Pacific Palisades for 41 of those years with cherished dogs and one irascible cat. Beth appreciates that Bob lived life after his 2009 cancer diagnosis with grace and his accustomed joie de vivre.

Bob was a California native born in 1942. He spent his childhood in Santa Monica with his parents Elmer and Cathern Locker. To his Oklahoma-raised family, he was Bobby.

He graduated from Samohi, then from USC with a major in Business Administration. Next came a stint in the Army.

Over the years, Bob and his classmates remained friends, camping, exploring and enjoying his property in the Sierras. An excellent storyteller, Bob amused friends with tales of USC, the Army, his many entrepreneurial business ventures and his extended family.

In addition to Beth, Bob is survived by his brother Elmer, Jr. and his nieces and numerous cousins.

A celebration event will be scheduled and announced soon. In the meantime, you may view Bob’s guest book and add a favorite moment you shared with Bob. Please visit www.gateskingsley.com under the tab Obituaries and Services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Kidney Cancer Association, any charity benefiting dogs or cats or your favorite political or environmental cause.