Robert W. Deats, 92

Robert W. Deats was strong until his last day, Aug. 16, 2014, when he passed away at St. John’s Hospital as the result of a heart attack some hours before. His entire nuclear family was able to be with him.

Bob, as he was always known, was born Sept. 24, 1921 in Graham, Texas, a town founded by his grandfather. He grew up a second-generation cattle rancher, and the ranch now bearing his name has been in his family since the 1880s.

After graduating from Texas Tech, Bob enlisted in the Navy and finished his service as Lieutenant J.G. aboard a “crash boat” in the Channel Islands. While still in the Navy, Bob met Lauralil (Lolly) Evans of Hollywood, California. They were married by her father, Dr. Louis H. Evans of Hollywood First Presbyterian Church, on June 9, 1945.

After the Navy, Bob and Lolly briefly returned to his family’s business in Texas, but returned to Los Angeles to have and raise their children, Pamela (born 1947), Paula (born 1949) and Linda (born 1952). The house on Brooktree Road that Bob and Lolly built in 1949 was one of the first houses in Rustic Canyon. All three daughters graduated from Canyon Elementary, Paul Revere and Palisades High – and all settled as adults in Pacific Palisades.

On the day Bob met Lolly, his life began – and though she was struck with polio only seven years into their marriage and confined to a wheelchair until her death in 2011, every day and night he was able to spend with her and care for her during their 64 years together was his treasure. Together, they devoted themselves above all else to their family and their Christian lives. They were founding members of Bel Air Presbyterian Church, whose founding pastor was her brother, Louis H. Evans, Jr.

All who speak of Bob use the words “impeccably honorable,” “straightforward,” “steadfast” and “the last and best of his kind.” He was a hero to many – unquestioningly faithful to family and to all he believed in, always strong, passionately informed and hard working. His daughters were proud to give him, for his 85 birthday, a red power-rototiller and a new axe so that he could better work the huge garden by the stream that he had kept since 1953.

Bob is survived by his three devoted daughters, Pamela Deats Ferris, Paula Deats and Linda Deats West, and by his grandsons Geoffrey West; and Colin West, all of Los Angeles. He also leaves his sister, Elizabeth Deats Harris and her husband William of Austin, Texas. Family and friends held a private celebration of Bob’s life on August 25. He will truly rest in peace; his treasure is now in heaven.