Robert J. Kildee (Bob) was born in Traverse City, Michigan, on August 28, 1920, to William T. Kildee and Delcia Blaine Kildee. He died on September 5, 2010, having lived a long and productive life.

He graduated from St. Francis High School in Traverse City in 1937, and then Lewis School of Aeronautics in Lockport, Illinois in 1941. He went to work for Globe Corporation and was transferred to Pt. Mugu, California, in 1948 to test remote target aircraft.

On July 10, 1954 he established the Bob Kildee Shop for Men in Camarillo. Some years later the stores name was changed to Bob Kildee Clothing and now carries womens clothing as well.

Bob married Barbara Culbert in 1951 and raised 5 children. Barbara passed away in 1988. Bob married former Ventura County Supervisor Maggie Heacock Erickson in 1991. Between them they shared 7 children and 9 grandchildren.

Bob was very involved in his community throughout the years. He was the past President of both Pleasant Valley Lions Club and Camarillo Lions Club. He served as co-chairman of the Select Committee of 100 to develop the General Plan which led to the incorporation of the City of Camarillo. Prior to that, Bob headed a committee to establish parks in the Camarillo area, which lead to the formation of the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District, and then served eight years as a Board member of the Park District, serving as chairman for seven of those years.

He was Co-Grand Marshall of the Camarillo Fiesta Parade in 1978. Bobs long list of community involvements also includes being chairman of the Patients Benefit Board at Camarillo State Hospital. For 10 years he served as chairman of Camarillo Night at Dodger Stadium. He was on the Board of Directors of the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce in 1975, and served on the Retail Committee when the first Trade Show was started. He was selected by the Chamber as Camarillo Man of the Year in 1975, and named a Pillar of the Community in 2007. He was honored to be named a Don in 1989 by the Pleasant Valley Historical Society. He was proud of the City of Camarillo, and participated in so many activities over the years.

He watched with interest the re-development of Old Town Camarillo, and was especially supportive as Studio Channel Islands Art Center moved into Old Town. He had the vision to see what an exciting future could be in store for that area. In December 2002, Bob reflected about his involvement in Camarillo, by saying, "Being in business in Camarillo, I had the opportunity of being involved with many others in this young and vibrant community. I met and got to know so many people in town and it was so much fun being involved, like in the establishment of the Recreation and Park District, and incorporation of the City of Camarillo. It seemed like I was here and the town just grew around me. The future of the City is so bright, with all the wonderful things happening, like the new roads and the re-development of Old Town."

Bob's interest in politics gave him many hours of pleasure. He was fascinated by the process, and especially enjoyed trips to Washington D.C. or Sacramento. Whenever and where ever a family member was involved in government, Bob was there as a supporter and as an avid learner.

Bob is a long-time member (50 years) of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Camarillo. He was active in the Serra Club of San Buenaventura. His Catholic faith was always extremely important to him. Bob enjoyed watching sports and was a staunch supporter of high school sports. He spent several years filming the games for Adolfo Camarillo High School. He loved to discuss the plays with his sons afterward. He enjoyed nothing more than taking apart each play, and discussing the strategy involved. He loved his family, and was proud of each of his children and grandchildren, and celebrated each of their accomplishments. He warmly embraced the children and grandchildren added to the family when he and Maggie married.

Bob is survived by his wife, Maggie; his children: daughter Ann married to Matt Giacalone; daughter Cris; son Kevin married to Janet; son Mike married to Jenni; daughter Jennifer; and grandchildren Megan and Kaitlin Giacalone, Miranda and Madeline Kildee; and Nick Londono. He is also survived by Maggies children: Cathy Erickson married to Wayne Foster; and Sandy, married to Bill Tanner; and grandchildren, Graham and Marty Foster, and Ryan and Kevin Tanner.

He was preceded in death by his brother Bill Kildee of Traverse City, MI, his first wife Barbara, his parents, and by half brothers, Norman and Merlin Hickey. He is also survived by a number of cousins and nieces and nephews in Michigan and Washington D.C.

There will be a Vigil/Rosary Thursday, Sept. 9th at 7 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Church on Las Posas at Crestview. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Sept. 10th at 1 p.m. also at St. Mary Magdalen Church. Interment to follow at Conejo Mountain Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Mary Health of the Sick, www.maryhealth.com. or to Studio Channel Islands Art Center, www.studiochannelislands.org.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Mary Health of the Sick for the loving care with which they ministered to Bob during his final days.