Robert Francis Eggers
March 28, 1933 - April 22, 2010
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Robert Francis Eggers
March 28, 1933 - April 22, 2010
Obituary
Robert Francis Bob Eggers, 77, a long-time resident of Dana Point, passed away 4/22/10. A leader of Marines for nearly three decades, Colonel Eggers held a variety of positions during an exemplary military career. Among his many duty assignments were two complete combat tours in Vietnam.
He also led officer candidates through rigorous qualification training at Quantico, VA, and helped develop the Evasion, Escape, and Survival Training Course at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, CA. But Col. Eggers’ assignments went well beyond training.
In dispersed locations both within the United States and with deployed forces overseas, he led fighting units of every size from Platoon to Battalion, and’ironically, since he was an infantry officer’a Marine Air Group.
Marine Corps achievements notwithstanding, for everyone who knew him there was no doubt that the true joy of Col. Eggers’ life was his family: Pat, his wife of 54 years; daughters Rhonda Butters and Laura Britt; sons-in-law Chris Butters and Tim Britt; and grandsons Austin and Ian Butters, and Robert and Christopher Britt, all of whom survive him.
After retiring from the Corps, Bob worked briefly in the real estate industry, then dedicated much of his time to participating in his grandsons’ activities successful, competing in duplicate bridge with his ever-present partner, Pat mostly successful; and perfecting his golf game marginally successful, at best. Bob was a much better football player back in his days at Humboldt State than he would ever be a golfer.
Col. Eggers rose from truly humble beginnings in eastern Washington. So it was not surprising that he entered retirement with an insatiable desire to help others. Participation in programs to assist members of the community was invariably part of his agenda.
It is difficult to estimate the number of people whose lives were changed for the better because they encountered Bob Eggers at just the right time. For those of us who knew him’in any of his diverse roles’Bob represented exactly the kind of enriching presence we all hope God will place in our lives someday.
A funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 30 at St. Edward Catholic Church, Dana Point. Burial will be private at a later date.
5 responses to Robert Francis Eggers
Dan Glasgow says:
April 27, 2010
Bob was a true American hero. I never thanked him enough for his dedication to America. Too few have know him but those that did will say that they were the ones honored.
BOB KIRKPATRICK says:
April 28, 2010
I REALLY ENJOYED PLAYING BRIGE AGAINST BOB. HE WAS A REAL AMERICAN.
Ed Neilson says:
April 29, 2010
In the ten short years I have known the Colonel I have witnessed how he has changed the lives of men for the better. I am so grateful that Bob was a part of my life. My condolences to Pat and the entire family, I loved Bob as a dear friend. He will be missed. Semper Fi my brother.
Keith & Sheila Darling says:
April 29, 2010
Bob was a good friend at HSU. We had good times in Nelson Hall as roommates. When passing through Chewelah, Washington I always think of Bob. He will continue in my memory as a good guy. Sincere condolences to the Eggers family.
Anonymous says:
April 29, 2010
Pat,
I always enjoyed playing at your table, because I saw the deep relationship that you and Robert had for one another. You always seemed at ease and enjoying the game with Robert. I am sure you are still in shock with your partner’s passing. However, I wanted to say that you both made others feel fortunate to have known both of you.
Semper Fi
Perry Stewart