More detail on this person: Golden, Robert Christopher May 21, 1948 - February 11, 2006 Surrounded by his family, Bob Golden passed away Saturday, February 11th, 2006 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, CA after a very courageous battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A native Californian, Bob grew up in Torrance and attended West Torrance High School. He then attended El Camino College until he was drafted into the United States Army. There he completed his helicopter training, was promoted to the rank of chief warrant officer and assigned to the Republic of Viet Nam. During his combat service, Bob was decorated with 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 52 Air Medals; four of the Air Medals for Valor. Upon his return, Bob was employed as Chief Pilot for Peninsula Aviation at Torrance Airport. In the late 1970s he became the experimental test pilot for Robinson Helicopter Company. Bob's multi-year relationship with Robinson included many successful flights tests and the certification of the Robinson R22 Helicopter. His 35 year aviation career as a helicopter instructor, commercial pilot, FAA Examiner and Director of Operations for Alexair Helicopters in Torrance, CA and its sister company, Alika Aviation in Maui, Hawaii earned him the tremendous respect of those in his field. In 1988 Bob and his wife, Jill moved to their current home in Rancho Palos Verdes to raise their two children, Rob and Jenna. His passion was as a father and family man. He enjoyed fishing, backpacking and telling stories. His family and friends will best remember him as a kind and courageous person who truly enriched their lives. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jill; their children, Rob and Jenna; his father, Robert Lee Golden; and brothers, Gary, Michael, Craig and Scott. Per his request, there will be no services, but rather a Celebration of his Life later this week. Contributions in his name would be appreciated to the American Cancer Society or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Gary Crane March 07, 2006 | Fish Lake, IN "I flew with Bob in Vietnam. We called him "Goldie" and he was a hero to everyone who served with him. His natural ability to fly, instincts and leadership brought us all home many times through harrowing circumstances. He was so good that even the notorious Col. Franklin would seek him out for certain SEAL missions. He seemed larger than life and will live in the hearts and memories of all the men he served with. I have some pictures and many "war stories" involving him if anyone wants to share them they are welcome to contact me at any time. Even though it has been 35 years, I cried when I heard of his passing. He could affect people even after all those years.
This information was last updated 11/30/2017
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Date posted on this site: 10/23/2024
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