In Memorial
Robert Van Houten Photo
Many of you have already heard about the sudden loss of our friend and co-worker Robert Van Houten. Robert was born on March 22, 1942, and passed on, March 10, 2004. Robert was suffering from a heart condition and collapsed in the DSC lobby early yesterday morning. While several members of our staff did all they could to help him, he passed away in the hospital around 10 a.m. This is a great loss to all of us, and I want to offer my sincere condolences to Robert’s family and all of his friends in the department. Robert was a Land Surveying Assistant on the fifth floor in LDR, and had been with the department for six years. Prior to working for the City, he ran his own surveying business for many years and also worked as a surveyor for the City of Riverside. Robert is fondly remembered as a very hardworking employee and kind person who always put others first and provided excellent customer service. He was very well respected by all who knew him, and always had a positive attitude. He lived a very full life with his wife Linda, daughters Jennifer and Anna, son Michael, and two grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother Nell and brother Ralph. Robert had a very strong faith and compassion for others. Information regarding services will be shared once it is available. I want to thank the staff members who immediately came to Robert’s aid, called paramedics, and stayed by his side: Dan Stricker, Floyd Jackson, Billy Church, Charles Feland, and security guard Luther Turmond. Your assistance is greatly appreciated, and I believe that Robert’s family will be comforted knowing that he was with friends in his time of need. On behalf of the department, Gary Halbert and I have placed a vase of roses in the lobby to honor Robert. I want to recognize that all of us are grieving, from those who were honored to know him best, to those who knew him only in passing. His spirit will be remembered.
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