Bob went to rest with his usual grace and dignity on January 19, 2019.

He was born to Arthur and Louise (King) Waters in Colusa, California on June 29, 1932. He spent his childhood in Crannell and McKinleyville. As an active member of the Arcata High School class of 1950, he enjoyed playing football, running track, serving as student body president, and carousing with friends.

Following graduation, he attended Humboldt State College until enlisting in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the U.S.S. Hornet as a member of the “Crash Crew” on the flight deck.

After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Bob returned to Humboldt State College prior to joining the California Highway Patrol in 1957. He retired from the Patrol in 1986 after a rewarding career of serving on road patrol, physical fitness coordinator, and motorcycle duty. He will be remembered most for the years he spent working in the commercial division. The camaraderie of the CHP squad families resulted in a large circle of lifelong friendships.

In 1972, Bob joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve where he served in port security on Humboldt Bay. Upon retiring from the U.S.C.G. as Senior Chief in 1990, he was honored with the Coast Guard’s Commendation Medal for Outstanding Achievement.

As a long-distance runner, Bob participated in the annual Police Olympics and the Six Rivers Running Club for many years. A highlight of his running career was winning the gold medal in the Marathon Senior Division at the 1st annual International Police Olympics held in San Francisco.

He was a member of the Eureka Elks Lodge, the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Korean War Veterans, and the California Highway Patrol Association.

His family appreciates and thanks all of Bob’s caregivers. Each brought comfort throughout this difficult time.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Frances Waters (Forrest), Rita Lou Hunt (Charles), and grandson Daniel Pudlicki. He was devoted to Virginia, his wife of 61 years, his children Rocky Waters (Kristal), Shelley Johnson (Dick), and Sandy Pudlicki (Jeff). He adored his grandchildren Coral Waters (Patrick), James Millar (Tina), Broderick Johnson (Sharlene), Aaron Pudlicki (Alexandria), step granddaughter Bridget Fenner. He is survived by a niece and numerous nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery in Arcata, where Bob will be joining his grandson Dan for a beer and a game of cribbage.

Friends are invited to join the family at a memorial service to be held at the Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, 251 Bayside Road in Arcata on February 17, 2019 from 1 to 3 p.m.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Bob Waters’ family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.