Robert Lindoerfer, a longtime resident of La Cañada Flintridge, passed away on January 6, 2023, due to complications from brain cancer. He was 84.
Born in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles, Bob was raised in a loving household by his mother Norma “Joyce” and his father, Robert, who worked as chief switchman at Pacific Telephone. Bob’s tight-knit family included his younger brother, Terry, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins — all who lived within a few blocks of one another. Bob graduated from Franklin High School in 1956, and upon graduation, he joined the National Guard.
After time in the military, Bob graduated from Cal State L.A. with a bachelor’s degree. He also earned his graduate degree in banking at Southern Methodist University. In the ’70s and ’80s, Bob put his diverse analytical skill set to use and began a long and successful career in the banking industry. While working for Security Pacific Bank in Glendale, he met his future wife, Donnalee Grosh. Bob and Donna married in 1975 and settled in La Cañada, where they raised their daughter, Amanda. In the late ’80s, Bob left the world of banking to accept an executive position in the family business at Grosh Studios. During his tenure, he transformed Grosh into the leader for scenic rentals and custom backdrops and draperies in North America.
After 31 years of marriage, Donna passed away in 2006. It was a very difficult time for Bob, but he eventually started a new chapter in his life with his longtime companion, Tina Small. Bob and Tina spent the last fifteen years of his life traveling both home and abroad. Trips included the Routeburn Track in New Zealand, Denali National Park in Alaska, the Cordilleras in the Philippines, and Lamma Island in Hong Kong. Bob and Tina also explored the wonders of Europe, Asia, and Australia. Their voyages always included long walks, dramatic hikes, culinary gems, and a classical music performance or two.
Throughout his life, Bob loved to spend time outdoors. His was an avid fisherman, and he took great pleasure in hiking, camping, boating, and all things related to the sea. He also had a profound interest in clocks, cars, motorcycles, and just about anything with a motor. He was a man of many talents, and numerous interests. And true to his California roots, he often enjoyed a nice glass of wine, or the bountiful harvest of oranges, lemons, and tomatoes cultivated in his backyard.
When Bob wasn’t using his passport, or fishing at June Lake, he could be found on the golf course. The game of golf was a great joy and passion for Bob. For over twenty years, Bob would faithfully meet his foursome on Saturday morning at sunrise to play 9 at Altadena golf course (or fivesome, depending on the weekend). In the last few years, Bob also added Tuesday mornings to his golf routine. He cherished being with friends and family on the golf course, and it was an important part of his life until his passing.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bob will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Amanda; son-in-law, Tom; Granddaughter, Grace; Brother, Terry; sister-in-law Sandy; and his partner, Tina. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for March 24, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the La Cañada Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob’s honor to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
