Obituary of Robert John LaMarr
Robert “John” LaMarr of Moorpark, CA passed away February 21, 2023 at 80 years old. He is survived by his wife Carole of 61 years, his 2 children, Kimberly Ponciano and David LaMarr, his 9 grandchildren, Steven (Jen) LaMarr, Brian LaMarr, Tyler (Heather) LaMarr, Laura (Kenny) Woodward, David (Elle) LaMarr, Sean (Brandon) LaMarr, Chris (Chelsea) Ponciano, Mercedes LaMarr, and Jarod Ponciano and his 9 great-grandchildren.
John met Carole at Fort Jones High School and was instantly in love. He told his friends he was going to marry that girl. They married January 20, 1962. They had 2 children by June of 1963. John was driven to provide for his family. Without a formal education he moved to Southern California and became a mechanic at Casa de Cadillac with a little help from Uncle Burt and Aunt Alice. He and Carole bought their first home in Thousand Oaks in 1968.
He left Casa de Cadillac and became a business owner with his own garage, “LaMarr’s Auto Service”. He then went on to own a Chevron Station “College Chevron” in Thousand Oaks. He hired many high school young men and taught them how to work with the public, gave them responsibility and was always there to listen to their trials and tribulations. Many lessons were learned at that station, boys became men. They all held a special place in John’s heart.
He touched many lives while living in Thousand Oaks. He was involved in youth athletics, Boy Scouts, the annual Conejo Valley Days Parade down Thousand Oaks Blvd. John and Carole were always going to parties and dances. They would venture to Las Vegas for a weekend getaway and try their hand at winning in the Casino’s.
John sold his business and went to work at Rocketdyne where he so proudly worked as a test cell mechanic on the SPACE Shuttle Main Engine. Knowing he was part of the Space Program made him very proud. Unfortunately he was laid off after working there 3 years.
Adventure was again calling him, and trusting in the Lord, John and Carole bought property in Nevada City to build their dream home on 5 acres. After construction was completed he ventured into owning a tool store in Grass Valley. He loved his customers from the Tool Shed and showed his appreciation every year with a “Customer Appreciation Day” providing the community with free hot dogs, chips, soda and desert. He was very proud of the business he built. He was also very active at St. Canice Catholic Church in Nevada City. He was President of the Men’s Club, a Eucharist minister, greeter, and even made a few pancakes. He wasn’t really known for his cooking skills. Carole did all the cooking.
John and Carole retired in 2009 and moved to Desert Gold in Brenda, AZ. John loved the sun and the beauty of the desert. He spent his time working the sound board for the park. He loved being part of the gospel jams, dances, Bingo, choir practice and church services. He made so many friends from different parts of the country and Canada while living at Desert Gold. He explored the desert with its beauty and splendor, exploring the hieroglyphics, mine shafts, canyons, Dripping Springs, old cabins and rock hunting.
The community of Desert Gold supported John when he got sick. They were there to help with driving him to Lake Havasu City, fixing home issues, as well as ministering communion when he couldn’t make it to church.
John loved God, his wife, his children, grandchildren and all children, animals, flowers, cactus, and his extended family and friends. He was a quiet man with a wonderful sense of humor. He was also a good listener. He was a good neighbor and friend to all that knew him. He was a giving person eager to share without any expectation in return. He and Carole made toy donations to less fortunate children in the areas they lived. John would buy a homeless person a steak dinner and not let them know it was him. He had so much love in his heart.
The funeral service will be on March 6, 2023 @ 10:00 am
Holy Cross Catholic Church
13955 Peach Hill Rd.
Moorpark, CA 93021
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