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About Robert G Eiland:

EILAND, Robert G.
March 18, 1916 - Jan. 2, 2011
Passed away from natural causes this weekend after a long and happy life at the age of 94. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ovid Carter Eiland and Marguerite Dent, sister Margaret Ellen James, and wife of 55 years, Dorothy F. Trebilcox (Eiland). Survived by his son, Gordon Dent Eiland and his wife Robin Eiland, of Avila Beach, CA, granddaughter Jillian Anderson and her husband Brian, of Orangevale, granddaughter Kristi McFarren and her husband Kris, of Valencia, CA, grandson Brandon Eiland, of Thousand Oaks, CA, three great-grandsons, Aidan, Ethan, and Brendan Anderson, great-granddaughter Sophie McFarren; also by brother Dent Eiland, of Albuquerque, NM and sister Phyllis Bunker, of Sacramento, and many nieces and nephews.
Drafted in August 1941, he served in the US Army, the 3rd Infantry Division, 7th Regiment, in World War II through August 1945, fighting in North Africa, Sicily, Anzio, and all the way to Hitler's home in Burtchesgadel. He later wrote and published a book about his experiences, ''In Some Ways, it was a Fascinating War."
After the war, he returned home to Pasadena, but found a job as an engineering aide, back with the Bureau of Reclamation, in Sacramento. He taught himself engineering concepts by buying and reading textbooks on engineering and hydraulics, and successfully passed the exam for Junior Hydraulic Engineer in 1947. That began a long successful career as a civil engineer, culminating is his appointment as Assistant Director of the California State Department of Water Resources. In the early 80s he was asked to go back to Washington D.C. during the Reagan administration, where he held the equivalent rank of a 3-star general, as assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Army, working with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Robert is remembered fondly by all his family and friends for his wonderful sense of humor, sharp and independent thinking, and kind and generous spirit.
A visitation will be held Sat., Jan. 8 from 11am to 2pm at Harry A. Nauman & Son Funeral Chapel, 4041 Freeport Blvd, in Sacramento. Interment will be later at Arlington National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with his wife of 55 years, Dorothy Eiland.