Robert LeRoy Mankin

Robert LeRoy Mankin died March 21, 2014, at Careage of Whidbey at the age of 86. He was born July 22, 1927, in San Bernardino, Calif., to Harry and Maude Mankin. He graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1945 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in the V-6 Program. With the end of the war at hand, he was discharged as a Fireman First Class.

Following his military service, Robert was hired by the San Bernardino Police Department as a motor officer. Two years later, he became a member of the California Highway Patrol, a position he held for the next 30 years.

He began his career as a motor officer and retired as a senior sergeant in the El Cajon, Calif., office. He served in Barstow, East L.A., West L.A., Orange County, Oceanside, San Diego and El Cajon.

Robert was married to Carolyn “Suzi” Speck on July 22, 1976, in Mexico.

Robert was not one to sit back and retire, so he attended college and received his degree in small boat engine repair. Moving to Lake Mead, Nev., Robert and Suzi opened a boat shop associated with the 7 Crowns Resort. Robert eventually earned the rating of master mechanic and did not retire until 2005.

In 2005, they left Lake Mead and made Oak Harbor their new home. Robert had an incredible gift for math and engineering and could solve or repair anything. He was a gifted storyteller and loved to share his wealth of jokes and often served as a master of ceremonies at various events throughout his life.

Robert is survived by his wife, Suzi of Oak Harbor; children Robert E. Mankin of Ojai, Calif., Patricia A. Mankin of Vista, Calif., and Sharon J. Fergot of Denver, Colo.; stepchildren Misty Speck of Seattle,and Michael Speck of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and three much-loved grandchildren, Katie Fergot, Billy Mankin and Murphy Mankin.

Robert was very proud to have achieved being a Master in the Fallbrook Lodge No. 317 in Fallbrook, Calif. and was a life member of that lodge. His memberships included the Royal Arch Masons of California, Triangle Chapter 155, a 32-degree member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the Valley of San Diego Orient of California, a member of the Garfield Lodge No. 41 of La Conner, Wash., a 60-year masonic membership at the Whidbey Island Lodge, No. 15, F&AM, and was a member of the American Legion George Morris Post 129 of Oak Harbor.

Graveside funeral services for Robert Mankin will be held at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, Colton, Calif., where he will be laid to rest with his parents. Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences for Robert in the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com