Obituary of Robert Arthur Carney

. IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROBERT ARTHUR CARNEY Robert Arthur Carney was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 30, 1928. He was the fourth child of James and Cola Gaston and had six siblings. Robert went to high school in Chicago where he grew up. He left school at the age of fifteen and enlisted in the US Army. Twenty-one months later he was discharged for being underage. He returned to Chicago, where he earned his GED. Immediately after that he reenlisted in the U.S. Army. Robert proudly served his country as a Sergeant 1st Class in the Airborne Division and retired after twenty-one years. During his service, he was a paratrooper and was known for his courage and skill as he daringly jumped out of airplanes in multiple war zones. While Robert was in the military, he enrolled in Bellevue College in Washington state. He graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Psychology. Subsequently, Robert enrolled and graduated from LaVerne University in California with a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Psychology in 1976. Robert later enjoyed employment in California as a high school educator, holding such positions as coach, teacher and principal. He mentored thousands of students during this phase of his life and was known and loved for his tough demeanor, understanding and warm spirit. Also during this phase of his life, he welcomed his beloved daughter Shanita Buchanan with whom he lived for many years in Seal Beach, California. Robert met the love of his life Marilyn Bagasbas in 1996, and they were married in February of 1997. He and Marilyn have one daughter, Thiara. Robert had a very close relationship with Thiara, where he used his past experiences in education to assist his daughter to excel in her educational pursuits and continually attain high scholar honors at her school. During his time in hospice he and Thiara had many private father–daughter conversations, just the two of them. He will be sorely missed by her. The family of three was very close knit. Using the Military Air Transport System, they went on many trips together such as coming to the East Coast to reestablish connections with his extended family. One of their favorite pastimes was going out to dinner at their favorite restaurants. Robert had many positive attributes, not the least of them he was a man of virtue, integrity, and perseverance. He was an intimidating figure, but he also had a kind heart. He loved to play golf and was an avid book reader, but most of all, he loved his family, his country as well as helping others. On July 3rd, Robert passed away in his home surrounded by his family and will be terribly missed. An honorable memorial will be held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California with a date yet to be determined. Robert was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his son, Johnny Carney and his dear siblings, Odessa, Leon, Peola, James and William. He leaves to mourn his loss his loving wife Marilyn; daughters Thiara Carney and Shanita Buchanan; son-in-law Brice Buchanan; grandchildren Malosi and Emi Buchanan; mentees Tony Solorzno and Belinda Williams and a host of other relatives and friends.