Robert Reed Sartor

(March 3, 1946 - Nov. 30, 2016)

Bob passed away on Nov. 30, 2016 in Los Alamos, New Mexico of ALS. Living six years with this motor neuron disease, he accepted major changes with grace and good humor, and remained focused on the things he could still do. To the end he continued to enjoy getting outside for “rolls” on his battery-powered scooter, doing jigsaw puzzles, and telling stories.

Bob was born in San Diego, California and grew up in Altadena, California where he enjoyed hiking and backpacking in the nearby mountains. These early adventures with friends and Boy Scouts shaped his lifelong love of the outdoors and natural world. He also enjoyed swimming, body surfing, and playing water polo and handball. He attended Colorado State University. He met his wife Charlotte (Charlie) Bockes Sartor in Jackson, Wyoming where they skied, hiked and backpacked together. They worked and were married at the Darwin Ranch in Wyoming in 1970.

In 1971 they moved to Palmer, Alaska to continue their outdoor adventures. Bob and Charlie lived in the Butte area, where they enjoyed birding, hawk watching, square dancing, backpacking, hiking, skiing, kayaking and canoeing. Bob was a proud member of the Southern Alaska Carpenter’s Union Local 1281. Bob enjoyed sharing time, food, laughter and stories with family and friends. He believed in being a good worker, but knew the importance of time for adventure and fun. He valued observing and appreciating nature and taught others to share this love.

Bob is survived by his wife Charlotte of Palmer, Alaska; daughter Karla Sartor, son-in-law Brian Larsen, and grandson Kai Robert Larsen (born 12/10/16) of Los Alamos, New Mexico; son Brian Sartor of Palmer, Alaska; sister Jan Birenbaum and husband Larry of Saratoga, California; sister-in-law Ann Frederking and husband Bob of Ottawa, Canada; nieces Karin, Sara, Ann and Laura, and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Nell Sartor and father Reed Sartor.

A small family remembrance was held in Los Alamos. A celebration of life will be held in the summer in Alaska.

We are grateful for the help we received from: Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Clinic in San Francisco http://www.cpmc.org/services/als/The ALS Association of Evergreen, Washington, www.alsa-ec.orgHospice of Mat-Su Valley and Los Alamos, New Mexico http://www.lavns.com/Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to any of these organizations or to the Great Land Trust greatlandtrust.org