Robert Oltman

September 7, 1937 - January 9, 2024

Robert Louis Oltman, 86, peacefully passed away in Pasadena, California. He leaves behind a legacy of good deeds, love and laughter. Bob was the fourth child (and second son) born to Raymond and Inez Anderson Oltman in Pasadena, though the family home was in Chicago, Illinois. However, they eventually moved to Southern California permanently.

Bob attended South Pasadena High School, where he belonged to many organizations and became an Eagle Scout. Bob served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and attained a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He worked at Walt Disney company and assisted in projects such as The Pirates of the Caribbean ride and The Enchanted Tiki Room. It was during his time at Disney that he met his love and lifelong partner, Arlene, who worked at Retlaw Enterprises (Walt Disney's other company Walter spelled backwards). They married in December 1968. Bob later became an architect and established Robert L Oltman & Associates. For 17 years he practiced.

The "Oil Embargo" changed the economy and created a new opportunity. Bob and Arlene met Clay and Margie Schubert and became founding partners of Space Bank Mini Storage in Pasadena. Still serving the greater Pasadena community since 1978. Most of all Bo Oltman loved Pasadena. He enjoyed being involved in his community, city planning and placemaking. He volunteered and participated in the following organizations:  Pasadena POPS Orchestra, The Rotary Club of Pasadena, Toastmasters, Church of the Foothills, The Door of Hope, Pasadena Redevelopment Oversight Boards, The Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation, The Pasadena Republican Club, and The Playhouse District Associations, among others. Bob was a strong supporter of visual arts and artists. In 1999, Bob and his bride built and founded the Pasadena Museum of California Art. It closed in 2016, its mission was to showcase the wide spectrum of California creativity. When Bob was not in the office at Space Bank Mini Storage or serving on a committee, he would be working on his one-bedroom cabin in Big Bear Lake with Arlene at his side.

Bob leaves behind his wife of 55 years; two daughters (both married), three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Whittier Daily News. March 16, 2024