Obituary of Robert James Litwin

Robert James (Bob) Litwin passed away suddenly on October 27, 2017.  A memorial service will be held at Orcutt Ranch, 23600 Roscoe Blvd., West Hills on Thursday, November 16 at 11:00 AM. A reception to celebrate Bob’s life will follow.

Bob was born in North Tonawanda, New York on October 26, 1950 to Roman Anthony and Louise Constance Litwin. Bob graduated from North Tonawanda High School and continued on to the State University of New York at Buffalo to pursue his passion for math and science.

Bob was drafted part way through college, completed his basic training at Fort Dix and advanced training at Fort Richie. Fortunately, he was deployed as an MP at Fort Richie and supported the Presidential bomb shelter, known as Site R before returning to the University of Buffalo to complete his studies in Chemical Engineering.

After earning his degree, Bob worked for American Pump and Valve (APV) before joining Hyland Therapeutics, which later became the Hyland Division of Baxter Healthcare Corporation’s, Biotech Group. For the next 26 years, Bob worked with a large number of people at Baxter who became his extended family. During his time there he held various roles including Director of Engineering and Director of Manufacturing. During Bob’s tenure he designed, built, started up and had the opportunity to run the Thousand Oaks manufacturing plant, Baxter’s first Biotech venture.

Bob absolutely loved his chosen profession. He enjoyed every aspect of engineering. Creating something out of nothing and satisfying customer needs brought him much joy. He often commented how lucky he was because he truly loved what he did for a living. After leaving Baxter Bob spent 8 years at XOMA in Northern California, and retired just over two and a half years ago.

Numbers were Bob’s thing, and he never forgot one. Project budgets and engineering calculations were akin to a giant Sudoku game for him. Bob had a passion for astronomy, a fascination with earthquakes and other natural disasters, and a love of physics. He loved the outdoors and especially the woods, waterways and mountains. Bob enjoyed hiking, fishing, camping, biking, skeet shooting, and flying. Bob’s love of nature no doubt stemmed from the carefree days of his youth in and around his hometown in Northwestern New York, near the mighty Niagara River and its falls, as well as his family’s trips to Lake Ontario.

Anyone who knew Bob as an adult rarely saw him without two things, a book and a vest. In his signature vest(s), among other things, he often carried a book and a spare; later in life, he packed a Kindle and spare because the man could never seem to get enough of a good book. Bob was also passionate about music and enjoyed classic rock and heavy metal. A truly talented drummer, Bob kept excellent time; ironically, however, he couldn’t dance. As for drummers, Keith Moon was his absolute favorite! His other passions included writing poetry and prose and playing chess.

Despite all his interests and success, Bob always made time for his family. Family was everything to him. He loved and adored his children and his grandchildren. Bob is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Liz), his daughters Kimberly Litwin Miller, Amanda Litwin and Katherine Kavetsky, his grandsons Holden Domeier and Theodore Miller, his brother Steven Litwin, and his sister Margaret (Peggy) Bennett.

Bob was a wise, honest, humble and kind man and an exceptionally caring husband, father and grandfather, brother and friend. Bob’s clever wit, and refreshing sense of humor, his laugh, that mischievous boyish smile, certain twinkle in his eye, his love of life, concern for his fellow man, exemplary work ethic, strength, and kind and gentle spirit will certainly be missed.

Bob, we are saddened as you left us way to too soon. We love you a million and forever and will carry your cherished memory in our hearts.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to everyone for your love, support and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that friends and family wishing to contribute make a memorial donation in Bob Litwin's name to any one of the following organizations:

1. Tucker's Foundation: Foundation in support of stillborn babies and their families. This foundation is in connection with the family from the Starbucks Moment story: https://tuckermakris.org/donating-to-cuddlecot/

2. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Foundation: We would love to help raise awareness: http://www.sca-aware.org/donate

3. Rescue Missions of Ventura or Los Angeles: A cause near to Bob's heart as he spent many holiday seasons giving back to those less fortunate:
https://vcrescuemission.org/donate/

https://give.losangelesmission.org/donation.html