Robert Warren Carr

Robert W. Carr, 87 of Arroyo Grande died January 12, 2026. Bob was born in Mojave to John and Lois Carr of Inyokern, California. He spent his youth living on the China Lake Navy base where his father worked as a civilian machinist after the 2nd World War. He graduated in 1956 from Burroughs High School. After time spent at Bakersfield College and working in San Francisco for EF Hutton, Bob was drafted into the Army. Where else would they station a desert guy than Fort Hood Texas! He participated in Operation Big Lift when an armored division of men and equipment were airlifted in to Germany as a maneuver to prove the US strength to be available to help our NATO allies. It was while in Germany they learned of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Discharged in 1964 with his army days behind him, Bob returned to China Lake and realized after working on the base, he needed to complete his education. With the assistance of the GI Bill he chose to attend Cal State Long Beach. While there he met his future wife Jamie. They married in 1969.

Bob graduated in 1970 with a degree in Earth Science. It was just at this time Air Pollution was becoming a major concern and counties in California began agencies to oversee these concerns. He and Jamie moved to Riverside when he was hired to be an air pollution inspector for Riverside County. While here their first son, Scott was born. However, it wasn’t long until the urge to do more had him applying for and getting the job to create an agency for San Luis Obispo County. He and Jamie settled in Arroyo Grande where their second son, Steven was born. Bob remained the director of the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District for 28 years, retiring in 2001.

Bob was active in several organizations, Breathe California of the Central Coast, California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, Arroyo Grande Lions Club and also served 18 years on the Arroyo Grande planning commission.

After retirement Bob & Jamie headed out for places far and wide. Alaska, Peru, Guatemala, Ireland, China, Patagonia, river cruises to Vienna, Budapest, and Amsterdam with a special extension to London. Good times!

Looking back probably the fondest times in Bob’s life came about in a most unusual way. In 1977 the call of his beloved desert had Bob loading up the station wagon with 5 year old Scott and joined by his lifelong friend Steve Morrison heading out for a long weekend desert adventure camping trip.  Little did he realize that it would become an adventure that would grow to at least a week and continue for 44 straight years! He pulled the kids out of school with “desert fever” to join him until they “grew up” and went off on different kinds of adventures.  What an experience for them to discover Bob was full of such fun when away from all of his responsibilities. They learned about the wildlife, earth, sky and their Dad. His brother Jim joined them, their friend Randy, and in later years his adventurous sister Jeannie.

In 2017 Bob had major back surgery for a chronic condition that had finally taken a toll and life was never the same. He developed Parkinson’s and COPD after a slight case of Covid in 2020. He remained in good spirits but the final blow was the loss of his voice in 2023. He was no longer able to be that active, vocal participate in his life. He was blessed with wonderful people who helped him to be able to stay home. Friends and family who stayed in touched and helped in oh so many ways, his much loved voice therapist Lauren, shower assistant Lorena, Dignity Hospice and Annette with Home Instead who made it doable.

Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years Jamie, son Steven, grandson Joshua, 3 great granddaughters, his brother Jim & wife Linda, sister-in-law Linda Gayle, many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Scott, his sister Jeannie, his brother Norman and brother-in-law Jim Nousianen.

Bob requested a graveside service and any remembrances to be directed to:

                    The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County

                     1137 Pacific St. SteA

                     San Luis Obispo, 93401

Or

                     Breathe California of the Central Coast

                     1469 Park Avenue

                     San Jose, CA 95126

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