Robert James Bolin, 83, of Vero Beach, passed away on July 30, 2015.
He is survived by his two daughters Linda Zeller (William), and Cheryl Cartwright; and his two grandchildren, Molly and Connor Cartwright all of Vero Beach.
He was preceded in death by his only brother, C. E. Bolin in April 2015.
Bolin, was born on March 8, 1932 in Miami to Fitzhugh and Helene Bolin. Growing up in Ft. Lauderdale, he was active in track and field, and received his letterman jacket from Florida State University in his college years.
In 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed in Ft. Pierce serving during the Korean Conflict. Upon completing his term he returned to Ft. Lauderdale and learned the plumbing trade. He received his master plumbers license and later even went into the plumbing inspection service.
It was his love of the ocean that influenced his free time, spending as much time as possible boating and fishing with family and friends in Key West. It was in Bimini, Bahamas, that he landed his 10 foot Marlin. A real fish tale! (There were witnesses.)
Staying true to his love of sports, he played on adult softball teams in Ft. Lauderdale. His fine pitching skills earned him the trophy, “Mr. Softball.”
In 1972, he returned to Ft. Pierce and resided there until he retired from field plumbing work. Moving to Keystone Heights, Fla., he took a job at the State of Florida Correctional Institute in Stark. There he taught inmates the plumbing trade and assisted them in the prison’s plumbing repairs.
In his final retirement, he moved to Elkton, Fla. (outside St. Augustine) and returned to his love of the water. In 1990, he took his first of 47 cruises on Carnival Cruise Lines, on which logged 289 days at sea. He sailed other ship lines for a total of 68 cruises, but his favorite was Carnival on which he reached “Diamond” status. They rolled out the red carpet for him.
In Feb. 2014, he returned to Vero Beach to be close to his daughters. He resided in Vero Beach until his passing on July 30, 2015, in Indian River Memorial Hospital, with his two daughters by his side.
In honoring his wishes, and for his love of the ocean, the family has planned a private burial at sea. Sharing of fond memories or words of comfort are welcomed by the family into the guest book. Strunk Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
