Robert C. (Bob) Wentworth |
| Posted 2008-11-17 by Sharon |
| The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ January 1, 1997 Robert C. “Bob Wentworth, Longtime Civic, Business Leader Editor’s note: The following story was submitted by Marshall Lincoln, former editor of the Wickenburg Sun and longtime friend of Robert C. “Bob” Wentworth The Wickenburg area last a longtime friend, businessman and civic leader, with the death of Robert C. “Bob” Wentworth last week. Wentworth, 76, died Dec. 25 in Boswell Hospital in Sun City. “Bob,” as he was known to everyone from miners and cowboys to U. S. Senators, was a retired pharmacist, who actively devoted much of his life to many community projects as a dedicated worker. He was a native and lifelong resident of Wickenburg, born here on Oct. 25, 1920, and was absent from the area for only a year during high school in Tucson, and later for service in the Army during World War II and attendance at two universities. He was graduated from Tucson High School in 1937, and received a B. A. degree in political science from the University of Arizona in 1942. A day after he graduated, he entered the Army and later participated in the Normandy invasion of Europe. He became a Captain in the 102nd Calvary Fifth Corps of the First Army, serving until the War in Europe ended in May 1945. He was to continue this assignment in the Pacific, but the war ended there before he arrived. After his discharge from active duty, Mr. Wentworth attended the University of New Mexico, where he was graduated with a B.S. degree in pharmacy in 1949. He then bought the Wickenburg Pharmacy, which he operated for 25 years. It was located on Tegner Street next to present Desert Caballeros Museum Park. After selling that business, he operated the Western Auto store across the street for about 10 years. During his active business years, Mr. Wentworth also served as Mayor of Wickenburg from 1960-64, was the president of the Desert Caballeros, and for many years was president of the Wickenburg Library Society, Inc., which continues to exist to support the Wickenburg Public Library. It was formerly known as the Wickenburg Library Board before the town took over administration of the library. Mr. Wentworth left the post of president of the Library Society only about two years ago. During his leadership the former library board a voluntary contribution campaign raised $110,000 to construct the present Wickenburg Public Library without a cent of government funding. Mr. Wentworth presided at the dedication ceremony on the library lawn in October 1970, at which U. S. Senator Barry Goldwater was the main speaker. Mr. Wentworth was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and longtime private pilot, flying his own plane from desert airstrips in the Wickenburg area. With the late Bill Mason of Morristown, he built his own sport biplane. Until very recently, he was a member of the town’s Airport Advisory Commission and in previous years was a member of the town’s Highway Advisory Committee. Mr. Wentworth also was a former president of the Wickenburg Rotary Club and member of the Wickenburg Elks Lodge No. 2160. He was married 42 years to the former Rose McVay of Phoenix, who survives him. Also surviving are two daughters, Rosanne Moran and Susan Wentworth; a brother, Murray of Wickenburg; son-in-law Bill Moran; three grandchildren, Scott, Geoffrey and Melanie Moran; one niece, one nephew, one great-niece and one great-nephew. Another brother of Tom, of Mesa, preceded Mr. Wentworth in death. Mr. Wentworth’s father, the Late George C. Wentworth, was a former Wickenburg postmaster. Fr. Dan Gerrard officiated at services which were held Saturday, Dec. 28, at Frey Funeral Home. Cremation followed. Contributions to the Wickenburg Library Society, Inc., addressed in care of Ethel Wright at the library, 164 E. Apache St., Wickenburg, Ariz, 85390 ----------------------------------- The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ January 1, 1997 Robert C. Wentworth, mayor of Wickenburg from 1960 through 1964, died Dec. 25 in Sun City. He was 76. A native of Wickenburg, Mr. Wentworth was born Oct 25, 1920. Mr. Wentworth was a member of the Wickenburg Elks Lodge 2160, the Wickenburg Library Society, past president of the Wickenburg Rotary Club, past president of Desert Caballeros, and former mayor of Wickenburg. He also was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and built his own plane, and he was a member of the Arizona Pharmacy Association. Mr. Wentworth was a pharmacist and the owner of the Wickenburg Pharmacy and the Western Auto Store. He was a captain in World War II in the lO2nd Cavalry 5th Division Corps' First Army. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Rose Wentworth; daughters Rosanne Moran of Wickenburg and Susan Wentworth of Colorado Springs, Colo.; brother Murray Wentworth of Wickenburg; and grandchildren Scott, Geoffrey and Melanie Moran of Wickenburg. Mr. Wentworth was preceded in death by his parents George and Eula and his brother Tom. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 at Frey Funeral Home in Wickenburg, with Rev. Dan Gerard officiating. Interment will take place at a later date at the Wickenburg Municipal Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Wickenburg Library Society, Attention: Ethel Wright, 164 E. Apache St, Wickenburg AZ 85390. See Also: Find a Grave |
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