Robert Martin Bongberg passed away Tuesday afternoon in Shafter. Robert, known as Bob (Doc) to his friends, had been a resident of Shafter for over 50 years. Bob was predeceased by both parents, five siblings, and his only daughter, Janet Stockton. He spent his final days surrounded by family and loved ones in the Carrington Care Facility in Shafter. Bob was born on June 14, 1915 in Phoenix, Arizona, and spent his youth in Flagstaff. He later moved to Pomona, California to attend high school and junior college. It was during his time there that he met his future wife and lifelong love Lucille over a game of spin the bottle. He joined the Army in August of 1940 and was assigned to work as a medical assistant on Governor's Island in New York City doing autopsies. He spent his entire term of enlistment there, and was honorably discharged in November 1945 as a Master Sergeant. Upon his military discharge he moved back to Pomona, where he attended college prior to entering dental school. During this time his first son, Robert was born. With the completion of his undergraduate studies at Pomona Junior College and U.C.L.A. he enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania's dental program. During his time in dental school his second son, Barry, and daughter, Janet were born. His dental practice would become his lifelong career and a part of his personality. He graduated, and the family moved to Oregon for two years, and finally to Shafter in 1955 where he started his own private practice on Central Avenue. His dental career was very distinguished, and he was part of the Flying Dentists program making several trips to South America providing dental care to the needy. Bob was President of the Kern County Dental Society from 1971-72, and went on a trip to Peru in 1982, where he did dental work for the native peoples. Upon retiring, he donated much of his dental equipment to the Bakersfield Homeless Center, demonstrating his great humanitarian spirit. Bob was also an avid fisherman, and will be long remembered for the many formative camping trips up to the Sequoias that he took with his children and grandchildren. He was also a skilled archer, craftsman, and artist. His many other hobbies included waterskiing/boating, taking family trips, Big Band music, building models, and helping with any project any time he heard so much as a single hammer swing. Bob touched many lives, and is remembered as a close friend, caring father and grandfather, role model, and a consummate craftsman. He leaves behind an extensive web of family and friends, spreading across the globe from California to New York; from Hawaii to France. He is survived by his wife Lucille, and two sons Bobby and Barry. At last count he had seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and a huge extended family. His friends are far too numerous to even begin naming, and they will be blessed with laughter for the rest of their lives at the memories they shared with this great man. The family would like to thank the Carrington Care Facility and the nurses of Hoffman Hospice for the exceptional personal care they provided in the final months, weeks, and days of Bob's life. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1523 California Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93304. A memorial service under the direction of Peters Funeral Home will be held at the Congregational Church, 430 E. Tulare Ave. in Shafter, in celebration of Bob's life on Saturday, October 6, 2007, at 11:00am. Pastor Mike Kotrla will officiate the service. Interment will be private.