Obituary: Robert Brian Worley
Family man, artist, preservationist, contractor
“Surrounded by family and love, Brian passed peacefully on Monday, May 26,” his family shared. “A gifted, creative, and passionate artist, Brian was also devoted to his family who remember him as also a Renaissance man, and a kind, loving, and gentle soul.”
Robert Brian Worley was born on October 4, 1949, in Riverside, California to Donald and Jeannette Worley. He attended Pomona College, during which time he began working part time at the studio of Millard Sheets. Upon graduating from Pomona College, he lived and worked for a year in Del Mar, California and then embarked upon a 1 1/2-year sojourn of travel and work throughout most of Western Europe. After leaving Europe, he returned to work at the Millard Sheets studio, where he became a skilled mosaic artist, helping produce many mosaic murals and acting as Sheets’ last assistant. He remained working at the studio after Sheets’ retirement until the early 1980s, when he spent a year working in a custom furniture factory and then went to work for artists Tony Sheets and Richard Ellis at their South Pasadena studio. It was during this transitional period that he met and married his wife, Pam Card-Walker on July 23, 1983.
During this time, he was developing his skills in small remodeling, working in homes in Claremont. And, as work in the Pasadena studio slowed, he transitioned to what would become a 20-year career at University of La Verne, where he started as technical director in the theater department and then became director of facilities, overseeing campus operations and development. His stint at La Verne was followed by serving for nine years as director of facilities at Claremont McKenna College. He retired from CMC and began work part-time for Pitzer College as a construction manager, overseeing the renovation of the former Claremont Colleges infirmary building in its Robert Redford Conservatory.
During all this time managing facilities and construction, he remained active as a local remodeling contractor and in the arts, receiving commissions for numerous public art projects in La Verne and Claremont. His passion for art and preservation led him full circle into his final career as an artist/contractor specializing in the restoration and relocation of large-scale mosaic murals, most of which he had helped to create in his early studio years. His crowning glory was the preservation of Sheets’ “A Day at The Beach.” He removed, repaired, and reinstalled it at the Hilbert Museum, proving that these murals can be relocated and saved. It was a full circle moment for him since he had worked on that mural when he was in his 20s. It was his final piece.
He was active in both community and professional organizations. He had a lengthy involvement with the Pacific Coast Association of Physical Plant Administrators in higher education, where he served as president, secretary/treasurer, and on various committees. He also served on committees and on the board of the PCAPPA parent international organization, APPA. Community service work included serving for years as the ULV representative on the Downtown La Verne Business Improvement District Board, the Claremont Architectural Commission, and Public Art Committee. Recognition included the meritorious service award from both APPA and PCAPPA, the sweepstakes award in mosaic from the LA County Fair, and the Bess Garner Preservation Award from Claremont Heritage.
“He was a creative, curious, and intelligent man,” his family said. “He loved his wife dearly and cherished his family. So many fantastic memories we have as a family including many summers spent in Rosarito Beach, where at sunset, we would all gather around at his behest, to watch for the illusive green flash.”
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Pamela; daughters Stephanie (James) Follis, Brianne (Rob) Worley; and son Shayne Walker. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nix and Amelia Walker and Taylor and James Follis; and brothers Stevan and Greg Worley.
“Until we meet again, Brian,” his family added.
His request was to have a small private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to Claremont Heritage at claremontheritage.org, or City of Hope at cityofhope.org.
0 Comments