Robert G. Waldref, 57, was born in Manatee Veterans Memorial Hospital, grew up in Palmetto and was currently living in Sarasota. Survivors include his beloved, Yvonne Lantz of Sarasota; brother-in-law, William Bennett of Bradenton; sisters, Esther Jessup of Sarasota and Michelle Garcia of Parrish; brother, James Collom of Sarasota. He was predeceased by sisters, Linda Bennett and Toni Maddox both of Bradenton.
Robert was a 1971 graduate of Palmetto High School. He started a life long profession of land surveying with Smally, Wellford and Nalven in 1971. After many years in the field and office he became a licensed Professional Surveyor and Mapper in January, 2004. At the time of his death he owned his own land surveying company.
Robert had a gifted voice and his greatest joys were making people laugh and helping others. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge and the Florida Surveyors and Mappers Society.
A celebration of life will be on Saturday, May 7, 4pm-8pm at 330 Golden Sands Drive, Sarasota.