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Barbara (Bobbie) Taft Galpin<br/>August 26, 1925 - September 11, 2014

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Barbara Taft Galpin of San Marino, California passed away peacefully in Newport Beach at the home of her daughter, Cinda Galpin Hoeven on September 11th.

Barbara Jean, daughter of Mabel and Harold Taft, grew up in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles and graduated from John Marshall High School. A graduate of the University of Southern California, she was a third generation Trojan and a second generation Delta Gamma. It was at USC that she met her husband, Kennedy Galpin, a graduate of South Pasadena High School. Married just after graduation, Bobbie played the role of supportive wife, homemaker, and mom.

When her two children, Chris and Cinda, were securely on their way, she began a career as a volunteer. It wasn’t long before her organizational skills and ebullient personality made her the leader of virtually every group of which she became a member. With her upbeat personality and ability to inspire others to follow, Bobbie began her long legacy of leadership. She chaired the first Senior Citizens’ Day for the Pasadena Assistance League, Grad Night for San Marino High School and the Children’s Festival for the Blue Ribbon of the LA Music Center. She also served as Benefit Chairwoman and President of the Pasadena Junior Philharmonic Committee, Luminaires of the Estelle Doheny Eye Foundation, the Pasadena Guild of Children’s Hospital and ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists).

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While Bobbie enjoyed many social and philanthropic activities, she is best remembered for her work at USC, where she chaired and served as president of eight organizations: The Trojan League of Los Angeles, the Association of Trojan Leagues, USC Centennial Celebration, the first USC Women’s Day, Town and Gown, USC Associates, USC Women of Troy and for the last decade, the USC Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 2004, Director of Athletics and Heisman Trophy winner, Mike Garrett, said, “Without Bobbie, we would not have a Hall of Fame. She has brought class, taste and organization.”

Bobbie received Woman of the Year from the Trojan Junior Auxiliary, the Service Award from the USC General Alumni Association, and the Arnold Eddy Service Award from Skull and Dagger, the USC Honorary Association.

She supported many local arts organizations, including The School of Fine Arts, the Los Angeles Music Center and the LA County Museum of Art. In addition, Bobbie served on the Board of Councilors for the USC Medical School and the Advisory Board for the University Hospital Guild.

She will be missed by her fellow members at The Valley Hunt Club, The Town Club, The Cal Tech Associates, The Jonathan Club and Eldorado Country Club.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her of husband of 45 years, Kennedy B. Galpin, who died in May 1992 and her son, Christopher Lane Galpin, who passed away earlier this year on May 11th. She is survived by her daughter, Cinda Hoeven and three grandchildren, Hilary Hoeven Carlson (David), Drew Christopher Hoeven (Jaime) and Chasen Kennedy Hoeven. She was blessed with three great granddaughters that she adored, Hadley Ryan Hoeven, Avery Payton Hoeven, Caitlyn Jean Carlson, and a great grandson on the way.

Bobbie’s husband, children, grandchildren and other numerous relatives all graduated from U.S.C. Her mother, daughter and granddaughter all shared the sisterhood of Delta Gamma Sorority at SC. Bobbie’s family will forever continue the Trojan tradition to “Fight On.”

“Baba” treasured the memories she shared with family and friends, entertaining and enjoying simple pleasures at her beach house and desert home. She will be so missed.

A family graveside service is planned and a Celebration of Bobbie’s life has been set for early November.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following:
USC Scion Scholarships c/o USC Alumni Association
3607 Trousdale Parkway, TCC 305 Los Angeles, CA 90089-3106
Pasadena Guild of Children’s Hospital (Make check payable to PGCH)
P.O Box 51101, Pasadena, CA 91115
Trojan League of LA (John McKay Center Pledge) c/o Kathleen Campos
24135 Crescent Court, Valencia, CA 91355

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