Longtime Santa Clarita Valley resident and beloved community member Robert Austin "Bob" Ohler died Saturday at 75.

Ohler was born July 27, 1926, in Lincoln, Neb. He served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS Ittala in the Asiatic-Pacific area.

He married his wife Rose in 1947. The Ohlers moved to the SCV from Granada Hills one year after buying the Backwoods Inn, a staple eatery in Canyon Country since 1968. The restaurant is popular among residents for its antique furnishings, as Rose was known to scour local antique shops.

Bob Ohler became very involved in the community, having been active in the Canyon Country Chamber of Commerce for several years, including two consecutive terms as president. Ohler also was involved in the formation of the city of Santa Clarita.

He was the honorary Marshal of the Frontier Days Parade in 1972, and honorary Mayor of Canyon Country in 1975 and 1977.

Carol Ohler said her father was an outstanding and dedicated citizen and civic leader.

"His enthusiasm and dedicated efforts for the progressive development of the community had served as an inspiration to all residents," she said.

Ohler was also an active member of the Newhall Rotary until he became ill nearly a decade ago.

After suffering a stroke, Ohler became afflicted with heart problems and was no longer able to be as active in the community.

He died Saturday of kidney failure at Providence Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills.

Many members of the community were saddened to hear of Ohler's death.

City Councilman Bob Kellar described Ohler as a "substantial building block of this community."

Long-time community activist Connie Worden-Roberts worked closely with Ohler for the Frontier Days Parade, and called him a "stalwart member and leader of Canyon Country."

City Councilwoman Jo Anne Darcy knew Ohler well when he was president of the Canyon Country Chamber of Commerce. She called him "a good man with a good sense of humor."

Darcy said Ohler was a strong advocate for cityhood and for keeping the Canyon Country Chamber of Commerce in existence (it was absorbed into the SCV Chamber in 1995). She said he also supported a cross-valley transportation link many years ago, and was active in several charities.

Bob Ohler is survived by his wife Rose Ohler, "the love of his life," his daughters Carol Ohler, of Santa Clarita, and Kathy Grant, of Northridge. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Gina Greblo Swoope, of San Francisco.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery.