Britt VailRedding, CARobert Brittan 'Britt' Vail, Jr., 85 of Redding, Ca. passed on Saturday November 5, 2016 at his home of natural causes. Britt was born on April 20, 1931 in San Mateo, California to Hazel B. Vail & Robert 'Bob' B. Vail. Britt attended military school as a child, then attended Burlingame High School in the bay area where he excelled in basketball and swimming. He joined the Marines after high school and served as a Forward Observer in Korea. Returning from the military in 1953, Britt married his childhood sweetheart, Paula Diane Hayward on August 1st of that year. Britt attended College of the Pacific (Now University of the Pacific) in Stockton, during which time he and Paula welcomed their son, Jeff and two years later daughter Lisa. He graduated in 1957 with his B.A.After graduating from college, Britt went to work for Shell Oil Company. Being transferred to Redding in 1959, Britt and Paula decided Redding was the place to raise their two young children. Britt quit Shell Oil when he was transferred to Oregon shortly after arriving in Redding. Britt decided the time was perfect to get into real estate, so he obtained his license and with a couple of friends opened their business, Associated Brokers on Pine Street. This was eventually moved to Hilltop Drive where it is now known as Cypress Street Enterprises. Britt was always an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting (for a time), tennis and golf. He joined Riverview Golf and Country Club in 1963 where he shared many good times with an abundance of friends. He was also active for many years in the Rotary Club of Redding. He enjoyed the many good works of the Rotary Club, especially delivering meals on Thanksgiving morning to those less fortunate than himself. Britt is survived by his wife and lasting love of 63 years, Paula; his two doting children, Jeffery B. Vail and daughter Lisa Diane, son-in-law Timothy Elder; Granddaughter Brittany Pauline Bunker, grandson-in-law Michael Bunker; and Great Grandson Brittan John Bunker age 5. He is also survived by extended family members; Kathy and Mark Robison and their daughters Karly and Katy; Jodi Elder Brooks and her daughters Jaeden and Zoe.Little name-sake, Brittan adored his "Great PawPaw" very much, as did most everyone that knew him. There will be forever a hole in the space Britt occupied in the hearts of those who loved him, but that space is filled with love and awe for one who was truly a wonderful man. A Celebration of Life will be held after the holidays on January 29, 2017 at the Riverview Golf and Country Club in Redding. The time and details will be published in early January.Please sign the guestbook at http://obits.redding.com
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