Roy Alfred Imbsen

Dr. Roy Alfred Imbsen, P.E., D. Engr., 83, of Carmichael CA, peacefully entered Heavan on Tuesday, July 13, 2021.

Roy was born in Chicago Illinois on January 19, 1938.  His father Nils and mother Olaug both immigrated from Norway in the 1920’s. Roy received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from University of Illinois in 1962.  Roy would continue his education at California State University, Sacramento where he earned his Master of Science in Engineering in 1972.  And in 1986 Roy received his degree of Doctor of Engineering from University of California, Davis.   

Roy married Aase in 1959 and they were married for 33 wonderful years until she passed in 1992.

Roy worked as an Engineer for CalTrans from 1962 to 1976 and then went on to found Imbsen and Associates Engineering Consultants.  While at Imbsen and Associates Roy led a team of dedicated engineers and support staff. His company performed highway and bridge design, seismic retrofitting, software development, and related engineering disciplines.  He was also an Adjunct Professor at the University of California, Davis and a Research Specialist at the University of California, Berkeley.

Roy was a world recognized expert in the field of seismic bridge engineering and new bridge design.  He was a key member of many federal and state agencies.

He was a pioneer in developing, implementing, teaching, and applying seismic design principles to bridges since the San Fernando earthquake in 1971.  Roy was a co-recipient of AASHTO’s Dr. L. I. Hewes Award for the development of the first comprehensive seismic design specifications, which remained in effect for fifteen years.  In addition, Roy participated in the development of the current AASHTO Division IA and the LRFD Guideline Specifications for the Seismic Design of Bridges.

Roy loved his field of work and never did fully retire. He continued working part time for several different companies and was working up through the weekend prior to his passing.

He was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher.  When not volunteering at the church he could be found riding his bike, working in his yard, hanging out with family and friends, teaching, fixing or building something.

Roy is survived by his two sons, Ray Imbsen and his wife Nancy of Carmichael, CA, and George Imbsen and his wife Sonya of El Dorado Hills, CA.  Also surviving are four grandchildren, Kyle and Jennie of Carmichael and Ben and Rachel of El Dorado Hills.  He is also survived by many other family and friends. 

Roy was also preceded in death by his brother George who passed in 2019. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, July 22 at St. John’s Lutheran Church located at 1701 L Street in Downtown Sacramento.  Pastor Jon Haug, Associate Pastor of St. Johns will be officiating. Private family burial to follow and celebration of life at North Ridge Country Club. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, July 21 at East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Ln, Sacramento.