Robert E Loeffel

The call came Sunday night, October 23rd. Bob Loeffel - Daddy, Uncle Bob, Gramps - made the transition from South Beach to heaven. Holding that moment close, we are glad to acknowledge his life and his relationships with God, family, and friends. Who is Bob? He's an "interesting and knowledgeable man, who has lived a life of exploration and impartation." Born to Emil and Gladys Loeffel on May 24, 1928 in Camas, WA, he grew up in Washougal with one sister, Irene. He started first grade wearing a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt, with "Mickey going on to be famous, and Bob, to store up knowledge like a squirrel does nuts." From an early age Bob liked cowboy and Indian stories, and described himself as being "athletically a hunter and fisherman." He graduated from Washougal High School, tried sports for a year while attending Willamette University, and then studied fisheries at University of Washington. After completing his degree Bob worked on the Columbia River, "living his passions" as an Oregon Fish Commission biologist and lover of the River. The Korean Conflict needed men, and in 1950 Bob was drafted into the army; he served his country for two years. Upon return to home and work, Bob met his future wife, Shirley, while documenting a smelt run on the Sandy River in 1953. Born to them were three daughters, M'Lynn, Marsha, and Deanne, and over the course of years three sons-in-law and six grandchildren came along. Living in Astoria, Portland, and Newport, Bob continued working for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and became the Marine Regional Supervisor in 1970. A career highlight was an expedition with other scientists to Moscow and the Black Sea as part of negotiating fishing law with the Soviets. 1988 brought retirement. His love of the outdoors carried on for the rest of his life. He headed a volunteer weekly beach survey of dead birds for 37 years, collecting a body of information never before available. Bob was rewarded by finding a bird that now resides in the Smithsonian archives. When the moment was right, salmon and bottom fishing lured him out on the water in the P-14. Gardening and harvesting and sharing continued year around. Bob watched for people, and people watched for him as he welcomed old and new friends to the Presbyterian church on Sunday mornings where he served in various capacities over forty years. Bob lived the last two and one-half years facing failing health, but able to go on with his wife's assistance, and holding on to God's hand. Though hard for them, hearts were drawn together, and in the end hands that loved him released him to life above. Well done, Bob, Daddy, Uncle Bob, Gramps. We love you. A memorial service will be held November 19, 2016 at 1pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 227 NE 12th St, Newport. Reception following. Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church Deacon Fund, 227 NE 12th St, Newport, OR 97365, or to a charity of choice. In part adapted from a biography of Robert E. Loeffel written by granddaughter Lydia Rozanski, 2016.

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Robert E Loeffel

May 24, 1928 - October 23, 2016