Robert Clare Jeffries

Robert Clare Jeffries was born to Clare and Ester Jeffries on October 13, 1934. He was born and raised in St. Helens, Oregon, but looked to leave and at the age of 17 and did just that. Bob was brought up with the appreciation of the outdoors and music, with hunting and fishing and attending events with music and dancing.

He joined the Navy during the Korean War. He served proudly and spoke fondly of his time aboard ship and being stationed in Japan.

It was around that time he was exposed to the pedal steel guitar. He was self taught and was very good. He played and performed throughout his life, privately and in many bands locally and even in Las Vegas. He last played into his 80's. He missed playing, but had friends that continued to the very end keeping him in touch with the music, Country Western/Swing.

He spent time in San Diego and parts of Arizona after him time in the Navy. It was during that time he met and married Felicitas. She was here from Mexico on a work visa. They were set to go to Nashville to pursue his dream to become a professional steel guitar player, when he learned he was going to become a father. He took his new wife and brought her back to Oregon to be near his family. In July of 1965 his first born was born, Carmella Felicitas, followed by his son Robert Ramon, in June of 1967.

The family settled and raised their family in east county of Portland. We grew up listening to music, either or both at times, Mexican and Country. The outdoors was an important part of our growing up. We gardened vegetables and flowers. We went camping and learned to fish. This is where Robert began his love and relationship of hunting and fishing with dad. Robert continued on and shared his adventures of fishing and hunting with dad.

Dad loved his yard and tending to his roses and dahlias especially after mom passed in 2008. It was with mom's illness and passing that he and Carmella started their connection. His health became more and more of an issue and she helped him navigate home and health with the help of her family. He wasn't shy to share that she was a nurse. He had two grandchildren, Regan and Alana from Carmella. He was very proud of them.

Bob spent the last four and half years in the loving care of wonderful caregivers in Foster care; sharing his music, knowledge of gardening and food.

Bob was a quiet man that strived to be independent to his last days and hours. Bob will be missed by his family and friends. My hope is that he is with mom and has found a steel guitar to play.