Robert Clyde Bleid was born to David Waldemar and Elvina Mary Webb Bleid on May 14, 1919 (99 49/52 years of age) at their home on NE 52nd Avenue in Portland, Oregon. The second son of a Swedish father and English mother, he was taught early the importance of hard work and self-reliance with the death of his father, a founder of Williamsen and Bleid, a Portland painting company, at age 52.
Bob, as he was known, and his older brother David, supported their mother for many years and into adulthood. Sometime after he graduated from Grant High School in Portland, he enlisted in the US Navy in 1941 where he served until honorably discharged in 1945 shortly after VE Day.
He married his sweetheart, Rosemary Klug, in Modesto, CA, while in the Navy on January 13, 1945. They ultimately established their home in Portland until their deaths. After returning to civilian life, he was employed at the US Postal Service as a clerk at the Courthouse Post Office and, for several years, as a customer service representative. Bob was singularly loyal to his work, and he was rewarded with a retirement than exceeded his years of employment by decades.
Bob had memorable idiosyncrasies, as we all do, such as being incredibly punctual. He liked to dress in nice suits and dress shoes, and could not bring himself to eat cooked carrots, string beans, and casseroles. He would gladly give his wild salmon to others, preferring meat and potatoes. His most favorite food by far was chocolate in any form, and we never heard him utter the word vanilla.
Bob retired from the post office at 55 and enjoyed boating, fishing, woodworking, and service to Central Bible Church (of which he was a charter member) and Trout Creek Bible Camp. He served on many supervisory boards for these organizations, as well as contributing monetarily to them over many years. He was known for his desire to connect with family and friends, often calling them while traveling to say hello and arrange impromptu visits as he passed through their towns or cities. He stayed connected to friends from grade school for many decades. His cheerful disposition was well known and much appreciated by all who knew him. He’d do everything in his power to help friends and family if there was a need while asking very little in return.
Bob and Rosemary had two children, Kathie (John) and Robert (Norma), grandchildren Lindsay Belcher (Paul), Gillian Vallee (Steve), Kelsey Cameron, and Jonathan Bleid, and 4 great-grandchildren, Brior, Iyla, Maeve, and Elin. He never missed an opportunity to wish his family members well on their birthdays, to take pride in their accomplishments, and to greet them lovingly upon their returns from their homes across the United States and internationally.
Bob was a committed believer in the Christian faith inspiring his family to observe the tenets of the faith with devotion and by his quiet but unflinching example. He also was a loving husband of nearly 65 years. When Rosemary became ill, he supported her with at-home care for 11 years, managing the intricacies of intravenous feeding for her. When Rosemary died in 2009, he moved to Russellville Retirement home, living independently until 2018. His last year was spent at Pine Tree Adult Care Home under the diligent and caring support from his caretakers there. During the challenging last years of his life, Bob never lost sight of the importance of thanking his family and caregivers. He remained cheerful and accepting of his disabilities with no complaints. He was adored by his loved ones, cherished by his friends, and an encouragement by his example to all who knew him.
Bob was 99 49/52 years young at the time of his death. His family planned an early birthday celebration that was subsequently cancelled due to his ill-health. His family jokingly told him that they would “get him” to his 100th birthday but after that he was “on his own.” Perhaps he took this to heart preferring to be in the presence of his Savior for a party prepared for him in Heaven, and no doubt, he arrived punctually.
Bob is interred, with Rosemary, at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. His immediate family either visited him close to his death or provided a vigil at his bedside. In death as in living, he was accepting of his human frailty but aware of and looking forward to his eternal rest. In addition to his US Navy rank, his gravestone reads “In the Arms of the Savior.” His memory is filled with happiness and gratitude for his love and devotion to family and friends!
A celebration of Bob's life will take place Saturday, June 8th, between 1:00 and 3:00 PM in the Ministry Building of Gateway Church at 13300 NE San Rafael Street, Portland, Oregon 97230.
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