Robert was born on December 19, 1938, to Olive Mae and George “Bea” Anderson in Klamath Falls, OR. After graduating from Klamath Falls High School in 1958, he was drafted into the army, where he served as a medic field corpsman in Germany. After his military service, Robert worked for Hamstreet Motors for a short time until joining the Oregon State Parks in 1968. During his distinguished career of 26 years, he ascended from the position of ranger to that of state park manager. He worked as a ranger at Fort Stevens and then Rooster Rock State Park, and managed several parks including Armitage, Rooster Rock, and Tryon Creek. Robert retired as the manager of Viento and several Columbia River Gorge state parks.
Robert met the love of his life, Doris, in 1974, and they were married July 6, 1975, in Reno, NV. He immediately became an incredible father and role model to her three young sons. They soon completed their happy family with the births of two additional boys. Robert provided his boys with an idyllic childhood growing up in the state parks. He was a dedicated husband and father, and loved to take his boys boating, fishing, camping, and woodcutting. His passions included his dogs, his horses, fishing off the Oregon Coast, and elk hunting in the Wallowa Mountains. One of his favorite hobbies was learning more about aviation and fighter jets, and a highlight of his life was spending the day at the Oregon Air National Guard and getting the opportunity to sit in an F-15 Eagle.
Robert will forever be remembered for his love of nature, his great sense of humor, his patience, and his love for his family.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Doris Gale Anderson, sons Michael (Marnie) Rocklin, Gregory (Debora) Rocklin, Anthony (Sarah) Rocklin, Scott Anderson, BJ (Carol) Anderson, Daughter Alissa Serres-Mandel, Stepdaughter Kelly Loggan; Grandchildren Benjamin Rocklin, Maia Rocklin, Jacob Anderson, Natalie Rocklin, Marcelo Rocklin, Miles Rocklin, Rory Anderson, Delaney Rocklin, Daxton Anderson, Ryan Anderson, and Sofia Serres; brother Bill Anderson; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service in Robert’s honor will be held at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham, OR on Tuesday, May 17 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Heart Association or the Disabled American Veterans.
