Robert Allan Wilson

Robert Allan “Bob” Wilson passed September 1, 2023, after suffering a major stroke. While trying to recover in the hospital, Bob was visited by friends and family—all of whom will miss his unique presence in their lives.

Born January 16, 1940, Bob’s story begins as the son of Delbert and Theresa Wilson of Portland. From his parents he learned his life-long avocations of outdoor adventuring and crafting his own items and spare parts from scratch. Bob went to Vernon Elementary School and attended annual class reunions held by his classmates. After graduating from Benson High School, he studied physics at Portland State University. Bob then served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1960. While studying for his Masters Degree in Physics, Bob worked for Tektronics sampling advanced materials, and it was with his colleagues here at Tektronics that he discovered mountaineering.

Bob’s professional career was established when he began teaching Physics at Mt. Hood Community College (Gresham, OR) in 1968. Bob took pride in his instruction and was especially concerned that students headed for engineering degrees fully understood physics. Here at Mt. Hood, he enjoyed the two-month summer break with annual trips to mountaineering venues in Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. Beginning in 1965, Bob was a mountain climb leader for the Mazamas Mountaineering Club in Portland. Besides climbing in in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, he participated in international expeditions to major peaks in the Himalayas. Bob retired from his teaching position in 1998.

One of Bob’s passionate beliefs was the pursuit of mostly non-motorized modes of transportation. He owned a sail boat for years and sailed as far north as Alaska. As a cycler he rode in Cycle Oregon events several times. He also loved sea kayaking and circumnavigated Moresby Island in Haida Gwaii solo carrying 40 days of dry food for himself. Bob also loved exploratory hiking and made several annual trip to the Grand Canyon for multiday backpacking trips. In the winter, Bob loved cross-country skiing and skied the rim at Crater Lake a number of times. There are two exceptions to this approach: Bob was a licensed small aircraft pilot and he later owned a Citron SM sport sedan.

In retirement, Bob maintained his avid interest in science and technology. Perhaps the best expression is that he bought a Tesla, Model S in 2021, installing his own 220v charger in his home. He kept track of the mileage in relation to charging costs and shared graphs of the results as he reassured himself that there was significant savings in comparison to a gasoline car.

Another measure of the man is Bob’s generosity. While alive, he funded two scholarship programs at Mt. Hood CC, one in mathematics and one in science. Bob also established an Expedition Grant program for the Mazamas. Bob thought long and hard about his legacy and assigned a large portion of his estate to those two programs and to Friends of Columbia Gorge, Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, and Medical Teams International.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Delbert and Theresa Wilson, and his brother, Barney. He is survived by his Brother Dean Wilson, and His wife, Debra, as well as Niece Sherry Solas (Tigard), and nephews Jesse Wilson (Seattle), Jeff Wilson (Portland), Matt Wilson (Portland), and Everett Wilson (Portland).

A gathering of friends and family will be held at Heidi’s Restaurant, Gresham, September 16, 2023, at 2:30 pm. Donations in Bob’s name may be made to the environmental charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.batemancarrollfunerals.com for the Wilson family.