Robert Mickelson, passed away on April 15th at the age of 87. Born in Portland on March 6, 1934, he was the second child of Swedish immigrants, A. Herbert Mickelson and Judith Nilsson Mickelson. Bob attended Grant High School, graduating in 1953, and went on to study at the University of Oregon. In 1956, he traveled to Stockholm, Sweden, home of his mother and ancestors, to finish his education as an architect. He accepted an apprenticeship with the firm, Hans-Anker Holst, which had a lasting impact on his career as an architect. While in Stockholm, he developed many life-long friendships and met his future bride, Lilian Johnsson. The couple was married in Stockholm in 1958 and settled in Bob’s hometown of Portland to raise their family.
Bob was dedicated to his chosen profession of architecture, often quoting Louis Sullivan, “Form ever follows function.” He worked for Zimmer Gunsul Frasca throughout his career and brought his extraordinary eye for detail to a host of significant projects including the ESCO Administration Building (1966), Kah-Nee-Ta Lodge (1971), The Multnomah Athletic Club Clubhouse Replacement (1973), and the BPA Headquarters Addition (1985).
Bob was as fiercely proud of his Swedish heritage as he was of his beloved Oregon. The Beaver State had the best of everything: from beer and Chinook salmon, to mountains and beaches. If ever you met Bob at his favorite haunt, The Goose Hollow Inn, he would probably bend your ear on any one of these topics.
Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Lilian Mickelson, his parents, and brother, Glenn Mickelson. He is survived by his daughter, Kristina Ellenbogen (and husband, Anthony) of Nutley, New Jersey; his son, Ian Mickelson, of Portland; and his grandchildren, Max, Alivia, Christian and Elisa. The family is planning on a gathering in August to celebrate Bob’s life.
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