Robert Lauren Bjur

Robert Lauren Bjur passed away on November 15, 2009. He was born on October 29, 1927, in Yakima, Washington. His father, Carl Ellis Bjur married his mother Ester Marie Portin in Kulm, North Dakota in January, 1915. Carl and Ester moved to the Yakima area in 1916 and began farming near Cowiche. Robert, their only son, was raised on the farm working beside his dad. He enlisted in the Merchant Marines right out of Highland High School in 1945. He trained on Catalina Island and was then deployed to the South Pacific and returned safely shortly after the war ended. Robert met Juanita Jean Abbey in Yakima in 1948 and they wed in 1949. Robert and Jean began their family life in the Lombard Loop area of the Lower Valley in 1949. The family ran a successful farm for 3 generations. Robert was active in the Buena Grange Association and was an Elder and patron of the Parker Heights Presbyterian Church. He served on the Board of Directors of Central Valley Bank. He also belonged to the Elks Lodge of Hemet, California. He enjoyed riding his Indian motorcycle, golfing, snow skiing and water skiing, bowling, fishing and hunting birds and game, although he had to quit hunting deer due to his children’s distress in the case he was fortunate enough to kill one. He was active in Sr. Baseball and quite an asset for the Palm Springs League, earning MVP one season. Robert never quit his thirst of knowledge. He attended many classes at local Community Colleges, taking courses including Real Estate, Geology, Geography, Stained Glass and other subjects.His love for flying was one of his most crowning achievements. He studied and learned and received his Pilot’s License in 1996. He flew his Cessna up and down the West Coast for several years and it is certain that there are many Air Traffic Controllers that breathed a sigh of relief when his license was rescinded due to Health issues.The entire family was immersed in farming throughout their entire lives. Robert Wayne was the first; he ended up leaving the farm for Law. Susan Marie was the second, Social Services and Health Care is her forte. Gary Lauren stepped up and took over the family farm. Laura Lee left for the Military and now pursues a career in Computer Software. Sandra Gale had a career in x-ray technology then returned to the farm. Ronald Carl helps Gary manage the farm in addition to hauling the fruit. Joann Leslie is employed as a Social Worker. And Brian Eugene is pursuing a career in Spiritual Enrichment and Drug Rehabilitation.His children and their activities were the foundation of his life. His sons excelled at sports, and they made him very proud. He rarely missed a game. His daughters excelled at horsemanship and he could not have been prouder of their accomplishments in that endeavor. Robert was proud of his children for many different reasons and he never stopped encouraging his children to excel in academics and athletic activities.Robert was preceded in death by his sisters Verna Strew, Clarice Ide, and Lela Carlson, his son Robert Wayne Bjur and his former son-in-law Randy Colton. He is survived by his loving companion Doris Roy of Yakima, his grandchildren from his son Wayne, (Jerry) Amanda Stevens, (Mike) of Yakima and their children Olivia and Greyson, Robert, (Jessica) of Toppenish and their son Robert Michael, Allison Bjur of Zillah and her children Bailyn and Nicolai; his daughter Susan Kinzel, (Jim) of Yakima and her children Micaela Whitaker (Eli), and their children Ashton, Nathan and Payton, Ryan and Kevin Colton, Daelene Colton and her twin sons Mason and Tyson; his son Gary Bjur, (Coleen) of Zillah and their children Jason and Jenna; his daughter Laura Matzen, (Tim) of Valley Center, California, her daughter Cassandra Campogan, (Danny) of Hawaii, and their daughters Taylor, Lana, and Trinity; his daughter Sandra Bjur of Zillah and her children Breanna and Shane; his son Ronald (Tami) of Zillah and their children Dustin and Nicholas; his daughter Joann Schaan, (Joel) of Zillah and their children Cassandra, her daughters Chloe and Hayden, Danny, Josh, Fred, David, his daughter Micaila, Dustin, Abbey and Emily; and his son Brian, (Kim) of Spokane and their children Jared, Lucas, Ashley and Caitlin. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of Landmark Care Center and Regional Hospice.Visitation and viewing will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2009 at Parker Heights Presbyterian Church, 5451 Konnowac Pass Rd., Wapato. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Parker Heights Presbyterian Church or to the American Cancer Society in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.