WILLIAM ROBERT 'BOB' BRIGGS
February 6, 1949 ~ March 11, 2014
William Robert (Bob) Briggs, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, nephew, son and passionate friend left us far to soon on March 11, 2014.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, February 6, 1949 he graduated from Burke High School in 1967. Bob enlisted in the Army in 1967 initially serving across Europe on a international competitive military rifle team. In his words, "the army soon realized they could use his skills elsewhere" and he served most of his enlistment with distinction as an infantryman in Vietnam, where he earned a bronze star.
Bob began his lifelong love affair with his high school sweetheart Mary Jo (Golden) Briggs in 1966. Despite a war, a continent of separation, and a few years of wonder lust, they married in 1975 and would mark their 39th anniversary this August. Bob and Mary Jo raised two sons, Christopher Michael and Kelly Mathew. Kelly followed in his fathers foot steps serving in the US Air Force.
After returning to the U.S. from Vietnam, he worked with his life long friend, and future brother-in-law, Jay Golden dredging the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Later he graduated from Clark College and worked for the Washington Department of Transportation in engineering and retired after 30 years in 2009.
Bob lived a storied life with a singular focus, his bride. They traveled the world together, and were constantly surrounded by friends and family. He was always the life of a party, and lived his final days as he did his life, surrounded by friends and family, telling stories, and engaged in boisterous laughter. He will be long remembered for his love of life, contagious laugh, generosity, adventures, kindness, accepting nature, loyalty, humor and love of anything water-rivers, lakes, oceans, seas.
Bob is survived by wife Mary Jo Briggs; sons Chris Briggs and partner Julia Speicher, Kelly Briggs and wife Sarah Briggs; grandchildren Jackson, Lucas and not yet born baby girl Briggs; nieces Megan Golden, Carly Golden, Bailee Rogers; and nephews Cody Golden, Trey Rogers; aunts Colleen Kellogg and Maivis Nicholson. Bob is also survived by treasured in-laws Jay Golden and Kelly Caswell, Sharon Golden and Michael Smith, Ann Golden Eglé and Roger Eglé, and Bob and Linda Golden.
A Celebration of Bob's life will be held on March 30, 2014 at McMenamins Edgefield from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Donations in Bob's honor can be made to the American Cancer Society or towards the purchase of a cold beer or fine wine that can raised in his honor. Bob will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.
Please sign his guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mary Jo and all the rest of the Briggs family,
We just learned of Bob's passing. We are shocked and devastated for you. We know his joy will live on in the hearts of everyone. What a terrific photo of Bob - like talking and listening to him over the fence as we did for so many years. We feel very blessed to have been neighbors and to have shared a friendship. Our hearts are with you.
Much love, Philo and Sue
Philo & Sue Lund
March 30, 2014
As a rookie engineer in 1984 at WSDOT, Bob immediately took me under his wing. He helped me out immensely about the do's and dont's of engineering, but what I really cherish from those days, was his mentorship in life issues. He coached me in things like saving for retirement, owning a house, planning for kids some day. The obvious love between Bob and MaryJo was an inspiration to me to propose to my Andrea. Bob was loved by everyone who were lucky enough to meet him. He was the nicest guy; would do anything for a friend; had lots of fun; and really enjoyed life. I know you are up there shouting GO BIG RED!
Rick & Andrea Keniston
March 30, 2014
Mary Jo, I was so sorry to hear this news from Ernie. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May a lifetime of wonderful memories sustain you for years to come.
Dave Miletich
March 26, 2014
My heartfelt sympathies to Mary Jo and family. It sounds like he lived life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by so many.
Peggy Furno
March 20, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bob and MJ, your love for each other, life and your children, made a deep impression on two kids from Nebraska. Our deepest sympthaties. Kim & Joe Craig
Kim & Joe Craig
March 20, 2014
Soar with the Wings of Heaven. Still in a haze can not believe
this happened. WE only knew him for a short while but he made it feel for years. One incredible man. Our thoughts and prayers go to MJ, Chris, Kelly and The Golden Family and many friends. Rest in Peace..we will wait to her the bells when you get your wings ??
March 19, 2014
Our sympathy to you all for the loss of Bob. He left us far too soon and we will miss his humor and friendship .
With all our love - JEAN & HARALD Egle, Bend, OR
March 18, 2014
We will miss Bob and his terrific smile and laugh! He was always ready to have a great time.....a true example of a man who lived life to it's fullest. We will treasure the memories of the times we all spent together.
Tom and Karen Jordan
March 17, 2014
RIP great friend. The memories are too numerous to put into so few words. You will be missed for many reasons. Your time on earth was way too short but we were blessed to have been part of your life. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Jeff & Sharon Kassel
March 17, 2014
I'll never forget when Bob taught me about ''heeling' on a windy day on the Columbia. He had a good laugh at me gripping with all fingers and toes. He loved life!
Lorrie DeNinno
March 17, 2014
It was absolutely too brief a time he was our neighbor at Camellia. We couldn't of asked for a better friend who was so generous, thoughtful and kind (and of course fun) Blessings to Mj and family
John & Sheryl
March 17, 2014
Bob was one of those special persons, he lived a great life, one you will never forget, I will always remember our sailing sdventures
Douglas Perrone
March 17, 2014
Bob had the best smile!! It radiated to all who knew and loved him. I will treasure wonderful memories of a great trip to Italy with Bob, MJ and everyone else there! Love to MJ, Chris, Kelly and family.
D'Alene White
March 16, 2014
What an amazing man--fun, loving, generous of heart and spirit! He will live on in his children and grandchildren and in our hearts. We'll never run out of 'Bob' stories! Roger and Ann
March 16, 2014
We had many fun times with Bob. We will miss him dearly. Sending prayers, hugs and love to MJ and family. Dorothy and Mike Virgil
March 15, 2014
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more