Robert Church Obituary

ROBERT L. CHURCH
6/17/26 ~ 2/15/11

Robert L. "Bob" Church passed away peacefully in his favorite chair listening to jazz music. At 84, he was active, independent and happy.
Born June 17, 1926 in Galeton, Colorado to Frank and Myrtle Church, he was raised on the plateaus of Moab and Monticello, Utah where his parents farmed. He worked for Southern Pacific Railroad and lived in Vancouver 50 years.
Bob was a faithful son, supporting his mother for over 30 years. Though never married, he was attentive to his brothers, nieces and nephews who survive him.
Despite a speech impediment, Bob conversed easily with anyone with time to listen. He was well read and knowledgeable on many topics. Always making friends with waitresses, cashiers, politicians and musicians, Bob knew all their names. When they acknowledged him he beamed with joy.
A staunch Democrat, Bob helped in their campaigns for over 40 years.
At his request there will be no services, Bob never wanted to be "a bother" to anyone else… but may we suggest in his memory that you greet an elderly person, sit and talk with someone who sits alone, and remember that what you see on the outside of a person is not who they are on the inside.

Please sign the Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Feb. 22, 2011.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Church

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I just learned about Bob's death and am trying to deal with the hole in my heart. For the last 8 years, Bob called me every week on my jazz show on KMHD. During these 400 or so mini-conversations, he shared his musical memories, experiences and opinions. He also would tell me what he was reading, especially the history and political science books he devoured.

He certainly expanded my horizons with hundreds of interesting facts about the world and the world of jazz. He lent me several historic jazz publications, which I used on my show, as well as the hundreds of pictures he took of musicians over several decades.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bob a few times at jazz events, and we just picked up where we had left off on the previous phone conversation. The obituary perfectly described the man I got to know on the phone. Gentle, unassuming and extremely knowledgeable.

He was as reliable as the sunrise, so when I didn't receive a phone call from him on the 16th, I hoped he was alright. I'm so glad it was the sound of jazz that shepherded him out of this world. I hope it was Billie Holiday. I will never play her without thinking of you, Bob. Rest well.

Paula Walker

March 2, 2011

Bob Church shared with the jazz community his many wonderful photos He was in attendance at almost every jazz event that occurred in the Northwest over the past 50 years and thanks to his documentation, those moments will never be lost. They hold great historical and emotional value. And so it is with Bob himself. Greatly missed but always here. - Jof Lee

February 28, 2011

We would like to give our condolence to all of Bobs' friends and family on the loss of such a kind and gentle soul. We will be thinking of him and all of you with sympathy,with love and with a prayer that God will bless all of you. From All of us at Art Kuzma Motors,Inc.

February 25, 2011

Bob was a very good and kind man he will be missed by many people in the community.May he rest in peace.

Dan Tonkovich

February 24, 2011

I will miss you at Java House and at meetings throughout the community. Thank you, Bob, for your tireless support for making Clark County a better place.

-Pam Brokaw

February 24, 2011

I met Bob at Democratic Campaign Headquarters in 2006. Bob stopped by a couple times a week to discuss how the campaigns were going, politicos he had met, music,history, you name it. I had the pleasure of reading his life story and seeing many of his photographs. He was a great guy.

Julie McBride

February 23, 2011

It is with gratitude and a thankful heart that I am able to call this wonderful man Uncle Bob. He always had a listening ear and interested in what we had to say and what we were doing.
Recently it was the 50th anniversary of JFK's inaugural address. Uncle Bob was always helping others including the democratic party he so loved.
Thank you Uncle Bob for all the many times you rescued me when I would get stuck up in your tree, for teaching me about photography, for taking me to the Portland Trail Blazer games (including their first playoff game) and ice hockey games. I will always cherish all of these and the many more wonderful memories of my Uncle Bob. I Love You!

Mary Slack

February 23, 2011

We always loved to see Bob's friendly face at politcal events. He was always willing to help with our "eight campaigns"...and with many campaigns of other elected officials.
Dear Bob was a true gentleman and our long time friend. We will miss you Bob!
With warm regards to the family
June and Ben Gassaway

June Gassaway

February 22, 2011

I was so sorry to read this morning of Bob's passing. I was also disappointed that wouldn't have another chance to chat with him about similar things of interest - more especially politics. I can't think of a more fitting way for him to leave this world than listening to the music that was his passion -jazz. Of course, his photography was another passion and gift, through which he was able to share many of the beauties of this world. He will be missed by many people. I know he loved his family and they loved him in return. It was never a "bother" to take some time to share experiences with Bob during a phone conversation. He was a good listener and genuinely was interested in what you had to say. He was a generous man, both with his time and support. My condolences to the family. Tina Henry

February 22, 2011

I only knew Bob for the past two years, at Java House, where he would come in the afternoons for a bit of coffee and conversation. Bob was an unassuming fellow, but he liked to talk of his memories of old Vancouver that few know these days, his love of jazz and photography, the latter of which I had some knowledge. My grandfathr retired from the SP Railroad, as did Bob, and we shared memories of steam days. We talked politics and investments and shared impressions of our latest books read. I was encouraged by Nicole to strike up a conversation with him and I’ll always be thankful I took her advice. The last sentence of the obituary is wise: never pass on that opportunity.

Jeremiah Coughlan

February 22, 2011

I will miss your kindness, your laugh, and your smile. Bob we love you, holidays will not be the same without you.

Jonathan Chase

February 22, 2011

Uncle Bob we miss you very much. I remember you and grandma taking my sisters, brother and I to places during the summer while our parents both worked very hard to support us.

And when we came to visit we would all run into the kitchen where there was always cookies in the cookie jar no matter when we came to visit.

Uncle Bob was always willing to help someone in need.

You will be very missed Uncle Bob. We loved you so much!

Betty White

February 22, 2011

Rest In Peace Uncle Bob you will be missed . We Love you

February 22, 2011

We love you Uncle Bob!! Words can not express how generous, kind and loving he was. He was like a Grandfather to me. I have many fond memories of eating at the Holland with him.

Jennifer Chase

February 22, 2011

I will remember Bob as someone who was there for me when I needed help in a political campaign. I could always count on him.

I enjoyed many animated discussions with him which ranged over many different subjects, including his years working on the railroads.

I found him to be a nice guy and a genuine guy, and I will miss him.

John McDonald

February 22, 2011

I would just like to echo the sentiments expressed about Robert .I had the privelige of knowing Robert for 34 years and he was one of the most insightful and intelligent people I have ever known.Miss you more than you will ever know and rest in peace Uncle Bob.

Alan Chase

February 22, 2011

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