Robert Earl Hartford, or Bob if you ever met him, passed away on May 3rd, 2024, in Clackamas, Oregon at the age of 64.

Bob was born on June 14th, 1959, in Seaside, Oregon. He was the youngest of his five siblings who all affectionately called him “the baby” for his entire life. Bob had dyslexia and did not finish school, but he never let it hold him back, he just found different ways to succeed. He worked as a printing press operator for more than 20 years, earning accolades left and right for his dedication, hard work, and smarts.

He could fix anything that was broken, regardless of if he’d done it before. You could always rely on him to help you when you needed it, even if you didn’t ask him to. Bob had the biggest heart of anyone you’ve ever met, and he would do anything to make the people he cared about happy. Even if he didn’t like you, he’d help you if you were in a pinch. If you knew him, you were better for it. It was impossible not to love him since he had a way with people and animals alike.

He loved animals and if anything (especially pets) needed to be named, his first answer was always “Bob”. He insisted that everything should be named “Bob”. He had one daughter, Alyssa who he lovingly nicknamed Fred, a shocker that it wasn’t Bob! He made it known to everyone that she was his pride and joy. Bob had the most wicked sense of dark humor, was extremely witty, and quick to make a face to make you laugh. If you got his snark and wit, it was because he loved you.

One of his favorite hobbies was cooking, and he was famous among family, friends, and coworkers for not only cooking well but cooking generously – if you were around when he made food, you’d be invited to share it or given a serving later. His chili was one of the most highly requested and raved about things that he made. He would hum and sing all the time, especially while cooking. He also loved to learn anything he could about space – if you came to visit him, chances are you’d be watching something about space. He gave his all to those around him, and you were never left wanting more, except more time to be with him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Gass and Raymond Hartford. He is survived by his siblings; Donna Atkinson, Patty (Marty) Steven, Vickie (Dean) Jares, Ron (Ruth) Hartford, and Kenneth Hartford; his daughter Alyssa Hartford, her boyfriend Joseph Villadolid and son Damien Gleason, who Bob always bragged about as his grandson; as well as many loving family members and friends.

A celebration of life was held in his honor and a portion of his ashes were spread in the Willamette River, just like he wanted. We just know he laughed his ass off on the other side at our shock when his ashes sank in the river rather than floated away like expected. It would’ve been just the kind of thing he would’ve cracked a dark joke and would’ve had us all laughing. Dad, I love you, thank you for being the best dad I could’ve ever asked for. I’ll miss you forever.

Please consider celebrating my dad, by raising a glass of your favorite “ass-beer” as we lovingly dubbed his drink of choice and enjoying a bowl of chili.

If you would like to honor Bob’s memory, please consider donating to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation or a cancer treatment facility near you.