Robert J. ‘Bob’ Hatz

Lifelong Milwaukie resident Bob Hatz passed away Monday, Dec. 31, 2018.

Bob graduated from Milwaukie High when they were called the Maroons. He went to work for Portland Seed Co. in 1937. He remained there until 1984. Bob wanted to fly planes but failed the test due to being color blind. He then enlisted in the Army. He trained at Camp Adair outside Corvallis. He was then shipped to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and finally to Camp Miles Standish outside of Boston. From there he got a free ride to Europe. The first of many cruises Bob would enjoy. He served in 70th Division called the TrailBlazers. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge.

He returned to Milwaukie and the Seed Co., where he enjoyed his beautiful garden. Bob and Vickie hosted numerous parties and corn feeds over the years. Bob remained in this house until 2015 when he fell and broke his hip. Bob was married to Vickie Wardale who passed in 2004. He had three sisters, Helen, Mildred “Mickie” and Ruth. They all predeceased Bob.

He is survived by stepsons, Ted (Patti) and Carl (Dorothy). A stepdaughter, Susan passed away in 2014. He is survived by granddaughters, Teresa, Jenny; grandson, Don; nephews and nieces from the Palmer clan in southern Oregon and the Hoffmans in Portland.

Thanks go to loving neighbors Salsa Dick and Camille and Mike Hays. The family wishes to thank JoAnn and Smoke for the special parties they hosted for Bob over the years. Peggy Hill, thank you for the book you authored about Bob. Special thanks to Dorina and Demitru, who provided loving care these last three years.

Per Bob’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A celebration of the life and times of Bob Hatz will be planned. Services at Willamette National also will be scheduled.