February 4, 1962 - March 3, 2019 Share your Memorial with Family & Friends Robert passed away at Hopewell House surrounded by family after fighting cancer since 2010. Robert was born on February 4, 1962 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Robert Irving Mattice and Jeanne Elizabeth (Greenaway) Mattice. When Robert was a young boy, Jeanne and Robert Irving divorced and she married Ed DesCamp, who raised Robert and treated him as his own son. Robert lived in Delaware, Michigan, Japan and Oregon and traveled extensively in Europe, Asia and New Zealand. Robert was a loving and supportive brother to his siblings Scott Mattice, Marc DesCamp, Elisa Mattice and Gabriel Mattice. He enjoyed being an uncle to Morgan, Austin, Dinah and Olin. In 1986, Robert married Tamara Satter and they were an amazing team for 32 years. Robert graduated from Robert Gray Elementary, Benson High School and Portland State University. He worked for US Bank, KPMG, Securitas, Expeditors and the State of Oregon DHS and OLCC. Robert kept in touch with classmates and co-workers and is remembered for his integrity and sense of humor. Robert loved airplanes, nature, gardening, pets, 80’s music, dancing and having a good conversation. His dream of becoming a pilot was not to be. He joined the Navy in 1986, but was not able to complete training as a pilot due to allergies. He felt compelled to serve in the military and a few years later joined the National Guard and later transferred to the Air Force Reserve to work as support staff to the 405thRescue Squad. He really loved airplanes. He volunteered with Growing Gardens installing raised beds until his mother-in-law had a stroke. Robert was a patient and loving caregiver to Shirley from 1998 until her passing in 2010. Robert also volunteered his time with the Guardian Angels in the 80’s and also later in life. Robert was a cat person for many years and spoiled Zuri, Koto, Winsor, Earl Gray, Max and Master Chalk until a visitor for a day stole his heart. When Robert was recovering from treatment, a neighbor’s Boston Terrier escaped to spend a day with Bob. Blondie, Chloe and Daphne came to be his support dogs. Robert and Tamara became involved in kayaking and participated in river clean ups on the Clackamas and Willamette rivers. In 2009, they became regulars with the contra dance community and wore their red shirts proudly to keep Fulton Community Center open during lean budget years with Portland Parks and Recreation. Robert was a wealth of knowledge about a wide variety of subjects and was a great conversationalist. During his fight with cancer, he enjoyed going to dances even when he was not well enough to dance so he could listen to the live music and talk with friends. Tamara would like to thank Robert’s family, friends, both of their work families and the doctors, nurses and staff of OHSU who provided care, love, support, meals, gardening and so much more to make the fight against cancer possible for so many years. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on Saturday April 20th at 2pm to 5pm at Fulton Park Community Center 68 SW Miles St, Portland OR 97219. CLiCK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Leukemia Society, any animal charity of your choice or even better than giving money; donate platelets through the American Red Cross and help three people fighting to survive.Robert M. Mattice
Robert Michael Mattice
February 4, 1962 – March 03, 2019
U.S. Veteran