Robert Joseph Gauen's Obituary
Robert Joseph Gauen, whose life centered on his family, faith, friends, fishing and food, died peacefully October 9, 2009.
Bob was born October 22, 1925 at a doctor's office in Huntley, Montana after his parents cut short their drive to the hospital in Billings. Raised in Bridger during the Depression, Bob's early days were filled with hard work. As a child, he worked in his father's Ford garage and gas station. In his early teen years, Bob and his brother transformed 200 acres of dry land at the base of the Bear Tooth Mountains outside of the town of Belfry into a productive, irrigated farm.
He attended all 12 years of primary and secondary school in the same building, captained the football and basketball teams and graduated from Bridger High School in 1943 in a class of 34 students. He spent many summers at Yellowstone Park, which they simply called "The Park."
Although he was eager to be off the farm and get an education, Bob instead took a farm deferral and stayed home working the family farm during World War II, helping produce food for his country. After the war ended, he enlisted in the Army and served in occupied Japan as a member of the Finance Corps.
As a youngster, Bob wanted to be a cowboy, but changed his mind when he discovered math. From then on, he was determined to be an engineer. Upon discharge from the service, he enrolled at Montana State University. He used the GI Bill to earn his degree in Mechanical Engineering, graduating in 1952 and was licensed as a Professional Engineer.
His professional life started at Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle where he worked in Research and Development. The air pressurization system he helped design for the Boeing 707, Dash 80, and KC 135 tanker was the precursor of the systems in today's commercial jets. But the irregular schedule of this work was not conducive to having a family, so Bob moved to St Helens, Oregon to take a job with Crown Zellerbach in the pulp and paper industry. Bob stayed in this industry until his retirement from Boise Cascade in 1988.
In Seattle, Bob met and married the love of his life, Val. He often stated that his life began when he met her. Together they raised two daughters. His family was the very center of Bob's life. He was a devoted husband and father, providing his "girls" with his never ending support, encouragement and love. Bob was a fixture at the many practices, games and other events in which his daughters participated in their school years. During their college years, it was his pep talks that kept them going.
His love and commitment to family included a close relationship with his brother John and John's family, who still lived in Montana. The families took many summer camping trips together, frequently in The Park, creating enduring relationships and treasured memories.
Bob raised blueberries. Any event he attended was graced with one of his delicious blueberry pies or buckles. He loved his vegetable garden, salmon fishing, going on excursions with the trailer club, playing pinochle and spending time with his and Val's many friends.
Bob is survived by Val, his wife of 53 years; by his daughters Kathryn Gauen Ring Ron and Suzanne Gauen Brian Batchelder; by two grandchildren, Alexandra Ring and Liam Batchelder; and by two treasured nieces, Nancy Isern Eric and Susan Gauen. His only regret was that he didn't do enough salmon fishing.
Remembrances may be made to Community Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632 www.chhh.org; Columbia Pacific Food Bank, 474 Milton Way, St. Helens, OR 97051; and Plymouth Presbyterian Church in St. Helens.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 17 at Plymouth Presbyterian Church, 2615 Sykes Road, St Helens, OR 97051, followed by a light lunch. Friends and family are welcome.
May God bless and keep you, Dad.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert ?
Share a story where Robert 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?