Robert (Bob) Miguel McGee, 80, longtime resident of Hood River, Ore., passed away on March 9, 2013, at Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital, due to complications of pneumonia, with his loving family by his side.

Bob was born on Nov. 29, 1932, in Orangevale, Calif., to Willis Stewart McGee and Juanita R. Errecart McGee.

After attending San Juan High School, Bob joined the U.S. Navy in 1951. He was aboard aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, during the Korean War, until 1954.

On March 5, 1954, Bob married Sharon Paxton in San Jose, Calif. He studied law enforcement at San Jose Community College and worked for Santa Clara County Sheriff reserves, while working for Ford Motor Company.

Bob and Sharon and their three daughters, Maron, Kelly and Robyn, all moved to Hood River in 1962. He worked for Hood River Supply and was a Hood River City Police reserve officer.
In 1967 he became full-time for the City Police, starting his career as a patrolman then continuing up the ranks until 1984, when he became Hood River City Police Chief for three years; he retired in 1987.

During his years of service with the city Bob was involved with running Hood River’s Salvation Army from 1968 to 1988. After Sharon retired in 1988, the couple loved traveling in their RV to Southern California for the winters (snow-birding).

Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, and being around his family and friends during his life. He loved his family with all his heart and will be truly missed by all his family and friends.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sharon (Paxton) McGee, of Troutdale Ore.; three daughters: Maron (Mike) Bartell, of Portland, Ore., Kelly Holmes, of Hood River, and Robyn (Mike) Sims, of Milwaukie, Ore.; grandchildren Michelle (Matt) Anderson, Matt Bartell, Jesse Holmes, Tony Holmes and Nick Wach; and great-grandchildren Aidan Anderson, Ayla Anderson, Conner Holmes, Evan Holmes and Angela Holmes.

He is also survived by his brother, George (Donna) McGee, and sister, Ida (Cliff) Miller, all of California; nephews George (Debbie) McGee Jr., and family, Randy McGee and family, Rick Ray and family and Duane Miller and family; and nieces Vicki (Hal) Jennings and family, Joyce Gidley (Jim) and family, and Justine (Grant) Clapp and family.

Bob was preceded in death by both of his parents, sons-in-law Damon Holmes and Greg Wach, and a nephew, Jeffery Ray.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service Saturday, April 6, at 2 p.m. with light refreshments to follow, at Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave. Hood River, Or 97031. Please visit www.andersonstributecenter.com to leave a note of condolence for family.

Donations may be made in Bob’s name to Hood River City Police Department or the Salvation Army in care of Anderson’s Tribute Center.