Robert H. Kirkwood, a long-time resident of Hood River went home to be with the Lord on May 12, 2008 at OHSU in Portland, Oregon with family by his side. Robert was born August 8, 1934 at Omaha, Nebraska and was 73 years of age.

A service to celebrate his life is planned for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 17th, 2008 at the First Baptist Church ( 1889 Belmont Drive, Hood River ), Oscar Stenberg, III will officiate. Private Graveside Rites will precede Saturday’s service at the Idlewilde Cemetery.

Robert or more commonly known to family and friends “Bob” was born in Nebraska but moved with his parents Robert H. and Alberta (Carson) Kirkwood to Hood River, Oregon in the 1940’s. He attended schools in Hood River graduating in 1954 and went on to a year at the University of Oregon. Bob enjoyed sports while in High School and spent his summers in Dufur working on a farm.

His High School sweetheart was Judith Rae Casteel and they wed on February 6, 1955 and to this union were blessed with three daughters. Bob served his country in the United States Army at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

The family continued to live in Hood River through the years and Bob worked for the Central Sale’s, Northwest Natural Gas Company (where he achieved salesman of the month several times and salesman of the year). He also worked for the Forest Service, Hood River Distillers and most recently for Rosauers.

Bob enjoyed his family; his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. He also enjoyed the great outdoors; fishing, hunting, photography or traveling. He will be fondly remembered doing all of these events in his shorts and long tube socks.

He was active in the First Baptist Church of Hood River and an active members since he and Judy wed there some 53 years ago. Bob also served his community as a volunteer fire fighter and one of the first Hood River volunteer EMT’s. He served our city as a councilman for four years in the mid 1980’s.

Bob is survived by his wife, Judy at their home in Hood River, Oregon; three daughters, Sally and her husband, Ralph Duddles of Petersburg, Alaska, Karen and her husband, Randy Wood of Hermiston, Oregon and Deborah and her husband, Michael Halliday of Parkdale, Oregon; seven grandchildren Matthew Duddles of Petersburg, Alaska, Jeremy Duddles of Avian, AFB, Italy, Elizabeth and her husband, Jeremy Anderson of The Dalles, Oregon, Bob and his wife, Jessie Wood of The Dalles, Oregon, Michelle Halliday of Bend, Oregon, Andrew Halliday of Parkdale, Oregon and Scottie Halliday of Parkdale, Oregon; eight great grandchildren Andrew Taylor Duddles, Dillon Matthew Duddles, Alayna Adele Duddles, Calean Anderson, Ian Anderson, Ellie Anderson, Alex Wood and Luke Wood; brother, Joseph Kirkwood; sister, Joyce Hyde; and numerous other family and many, many friends that he has collected over the years. He was preceded in death by only his parents.

Memorials may be made in memory of Bob to the Horizon Christian School in care of Anderson’s.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031. Please visit our website to view and print Bob’s obituary and sign the guest book for family.