BURGESS, Robert Clarke

Robert Clarke Burgess passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2014, in Sherwood, Ore., with his wife D.J. by his side. A memorial service for Bob will be held at a later date. Bob was born in Bend on June 25, 1927 to Dorothea and Roland C. “Bud” Burgess. Bud was the Forest Service Ranger in La Pine, Ore., where they lived. In 1932 the family moved to Crescent, Ore., where Bud continued as the Crescent Forest Service Ranger and Bob started first grade. In the spring of 1937, Bob’s family moved to Cascadia, Ore., on the South Santiam River where his father continued his career as a Forest Service Ranger. “Ranger” boys like Bob and his brother John had a very unique childhood growing up. Bob had his own horse, and there were many trips on horseback in the Cascade mountain range to inspect the look outs. This inspired Bob’s love for the great outdoors throughout his life. In 1941, Bob’s family moved to Baker City and he began high school. He graduated from Baker High School in 1945. From 1945-1946, Bob served his country in the US Navy and was stationed in the Philippines. After returning from the service, Bob attended Eastern Oregon College in La Grande for two years. It was during this time Bob was set up with a blind date that turned out to be the love of his life. In September of 1948, Bob married Della Jean Dahlstrom in La Grande. Bob and D.J. settled in La Grande where Bob began his career in the clothing industry at J.C. Penney’s, which developed into owning his own store “Burgess Fashion Corner” on Main Street in La Grande. Bob was very active in the community. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the La Grande Street Merchants. Bob served on the Board of Directors of the Grand Ronde Hospital Foundation and the Board of Directors of the Anthony Lakes Ski Association. Bob was also a member of the La Grande Elks Lodge for many years. Bob was very passionate about the Special Winter Olympics ski program. He was an avid skier and assisted with this program for many years. Bob and D.J. resided in La Grande for over 30 years. They spent summer vacations at Wallowa Lake and winters at Anthony Lakes skiing with friends and family. They loved the Grande Ronde Valley. In December of 1989 Bob and D.J. retired, moved to King City, Ore., spending many years traveling throughout Arizona and New Mexico in the winter months. Bob is survived by his wife, D.J. Burgess ( Sherwood, Ore.), his brother and his wife, John and Frances Burgess (Baker City), their daughter and spouse, Amy and Nelson Clarke, (Baker City) and their children; John and Frances’ son , Jim Burgess, (Eugene, Ore.). Bob was preceded in death by his parents, R.C. and Dorthea, and his namesake Rob Burgess (son of John and Francis) who passed away in 2013. He is also survived by Rob’s widow, Tara and their children of Baker City. Other survivors include Donna Lee Nugent, sister-in-law, her five children, their spouses and their children. Janis Dahlstrom, sister-in-law, her three children, their spouses, and their children. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Special Winter Olympics Ski program, or the Anthony Lakes Ski Corporation in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 4th, Street, La Grande, Ore., 97850 therconline.com 20 Aug 2014