Robert Elford “Bob” Henry of Hermiston died on Nov. 11, 2023 in Richland, Wash. at the age of 76.
He was born on July 20, 1947 in Lakeside to Bruce Earl Henry and Winnie Marie Barzee McNair Henry.
Bob graduated from Echo High School in 1965. Shortly after graduation Bob moved to Pendleton, where he worked for the Pendleton Flour Mills and welcomed the birth of his daughter, Lori.
In 1973, Bob began a career with Brown and Williamson Tobacco. This career move took him to Beaverton. Bob lived the bachelor life for a few years until Bob’s mom, Marie, introduced him to her local Hermiston Thriftway checker, Nancy Brown. After a long-distance courtship, driving between Hermiston and Beaverton, Bob and Nancy were married in 1978. In 1980 Bob and Nancy were blessed with the birth of their son, Scott. Bob, Nancy and Scott moved back to Hermiston in 1991, where Bob worked for Columbia Outdoor until his retirement.
An avid sports fan, Bob enjoyed watching and cheering on his Oregon State Beavers, University of Portland Pilots, Portland Trailblazers and San Francisco 49ers. Bob passed his love of sports on to his daughter and son.
Anyone who had the pleasure of being around Bob will remember his quick wit, humor and conversations about sports, camping and the outdoors. Many happy years were spent camping throughout Eastern Oregon and visiting Bob and Nancy’s happy place – the Oregon coast.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Nancy; daughter, Lori (Chris) Burkhart; son, Scott (Davona) Henry; granddaughter, Taylor Burkhart (Hector Hernandez); great-grandson, Cayson Hernandez; great-granddaughter, Evanni
Hernandez; sisters, June Jones and Kay Lawrence; sister-in-law, Bonnie McNair; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bruce Henry; brother, Kenneth McNair; and grandson, Lincoln Henry.
And wherever you are, I hope the skies are bluer, the colors are brighter, the hills are higher, and the world is kinder. I will love you forever – By Samira Vivette
A private family celebration will be held.
Please share memories of Bob with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.