Robert D. “Bob” Irby died on Jan. 27, 2023 at his home in Hermiston at the age of 78.
He was born on May 5, 1944 in Heppner to Glenn and Gladys Lawson Irby.
Bob was raised and attended schools in Heppner, graduating from Heppner High School in the class of 1962. He then attended business school in Portland for a time before he enlisted in the United States Navy. Bob was stationed at the Gen. Westmoreland Headquarters, United States Military Assistance Command in downtown Saigon, Vietnam, and later he served on the USS Independence for the remainder of his duty until his honorable discharge. He was united in marriage to Claudia Duncan on June 1, 1979 in Reno, Nev. Bob worked for the city of Hermiston for 44 years, retiring as the finance director.
He is survived by his wife, Claudia Irby; was Dad to Kyli Mendoza (Arturo), Hermiston and Corey Cartwright, Hermiston; Grandpa to Brielle and Ariona Mendoza; Great Grandpa to Aaniya, Issiah, Anessah, Haigan, Junior and LaLia; his sister, Mary Banks, Pendleton; a brother, Bill Irby, Hermiston; and his buddy, “Kit Kat,” who watched over him and will surely miss him.
Bob’s family wishes to thank Bryttani and Jesse Threet for their care and compassion shown to Bob and the entire family.
No service will be held at this time.
Please share memories of Bob with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
