Robert Jack “Bob” Kasari passed away on April 2, 2018 in Fort Collins, Colo. at the age of 95.
He was born on Aug. 27, 1922 in Reedley, Calif. to Jacob B. and Jennie Sakrison Kasari.
The family moved to Umatilla County when Bob was eight months old. He graduated from Stanfield High School in 1941. He joined the United States Navy in June 1942 and served until February 1946, when he was honorably discharged as a Yeoman Second Class. He served his entire naval time in the South Pacific. He was on the submarine USS Searaven and then the aircraft carrier USS Sitkoh Bay.
Bob married Mildred Pomeroy on Dec. 11, 1949. He always wanted to farm and had purchased 56 acres in Columbia District east of Hermiston. At the time of his marriage, he was working in construction on McNary Dam on the Columbia River. He sold the farm and the family moved to Idaho for 10 months, finally settling on a farm on Butter Creek, where the Kasari family grew to include two girls and two boys. He also bought a pasture farm at Nolan. Bob worked hard farming and was Umatilla County Soil Conservation Man of the Year in 1961. He would haul shavings to the feedlots and bale straw in the summer time to sell to provide for his growing family. His family was so precious to him and he so enjoyed their school activities. He was a 4-H leader as he helped kids interested in livestock.
Eventually the family sold their Echo property and moved to Stanfield. Bob bought Zivney Farm Supply in 1973. He operated Kasari Farm Supply until his retirement in 1990. He enjoyed his customers and the friends he made.
As Bob’s health started declining, he moved to Fort Collins, Colo. in March 2014 to be closer to family. He entered a dementia unit on Oct. 30, 2017 and passed away five months later.
Bob is survived by his wife, Mildred; daughter, Kay DeLeon (Rickey); son, Tom (Ellen); daughter, Connie Kasari (Jim); son, Brent (Heather); grandchildren, RJ and Jacob DeLeon, Caitlin and Jack McCracken, and Matthew and Megan Kasari; and six great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, George and William; and sisters, Jeannette and Eleanor.
If his life could be summarized in a few words, it would be that he was a wonderful son, husband, parent and all-around caring family man. He is the last of his Kasari generation and the final member of the Stanfield High class of 1941.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery, Stanfield.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
