He was born on October 28, 1937 in Longview, Wash., to Fredrick and Bertha Scrogin Gilcher. Bob was raised and attended schools in Longview, Washington until the 10th grade when he moved to Umatilla, Oregon. He graduated from Umatilla High School in the class of 1955. Bob was united in marriage to Neva Ann Nobles on April 6, 1956 in Hermiston, Oregon. He went to work for Nalley’s Potato Chip and they lived in Seattle and Aberdeen, Washington and Hermiston, Oregon. They moved to Yakima, Washington and raised their family. Bob owned Yakima Valley Cabinets, was a partner in the Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise, worked for Noel Foods, and spent the last 10 years of his working career as the owner of the Jack Pot convenience store. He retired in 1999 and moved to Hermiston where they have lived since. Bob was an active member of the Hermiston Church of the Nazarene and the Umatilla High School Alumni. He enjoyed bowling, hunting, woodworking, playing cards, traveling, and was an avid reader. Bob perfected his scroll saw skills with his RBI Hawk and gifted many family and friends his unique art work.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years: Neva Ann Gilcher, Hermiston, OR; daughters: Sandra Gilcher Kimmel and her husband Gary, Portland, OR, Gail Andreas, Tri Cities, WA; sons: Dan Gilcher & his wife Carol and Steve Gilcher & his wife Sheila, all of Yakima, WA; sister: Gerry Hamar, Klamath Falls, OR; sister-in-law: Earlene Gilcher, Hermiston, OR; grandchildren: Jerod (Sarah), Karl, Keith (Vanessa), & Daniel; great grandchildren: Hailey, Madelyn, Maisy, Ainsley, Eden, Blythe, and one on the way; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers: Dorsey, Jack, Nick, Dan, & Glen; sisters: Miriam, Barbara, & Pat.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at the Hermiston Church of the Nazarene, 1520 W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston, OR 97838. Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Those who wish may make contributions in Bob’s memory to the Umatilla Alumni Scholarship.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
