Robert H. Hojaboom Sr. of Umatilla passed away peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 29, 2020 at his home in Umatilla with his family by his side at the age of 82.
He was born on March 9, 1937 in St. Albans, Vt.
Robert was a graduate of Bellows High School in St. Albans, Vt. Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Navy, serving on the icebreaker Burton Island. During his service from 1956 to 1959 he learned about electronics, and he participated in a rescue mission to a Russian weather station in Antarctica.
Robert met his wife, Carolyn while in the Navy, stationed in Bremerton/Seattle. Using his knowledge of electronics, he secured a job with IBM in Endicott/Owego, N.Y., where he became an engineer of electronics and optics. He retired in 1990.
Upon urging from his brother to expand his interests, he became involved in motor racing, becoming a member of the SCCA and IMSA. He worked many races from 1963 to 1985 at some of the country’s most popular race tracks: Watkins Glen, Pocono, Mid-Ohio, Road America, Charlotte and Daytona. He owned and drove a Formula Vee race car and won many solo events. He participated in many rallies and charity events.
After his wife retired, they moved from Endicott, N.Y. to Umatilla in 1991. He would often say he was more content here than anyplace he’d ever been.
Robert is survived by his wife, Carolyn Hojaboom; three children, Robert Jr., Carol and Susan; son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Sandy; seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
Arrangements are pending.
Please share memories of Bob with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements
