He was born on April 3, 1929 in Aurora, Neb. to George and Beulah Wells Picthall.
He was raised and attended schools in Grand Island, Neb., graduating in 1947. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1948 and served 42 months overseas before his honorable discharge. He married Lillie Ann James on Aug. 2, 1952 in Grand Island, Neb. He returned to work for O. P. Skaggs, a grocery store he had worked at during high school. He attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln until 1955 and went to work for Swift & Company in Omaha, Neb.
He later moved his family to the Pacific Northwest in Portland in 1965 to work for Fred Meyer. He quickly worked his way up into management. He managed the Raleigh Hills and Oak Grove stores, and then the Rockwood store. He was then promoted to the Toy and Household Sundry Buyer. This position sent him to the Orient many times to search for and buy products. Several times he was able to have Lillie travel with him to the Orient, which she really enjoyed.
In 1981, Bob left Fred Meyer to purchase a toy store in Mall 205. They owned and operated the successful toy business until retiring in 1985. They spent the next five years RVing fulltime before settling in Boardman in 1991 to enjoy a slower pace of life. Bob enjoyed fishing in the Columbia River and was an accomplished gardener with a beautiful yard.
He is survived by his daughter, Sharon; sons, Rolland and Robert, Jr.; brother, Gary; six grandchildren; and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brothers Kenneth and George, Jr.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
