Last Updated on May 17, 2011 by
Robert C. “Bob” Austin, 66, a former longtime Baker City resident, died of prostate cancer on Nov. 29, 2007, at his home in Imnaha.
There will be a celebration of Bob’s life at 11 a.m. Saturday at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. After the service, friends are invited to join the family for lunch and sharing memories at the Wingville Grange Hall.
Bob was a 1959 graduate of North Salem High School. He later attended Salem Technical Vocational Community College and graduated with a degree in highway engineering. He worked in the construction business for about 20 years, then farmed in the Baker City area for 25 years before retiring to Imnaha 3 years ago.
He loved hunting, fishing and just being outdoors. His example taught his children a strong work ethic, honesty, integrity, high moral values, a love of nature and an appreciation for the trueness of a simple lifestyle, his family said.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Betty of Imnaha; a son, Brett, and his wife, Nicole, of Salt Lake City; a daughter, Amy Smith, and her husband, Eric, of Travis Air Force Base, Calif.; grandchildren, Kiah Baker, Austin Smith, Jennifer Austin, and Nicholas Austin; foster-daughter Judy Ruda and her family of Baker City; brothers, Darrell, and his wife, Ann, of Salem, Jeff of Turner and Jack of San Francisco; aunts, nieces, nephews, and many fiends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, his father and his sister.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society through Gray’s West & Co., 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, December 3, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor