Francis Robert "Bob" Weaver

June 10, 1921 - February 13, 2015

In Loving Memory Francis Robert "Bob" Weaver A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in Newberg First United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children, or Newberg First United Methodist Church. Arrangements are in the care of Attrell's Newberg Funeral Chapel, a Golden Rule funeral home. Online condolences may be made to www.attrells.com Bob was born June 10, 1921 into a logging family in Valsetz, Oregon to John Cleveland Weaver and Myrtle Agnes (Watts) Weaver. After his first year in Valsetz, the family moved to Devit, Oregon where Bob started his school years in an old sheep shed that was converted by school parents into a one room school house. He attended here with his brothers and sisters, Captoluia, James (Jimmy), William (Bill), Kiwanda, Ralph, and Jack. Here grades 1-8 shared desks, a 3 hole outdoor “bathroom,” an iron stove to heat the room, and a water pump on the front porch. Bob was often seen here barefoot and in overalls under the care of his siblings. Within a couple of years, the family moved to Philomath, Oregon, where they farmed and Bob started third grade. The family also purchased and managed cabins in Jump Off Joe north of Nye Beach in Newport, Oregon. During this time, Bob completed grade school (through 8th grade at that time) in Newport in what is now the Andy Nederland Museum building still in Newport. Walking to school (no busses then), no lunch room (mom made your meals and sent them along with you), etc., school life was definitely different then. Bob continued into his high school years, grades 9-12, at Newport High School. A highlight of those years was how much Bob loved dancing which was forbidden at school. His mother took up the torch for him and approached the Newport School Board about allowing dancing during the lunch hour. The School Board gave in, and Bob became the first president of the Tercikery (Gk. For dance) Club. To this day he still loves to dance. Bob graduated from Newport High School in 1940. Many of his classmates joined war time services after Dec. 7, 1941. Bob joined the Army in June of 1942. Bob served in the homeland at Fort Lewis, Washington, as the personal secretary to the Commandant, then at Camp Abbott (now Sun River, Oregon) with the United States Army Engineers. On furlough from Camp Abbott, Bob met the love of his life, Alice Fay Woodford, in Oregon City. Riding the trolley train to Portland Bob and Alice attended the theater, went ice skating at Jantzen Beach, and found their favorite restaurant, “The Top of the Hill.” They continued dating until the end of the war. They were married March 16, 1945. Bob took Alice with him on his next adventure, continuing his education. At Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University) Bob received his Bachelor’s degree in Education. Baby Samuel was born one month before graduation and the family moved to Forest Grove where Bob taught Social Studies and English. While here, Bob (Jr.) was born and made the family of four. Bob took some classes at Portland State University but soon decided he wanted to advance and earn a Master’s Degree. With no colleges available in Forest Grove, Bob was able to obtain a teaching position in Springfield, Oregon at Thurston Elementary. While teaching here, he chose to continue his own education at the University of Oregon where he received both his Master’s Degree and his Administrative Certification in Education. Bob was then appointed the “Teaching/Principal” position at Camp Creek Elementary School, then Principal of Mt. Vernon Elementary School, followed by the opening of Centennial Elementary School where Bob had helped design the school before he became their first Principal. Besides his family and principal career, Bob was a member of the Springfield Lions Club. In 1972, Bob and Alice moved to Newberg Oregon where Bob was principal of Mabel Rush Elementary for 11 years. While the principal here, Bob was also voted in as State President of the Oregon Elementary School Principal’s Association for the 1971-1972 term. He also became a member of the Newberg Rotary Club, serving from 1990 - 1991 as President of that club. Both Bob and Alice became active members of the First United Methodist Church of Newberg. Retirement from education led to further opportunities for community service. Bob continued his Rotary services, was a 9 year member of the Newberg City Council and was Council President for 7 of those years. Also, one day a week for 6 years, he was a history and civics guide at the Oregon State Capitol building in Salem; and as a 32 degree Mason, Bob also served one day a week for 7 years as a guide at the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Portland. He continued active membership in his church, was chosen Citizen of the Year for the City of Newberg in 2000 and served on the Providence Hospital Foundation Board for 9 years while Alice was active on the Hospital Auxiliary. As a couple, they were elected to receive the Providence Hospital’s first “Hearts of Gold” award. Hard to believe, but Bob and Alice also found time to travel and shared 7 cruises, a United States car tour, made many return trips to their favorite beach, were “robbed” on the Crooked River Train, visited Victoria, BC with family, and shared many visits, picnics, and celebrations with family and friends. After the loss of his beloved wife, Alice, Bob was still active with Rotary, his church, and various community activities. He valued all his relationships with family and his dear friends that he had over his 93 plus years.