It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Bob Willhite on August 8, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marie Willhite of Tillamook, their daughter, Paula Willhite and significant other, Dan Shuler of Camas, WA, their son Albert and wife Patsy Willhite, two grandchildren, Blake and wife Amanda Willhite, and Jake Willhite all of Tillamook: many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents, his mom and dad and his 2 brothers along with his parents-in law and several brothers-in-law. Bob was born in Silverton, OR, then his family relocated to the Gales Creek/Forest Grove area where Bob loved working for his uncle falling trees while in school, he finished high school and went directly into the United States Navy. After serving in the Vietnam War and finishing his commitment to the Navy, Bob came to Tillamook and began working at Safeway where he met the love of his life, Marie. They married and Bob worked hard to provide for his family by working 2 jobs at times. He was a police officer, worked at Kaiserville (for groceries), the Co-Op and then landed the job at the County Road Department where he graded roads, ran the hot plant, progressed to Foreman, he was a first responder and worked 24 hours during storms and ultimately became the Road Superintendent with over 35 years of service to Tillamook County. Bob loved cutting shake bolts with friends, cutting wood with his family, loved sports where he played, coached and watched football, he umpired softball games, coached baseball, and loved hunting, fishing, clamming, crabbing and growing his garlic! Bob loved his family, spending time by campfires drinking beer, telling jokes and razzing everybody along with helping his kids with their homes and land, you know, doing whatever projects they got themselves into. Bob has been an active member of the Tillamook Sacred Heart Catholic church where, after retirement, he joined the Knights of Columbus, volunteering his time in the Knights garden to provide food to the Food Bank, taking care of the Catholic Cemetery, cooking eggs for the parish breakfasts, cooking and serving at many sausage and crab feeds and recently became the Grand Knight (what an honor). Bob also served as a board member of the South Prairie Water Board. The family would like to share a saying that epitomizes Bob: Advice from a Sunflower – Be bright, sunny, and positive. Know your roots. Spread seeds of happiness. Rise, shine, and hold your head high. By Unknown.
A service for Bob will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11 am, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with a celebration of his life luncheon after the service at the Parish Hall.
