Robert Lewis Degnan

Amazing and loving brother, uncle, and friend, Robert (Bob) Lewis Degnan passed away on December 16, 2022 at the age of 74.

Bob was born to Virginia and Lewis Degnan on May 20, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up with his older sister, Sally, in East St. Louis and then Belleville, Illinois, graduating from Belleville Township High School. Bob graduated from Principia College with a degree in English and Business Administration in 1970. After college, he proudly served as an aviator in the U.S. Navy, flying Navy Transport Aircraft (C-130s) in the Vietnam War. Upon completion of his service in 1974, Bob attended the Graduate School of Business at Stanford, completing his MBA in 1976. From there, Bob’s career in business took him to a variety of locations across the country from Los Angeles to Akron to Dallas to Winston-Salem, and finally to Portland, Oregon where he joined Sally and her two daughters, Jennifer and Amy. Bob ended his professional career as a CEO of a local packaging manufacturer in 2015.

Bob has been a long-standing, dedicated member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Lake Oswego, Oregon regularly serving as a reader, usher, and committee member. In later years, Bob also became involved in the local community of veterans, often sporting a Navy hat and striking up conversations with other veterans he met in town, several of which led to very strong friendships in recent years. In 2019, Bob purchased a home in Milwaukie, Oregon and quickly became a well known resident of the neighborhood. He kept dog treats in his mailbox and spent many hours in his front yard visiting with neighbors and their dogs.

Perhaps most importantly, Bob loved his family. Born just 17 months after his sister, the two remained close throughout their lives. “Uncle Bob” redefined the roles of “uncle” and “great uncle” to Jennifer and Amy, their husbands Michael and Brian, and their children – always present at birthdays, graduations, holidays, and Friday night dinners. He took great pride and enjoyment in watching his four great nephews – Nolan, Bryce, Elliott, and Kyle – grow and explore the world. Further, Bob was a loyal and loving companion to all of the family dogs throughout his life.

Bob’s great big heart and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations that Bob supported: Best Friends Animal Society, Oregon Humane Society, or Wounded Warriors.