Robert John Hedberg, 79

Robert John Hedberg was born Dec. 29, 1931, in Coeur d'Alene to John and Lucile Hedberg. Bob married Helenmarie Nielsen and they became inseparable for nearly 60 years. They traveled broadly and enjoyed winters in Yuma, Ariz., where dancing, exploring, writing and reading filled their days along with their many friends.

Bob is survived by Helen; their four children, Bob (Eva), Larry (Connie), Steve (Marypat) and Kathy (Dave); 14 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, Suzanna. Bob's life was rich with experiences.

An early, and possibly favorite job was as an Idaho State Trooper. During his tenure as a trooper, he worked all across Idaho serving the state. Seeking more stability and opportunity for himself and his family, in 1967 Bob moved to Portland, Ore., where he continued his police career with the Port of Portland. Later he left policing to shift careers to United Grocers in Milwaukie, Ore., where he developed many deep and lasting relationships.

Both management at United Grocers and the unions that represented the hundreds of people who worked at UG, respected and relied on Bob to work his keen judgment, impeccable integrity and wonderful sense of humor to keep everyone successfully working together. After decades at United Grocers, Bob retired as Human Resources Manager and moved with Helen to their retreat on Hood Canal near Shelton, Wash.

In Shelton Bob and Helen shared their lives with friends and family from across the United States in the home they literally built together. "Look-a-Lot" was a welcome retreat for all who visited. Conversation was rich, food was plentiful and cribbage was a must. Bob was an avid and spectacular cribbage player - always pegs ahead of anyone else. With cribbage as a medium, Bob forged intimate and lasting relationships with nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends - but he was always ready to give up a few points to be able to have another opportunity to visit with any opponent.

When he wasn't visiting friends, Bob was exploring new activities and adventures. He was an avid scuba diver in the Pacific Northwest and the world, including Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef. On yet another adventure he tried hardhat diving. Bob always loved a new challenge.

Bob was not only an artist with relationships; he was truly an artist in life. He painted with oils, pastels and watercolors. Most recently, Bob carved beauty and structure into dried gourds that he gathered in Yuma. He would burn and carve designs, bringing them to life with painted images and color. In his spare time Bob enjoyed hundreds of square dances with Helen, photography, gardening, playing guitar, spelunking in the desert and making jewelry.

Bob didn't know a stranger - there were only friends he had not yet met. Among his friends in his last years were the Marshallaires, a Vancouver choir performing in senior centers and hospitals throughout the city.

Bob left for his last adventure, his only trip apart from Helen, on Oct. 23, 2011. We will gather to celebrate Bob's life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 4701 NW Franklin St., Vancouver, WA 98663.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hamilton Mylan Funeral Home, (360) 694-2537.