Robert R. Webber, 73, of Vancouver, WA, died Sunday, March 1, 2009 at Southwest Washington Medical Center. He fought a valiant battle with lung cancer. He was born October 15, 1935, the 9th of 10 children of Randolph and Iris (Brooks) Webber. He attended grade and high school in Waitsburg, WA.
His favorite pastimes were camping and fishing. He joined Cub Scouts but only stayed about a year as he found it too boring. In high school it was suggested that he check out the Scouting program. He joined and participated until he received his Eagle Scout Rank in September 1955. He raised hogs and rabbits in FFA.
As a teenager he lettered yearly in basketball, baseball and football, was a drummer in the band, and was on the swimming team as a diver. Baseball was his least favorite sport. Ironically, it was the sport that nearly cost him his life. During a game he was hit in the head with the ball and spent a month in a coma in the hospital. He suffered from migraines the rest of his life as a result of the injury.
He enlisted in the delayed entry program of the Army Reserves during high school. After high school graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent the next four years (1955-1959) aboard the U.S.S. Trathen DD530. He made four trips to West Pac between Long Beach and Pearl Harbor, Midway and Japan. They patrolled in the North China Seas (off the Korean coast post Korean Conflict). He started as a Machinist Mate and when he was discharged he was a Commissary (cook) and part time barber/laundry/storeroom, Seaman/E3.
After his active duty tour he served in the U.S. Navy Reserves and then transferred to the Active Army Reserves. He was discharged in 1969 as a Staff Sgt/E6. His training included Electronics School, USAR cook and baker's school, welding, and food specialist.
December 13, 1956 he married Beth Breedlove of Dayton, WA. They lived in Dayton for 12 years where they were active in the Christian Church, Camp Fire Girls, 4-H, Boy Scouts of America and Lions Club. They moved to Vancouver, WA in 1976 where Beth worked as a Surgical RN for 30 years at SWMC. Bob was a grounds keeper at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, then a nurseryman, raising and selling Cacti and other Succulents. He was known at Saturday market, which he helped organize, as 'Mr. Cactus'.
Bob and his family were members of Search & Rescue groups in Clark Co for 25 years. One of their activities was forming and directing 'Nurses Net' in January 1980. This program transported doctors, nurses and others to and from SWMC during the huge snow storm with 4-wheel drive vehicles. It is still used to a lesser extent today. He also was a Step by Step Mantracking Instructor, having been trained by both the Washington and California Border Patrol.
Bob's whole adult life was spent as an adult scouter in the Boy Scouts of America participating in almost every aspect, having been trained in all his positions. His motto was that 'Every boy is another potential Eagle Scout' and he spent a lot of energy making that happen, including his two sons and one grandson. Another grandson is in the process of earning his Eagle and will be dedicating his work to Bob's memory.
As a member of the Camp Lewis Committee, he directed the building of a new chapel. He was Head cook at Meriwether summer camp the first year the new dining hall was open, serving an average of 700 people daily for six weeks. He and Beth have provided staff cooking and/or medical coverage for many scouting activities.
As a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow he was the Ordeal master advisor at Camp Lewis for four years. He attended the OA Lodge Advisor Training at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He was awarded the Silver Beaver in 2006 and the James E. West Founders Award in 2008.
He was a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and mentor to many. His dedication to country, community and nature was reflected in every aspect of his life.
Bob is survived by his wife; daughters, Alice Webber and Kathy (Harry) Jester of Vancouver; his sons, SFC Chris (Cheryl) of Lakewood, WA and Dwight (Cindy) of Dayton, WA; grandchildren, Michael Webber, Beckie (Barney) Mason and Robert Jester all of Vancouver, WA; step-grandchildren, CPL Daniel (Michelle) Luquette USMC of Portland, OR, Shannon (Steven) Raybell of Bothel, WA, Justin Jester of Portland, OR, Levi Webber of Dayton, WA; great-grandson, Austin Mason; step-great-grandchildren, Elyzabeth, Tobias, and Alexys Raybell; brothers, Cecil of Waitsburg, WA, Richard of Colville, WA; sisters, Elaine Yager of Seattle, WA, Thelma of Walla Walla, WA, Janice Wills of Waitsburg, WA; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
The funeral was held in Dayton, WA, March 14, 2009 with his interment in Waitsburg, Washington with military honors and an escort by the Patriot Guard.
A memorial service was held in Vancouver, Washington at the Orchards United Methodist, Saturday, March 28, 2009.
-----------------
Bob's marker was set on Memorial Day, 2009 in the afternoon following a dedication honoring his name and four others added in the last year to the Veteran's Memorial Wall located in the Waitsburg City Cemetery. It was a fitting day for honoring him with the dedication and his marker being placed.
His favorite pastimes were camping and fishing. He joined Cub Scouts but only stayed about a year as he found it too boring. In high school it was suggested that he check out the Scouting program. He joined and participated until he received his Eagle Scout Rank in September 1955. He raised hogs and rabbits in FFA.
As a teenager he lettered yearly in basketball, baseball and football, was a drummer in the band, and was on the swimming team as a diver. Baseball was his least favorite sport. Ironically, it was the sport that nearly cost him his life. During a game he was hit in the head with the ball and spent a month in a coma in the hospital. He suffered from migraines the rest of his life as a result of the injury.
He enlisted in the delayed entry program of the Army Reserves during high school. After high school graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent the next four years (1955-1959) aboard the U.S.S. Trathen DD530. He made four trips to West Pac between Long Beach and Pearl Harbor, Midway and Japan. They patrolled in the North China Seas (off the Korean coast post Korean Conflict). He started as a Machinist Mate and when he was discharged he was a Commissary (cook) and part time barber/laundry/storeroom, Seaman/E3.
After his active duty tour he served in the U.S. Navy Reserves and then transferred to the Active Army Reserves. He was discharged in 1969 as a Staff Sgt/E6. His training included Electronics School, USAR cook and baker's school, welding, and food specialist.
December 13, 1956 he married Beth Breedlove of Dayton, WA. They lived in Dayton for 12 years where they were active in the Christian Church, Camp Fire Girls, 4-H, Boy Scouts of America and Lions Club. They moved to Vancouver, WA in 1976 where Beth worked as a Surgical RN for 30 years at SWMC. Bob was a grounds keeper at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, then a nurseryman, raising and selling Cacti and other Succulents. He was known at Saturday market, which he helped organize, as 'Mr. Cactus'.
Bob and his family were members of Search & Rescue groups in Clark Co for 25 years. One of their activities was forming and directing 'Nurses Net' in January 1980. This program transported doctors, nurses and others to and from SWMC during the huge snow storm with 4-wheel drive vehicles. It is still used to a lesser extent today. He also was a Step by Step Mantracking Instructor, having been trained by both the Washington and California Border Patrol.
Bob's whole adult life was spent as an adult scouter in the Boy Scouts of America participating in almost every aspect, having been trained in all his positions. His motto was that 'Every boy is another potential Eagle Scout' and he spent a lot of energy making that happen, including his two sons and one grandson. Another grandson is in the process of earning his Eagle and will be dedicating his work to Bob's memory.
As a member of the Camp Lewis Committee, he directed the building of a new chapel. He was Head cook at Meriwether summer camp the first year the new dining hall was open, serving an average of 700 people daily for six weeks. He and Beth have provided staff cooking and/or medical coverage for many scouting activities.
As a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow he was the Ordeal master advisor at Camp Lewis for four years. He attended the OA Lodge Advisor Training at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He was awarded the Silver Beaver in 2006 and the James E. West Founders Award in 2008.
He was a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and mentor to many. His dedication to country, community and nature was reflected in every aspect of his life.
Bob is survived by his wife; daughters, Alice Webber and Kathy (Harry) Jester of Vancouver; his sons, SFC Chris (Cheryl) of Lakewood, WA and Dwight (Cindy) of Dayton, WA; grandchildren, Michael Webber, Beckie (Barney) Mason and Robert Jester all of Vancouver, WA; step-grandchildren, CPL Daniel (Michelle) Luquette USMC of Portland, OR, Shannon (Steven) Raybell of Bothel, WA, Justin Jester of Portland, OR, Levi Webber of Dayton, WA; great-grandson, Austin Mason; step-great-grandchildren, Elyzabeth, Tobias, and Alexys Raybell; brothers, Cecil of Waitsburg, WA, Richard of Colville, WA; sisters, Elaine Yager of Seattle, WA, Thelma of Walla Walla, WA, Janice Wills of Waitsburg, WA; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
The funeral was held in Dayton, WA, March 14, 2009 with his interment in Waitsburg, Washington with military honors and an escort by the Patriot Guard.
A memorial service was held in Vancouver, Washington at the Orchards United Methodist, Saturday, March 28, 2009.
-----------------
Bob's marker was set on Memorial Day, 2009 in the afternoon following a dedication honoring his name and four others added in the last year to the Veteran's Memorial Wall located in the Waitsburg City Cemetery. It was a fitting day for honoring him with the dedication and his marker being placed.
Robert R. Webber, 73, of Vancouver, WA, died Sunday, March 1, 2009 at Southwest Washington Medical Center. He fought a valiant battle with lung cancer. He was born October 15, 1935, the 9th of 10 children of Randolph and Iris (Brooks) Webber. He attended grade and high school in Waitsburg, WA.
His favorite pastimes were camping and fishing. He joined Cub Scouts but only stayed about a year as he found it too boring. In high school it was suggested that he check out the Scouting program. He joined and participated until he received his Eagle Scout Rank in September 1955. He raised hogs and rabbits in FFA.
As a teenager he lettered yearly in basketball, baseball and football, was a drummer in the band, and was on the swimming team as a diver. Baseball was his least favorite sport. Ironically, it was the sport that nearly cost him his life. During a game he was hit in the head with the ball and spent a month in a coma in the hospital. He suffered from migraines the rest of his life as a result of the injury.
He enlisted in the delayed entry program of the Army Reserves during high school. After high school graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent the next four years (1955-1959) aboard the U.S.S. Trathen DD530. He made four trips to West Pac between Long Beach and Pearl Harbor, Midway and Japan. They patrolled in the North China Seas (off the Korean coast post Korean Conflict). He started as a Machinist Mate and when he was discharged he was a Commissary (cook) and part time barber/laundry/storeroom, Seaman/E3.
After his active duty tour he served in the U.S. Navy Reserves and then transferred to the Active Army Reserves. He was discharged in 1969 as a Staff Sgt/E6. His training included Electronics School, USAR cook and baker's school, welding, and food specialist.
December 13, 1956 he married Beth Breedlove of Dayton, WA. They lived in Dayton for 12 years where they were active in the Christian Church, Camp Fire Girls, 4-H, Boy Scouts of America and Lions Club. They moved to Vancouver, WA in 1976 where Beth worked as a Surgical RN for 30 years at SWMC. Bob was a grounds keeper at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, then a nurseryman, raising and selling Cacti and other Succulents. He was known at Saturday market, which he helped organize, as 'Mr. Cactus'.
Bob and his family were members of Search & Rescue groups in Clark Co for 25 years. One of their activities was forming and directing 'Nurses Net' in January 1980. This program transported doctors, nurses and others to and from SWMC during the huge snow storm with 4-wheel drive vehicles. It is still used to a lesser extent today. He also was a Step by Step Mantracking Instructor, having been trained by both the Washington and California Border Patrol.
Bob's whole adult life was spent as an adult scouter in the Boy Scouts of America participating in almost every aspect, having been trained in all his positions. His motto was that 'Every boy is another potential Eagle Scout' and he spent a lot of energy making that happen, including his two sons and one grandson. Another grandson is in the process of earning his Eagle and will be dedicating his work to Bob's memory.
As a member of the Camp Lewis Committee, he directed the building of a new chapel. He was Head cook at Meriwether summer camp the first year the new dining hall was open, serving an average of 700 people daily for six weeks. He and Beth have provided staff cooking and/or medical coverage for many scouting activities.
As a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow he was the Ordeal master advisor at Camp Lewis for four years. He attended the OA Lodge Advisor Training at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He was awarded the Silver Beaver in 2006 and the James E. West Founders Award in 2008.
He was a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and mentor to many. His dedication to country, community and nature was reflected in every aspect of his life.
Bob is survived by his wife; daughters, Alice Webber and Kathy (Harry) Jester of Vancouver; his sons, SFC Chris (Cheryl) of Lakewood, WA and Dwight (Cindy) of Dayton, WA; grandchildren, Michael Webber, Beckie (Barney) Mason and Robert Jester all of Vancouver, WA; step-grandchildren, CPL Daniel (Michelle) Luquette USMC of Portland, OR, Shannon (Steven) Raybell of Bothel, WA, Justin Jester of Portland, OR, Levi Webber of Dayton, WA; great-grandson, Austin Mason; step-great-grandchildren, Elyzabeth, Tobias, and Alexys Raybell; brothers, Cecil of Waitsburg, WA, Richard of Colville, WA; sisters, Elaine Yager of Seattle, WA, Thelma of Walla Walla, WA, Janice Wills of Waitsburg, WA; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
The funeral was held in Dayton, WA, March 14, 2009 with his interment in Waitsburg, Washington with military honors and an escort by the Patriot Guard.
A memorial service was held in Vancouver, Washington at the Orchards United Methodist, Saturday, March 28, 2009.
-----------------
Bob's marker was set on Memorial Day, 2009 in the afternoon following a dedication honoring his name and four others added in the last year to the Veteran's Memorial Wall located in the Waitsburg City Cemetery. It was a fitting day for honoring him with the dedication and his marker being placed.
His favorite pastimes were camping and fishing. He joined Cub Scouts but only stayed about a year as he found it too boring. In high school it was suggested that he check out the Scouting program. He joined and participated until he received his Eagle Scout Rank in September 1955. He raised hogs and rabbits in FFA.
As a teenager he lettered yearly in basketball, baseball and football, was a drummer in the band, and was on the swimming team as a diver. Baseball was his least favorite sport. Ironically, it was the sport that nearly cost him his life. During a game he was hit in the head with the ball and spent a month in a coma in the hospital. He suffered from migraines the rest of his life as a result of the injury.
He enlisted in the delayed entry program of the Army Reserves during high school. After high school graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent the next four years (1955-1959) aboard the U.S.S. Trathen DD530. He made four trips to West Pac between Long Beach and Pearl Harbor, Midway and Japan. They patrolled in the North China Seas (off the Korean coast post Korean Conflict). He started as a Machinist Mate and when he was discharged he was a Commissary (cook) and part time barber/laundry/storeroom, Seaman/E3.
After his active duty tour he served in the U.S. Navy Reserves and then transferred to the Active Army Reserves. He was discharged in 1969 as a Staff Sgt/E6. His training included Electronics School, USAR cook and baker's school, welding, and food specialist.
December 13, 1956 he married Beth Breedlove of Dayton, WA. They lived in Dayton for 12 years where they were active in the Christian Church, Camp Fire Girls, 4-H, Boy Scouts of America and Lions Club. They moved to Vancouver, WA in 1976 where Beth worked as a Surgical RN for 30 years at SWMC. Bob was a grounds keeper at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, then a nurseryman, raising and selling Cacti and other Succulents. He was known at Saturday market, which he helped organize, as 'Mr. Cactus'.
Bob and his family were members of Search & Rescue groups in Clark Co for 25 years. One of their activities was forming and directing 'Nurses Net' in January 1980. This program transported doctors, nurses and others to and from SWMC during the huge snow storm with 4-wheel drive vehicles. It is still used to a lesser extent today. He also was a Step by Step Mantracking Instructor, having been trained by both the Washington and California Border Patrol.
Bob's whole adult life was spent as an adult scouter in the Boy Scouts of America participating in almost every aspect, having been trained in all his positions. His motto was that 'Every boy is another potential Eagle Scout' and he spent a lot of energy making that happen, including his two sons and one grandson. Another grandson is in the process of earning his Eagle and will be dedicating his work to Bob's memory.
As a member of the Camp Lewis Committee, he directed the building of a new chapel. He was Head cook at Meriwether summer camp the first year the new dining hall was open, serving an average of 700 people daily for six weeks. He and Beth have provided staff cooking and/or medical coverage for many scouting activities.
As a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow he was the Ordeal master advisor at Camp Lewis for four years. He attended the OA Lodge Advisor Training at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He was awarded the Silver Beaver in 2006 and the James E. West Founders Award in 2008.
He was a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and mentor to many. His dedication to country, community and nature was reflected in every aspect of his life.
Bob is survived by his wife; daughters, Alice Webber and Kathy (Harry) Jester of Vancouver; his sons, SFC Chris (Cheryl) of Lakewood, WA and Dwight (Cindy) of Dayton, WA; grandchildren, Michael Webber, Beckie (Barney) Mason and Robert Jester all of Vancouver, WA; step-grandchildren, CPL Daniel (Michelle) Luquette USMC of Portland, OR, Shannon (Steven) Raybell of Bothel, WA, Justin Jester of Portland, OR, Levi Webber of Dayton, WA; great-grandson, Austin Mason; step-great-grandchildren, Elyzabeth, Tobias, and Alexys Raybell; brothers, Cecil of Waitsburg, WA, Richard of Colville, WA; sisters, Elaine Yager of Seattle, WA, Thelma of Walla Walla, WA, Janice Wills of Waitsburg, WA; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
The funeral was held in Dayton, WA, March 14, 2009 with his interment in Waitsburg, Washington with military honors and an escort by the Patriot Guard.
A memorial service was held in Vancouver, Washington at the Orchards United Methodist, Saturday, March 28, 2009.
-----------------
Bob's marker was set on Memorial Day, 2009 in the afternoon following a dedication honoring his name and four others added in the last year to the Veteran's Memorial Wall located in the Waitsburg City Cemetery. It was a fitting day for honoring him with the dedication and his marker being placed.
Family Members
Siblings
-
![]()
Elaine Alberta "Kay" Webber Yager
1917–2013
-
Elizabeth Rachel Webber
1919–1919
-
![]()
James Hubert Randolph "Hube" Webber
1920–1986
-
![]()
Thelma Luellen Webber
1922–2010
-
![]()
Ethel Louise "Eck" Webber Wills
1924–1982
-
Donald Brooks Webber
1926–1927
-
![]()
Cecil Clayborn Webber
1929–2018
-
![]()
Janice Maxine Webber Wills
1932–2018
-
![]()
Richard Wayne "Rich" Webber
1938–2016
