Robert "Bob" J Picthall

Robert J. “Bob” Picthall of Umatilla, OR, formerly of Boardman, was born on April 3, 1929 in Aurora, Nebraska to parents, George and Beulah Wells Picthall. He died on April 22, 2017 in Hermiston, Oregon at the age of 88 years. Bob was raised and attended schools in Grand Island, Nebraska, graduating in 1947. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1948 and served 42 months overseas before his honorable discharge. Bob married Lillie Ann James on August 2, 1952 in Grand Island, Nebraska. He returned to work for O.P. Skaggs, a grocery store he had worked at during high school. Bob attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln until 1955 and went to work for Swift & Company in Omaha, NE. He later moved his family to the Pacific Northwest in Portland, Oregon in 1965 to work for Fred Meyer. He quickly worked his way up into management. Bob managed the Raleigh Hills, Oak Grove, & then the Rockwood store. He was then promoted to the Toy & Household Sundry Buyer. This position sent him to the Orient many times to search for and buy products. Several times he was able to have Lillie travel with him to the Orient, which she really enjoyed. In 1981 Bob left Fred Meyer to purchase a Toy Store in Mall 205. They owned and operated the successful toy business until retiring in 1985. Bob and Lillie spent the next five years full time rving before settling in Boardman, Oregon in 1991 to enjoy a slower pace of life. He enjoyed fishing in the Columbia River and was an accomplished gardener with a beautiful yard.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon; sons, Rolland & Robert Jr.; a brother Gary; 6 grandchildren, & several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and 2 brothers: Kenneth, George Jr.           

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at the Hermiston Cemetery, Hermiston, Oregon.

Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements. 

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