Robert Barstad

Ocean Park resident Robert M. Barstad, 84, died September 21, 2007 in Ilwaco. A memorial service honoring his life will be Wednesday, October 3, 2007, 1:00 PM at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea in Long Beach. A reception follows at the chapel. Bob was born in Laurel, Montana on June 25, 1923, one of three sons of Tonis and Jessie (Wilson) Barstad. When he was 8 years old the family moved to the Portland area where he graduated from high school. With the outbreak of the Second World War Bob worked in the shipyards until Uncle Sam called him to duty in the US Army. Bob served 2 and a half years with the 398th Engineer Regiment in the European Theatre. With his military duty complete Bob returned to Portland. There he was employed at the Crown Zellerbach Paper converting plant on Marine Drive until retirement in 1984. Having been a frequent visitor to the Peninsula over the years (he honeymooned here in 1945), Bob built his retirement home in Ocean Park and enjoyed the ensuing years by the sea. In past years Bob was a member of Al Kader Shrine in Portland. Over the years he enjoyed gardening, fishing, clamming, crossword puzzles and looking after feral cats and other wildlife in his neighborhood. Bob was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and took pride in his independence. He and Barbara Lozier were married August 24, 1945 in Portland. She died in January of this year. Survivors include his niece Connie Hashim and nephew Steven Bennke both of Portland, and other members of his extended family. Private committal will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. Memorials may be made to the South Pacific County Humane Society, PO Box 101, Long Beach, WA 98631. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.