Robert Dean Armstrong arrived on Aug. 13, 1948, in Florence, Ore., to John C. and Wilma A. (Mardock) Armstrong. He spent his early days exploring the dunes and woods of the southern Oregon Coast, and graduated from Newberg High School in 1966. He worked in the woods until joining the U.S. Navy. Bob married Susan Davies in 1971, they later divorced. He engineered ocean tugs for Sause Bros. Ocean Towing and attended Portland Community College earning a degree in fire science.
In 1974, Bob began his career as a firefighter with what is now known as Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF & R). Late in 1975 he met the love of his life, Debora S. McCurry, and they were married. For 28 years, they lived in Forest Grove, Ore., raising three beautiful daughters. Over the years Bob held the positions of firefighter, engineer, and lieutenant, and was instrumental in the formation of the Dive Rescue and Technical Rescue squads for TVF&R. He taught many classes while at TVF&R, and when he retired, was considered one of the foremost experts in technical rescue in the state. He worked briefly in retirement as a limo chauffeur, and had many stories to tell of the celebrities and other clients he carried. Bob and Debora moved to Carson City in 2006.
Bob's activities and interests were many and varied: Winters found him snow skiing, while summer and fall he water skied and hiked the beautiful outdoors. All seasons found him working with his hands in remodeling, landscaping, or creating some future treasure. Golf was mostly a pleasure any time of year. He loved building design, and sketched many unique home plans as a hobby. Bob spent multitudes of hours designing and landscaping the Forest Grove homestead with beautiful results; and it was the site of many memorable parties and events. Bob's photography skills were excellent and his photos breathtaking. He was an accomplished cook and shared many of the kitchen duties with his "girls." Bob and Debora loved traveling the world, and in 2008 he had his "Big Adventure," trekking the mountains and valleys of Tibet, Nepal, China and navigating the Mekong River as it winds its way to the Delta. One of his proudest accomplishments in retirement was that of "Big Brother" to Eddie through the Big Brother Big Sister Mentorship Program. Bob may be best remembered for his wide and charming smile, and his mastery of spinning yarns not necessarily based on fact. He lived life to the fullest and was never afraid or hesitant to try a new skill or adventure.
Bob was a dedicated and loving husband, admired father, playful grandfather, adored son, revered brother, respected brother-in-law, and trusted friend. He passed from cancer on Jan. 10, 2011. Bob left his mark in the world and his legacy continues in the acts of his children and grandchildren. Bob was loved by many, respected by all, and will be missed more than words can express. He was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest daughter, Kayci Lea McCurry-Armstrong. Bob is survived by his wife, daughters Shayne Cardarelli and Ashley Swift, sons-in-law Jesse Cardarelli and Christopher Swift, grandchildren Tyler and Morgan Eiden, and Ilura and Quinn Swift, brothers Billy and Tommy Nichols, sisters Jonni Getsinger and Tricia Hagerty, father-in-law Jack McCurry, many sisters and brothers-in-law, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all over the world.
Bob's wake will take place from 3-8 p.m. Jan. 29, 2011. Please visit caringbridge.org/robertarmstrong for more information. A separate wake will be at the Gold Hill Inn, Gold Hill, at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 2011. In lieu of flowers, Bob requested remembrances in his name be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters, c/o Monika Wiegers, 1208 N. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701.
