Obituary of Robert Lane Milton

Bob was born Robert Lane Milton on April 27, 1930, to John Robert Milton and Reta Lucille Lane Milton, in Marshfield, Oregon, and passed away July 21, 2022, in Portland, Oregon. Along with brother Joseph, Bob lived in Eastside (now Coos Bay) until his parents bought the Oxenrider farm on Coos River in 1941. He attended Eastside Grade, Coos River Grade, and Coos River High schools, graduating in 1948. Bob attended Oregon State College (University), completing his studies in 1953 with an Agricultural Engineering degree. He met Audrey Carolyn Blanchard at OSU and they married in 1952. Bob joined the USAF in 1953, serving as a navigator and bombardier. Daughter Carolyn was born in Texas, and Deborah and Susan were born in New Mexico, during his air force years. Bob left the service in 1957 and moved his family to the Portland area. His work in sales took them to Seattle, where daughter Karen was born. Bob was transferred back to Portland and soon thereafter moved into the world of computing. After working for small companies, as partner in one, Bob was hired by the data processing department at PGE. He retired from PGE in 1993 as a Systems Analyst. In retirement Bob did less of his favorite pastime, which was fishing. He had previously eased out of his rockhounding and lapidary hobbies. The worm farm had been decommissioned years prior, in part due to worker burnout. Bob poured more of himself into his other passions. Those included gardening, selling mason bees and their nesting materials, and fruit tree grafting. He performed volunteer work at Milwaukie Senior Center; Home Orchard Society and its arboretum at CCC in OC; as a tax preparer with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide; and as a tutor with Milwaukie Presbyterian Church. Preceded in death by wife Audrey and infant daughter Carolyn. Survived by daughters Deborah Thompson, Susan Milton, and Karen Weinert; granddaughters Michelle, Amy, and Ashley; and two great-grandchildren. Private interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery. Remembrances to Alzheimer’s research, education, and support are appreciated.