Robert Lawrence Neland

ROBERT "BOB" LAWRENCE NELAND February 28, 1942 ~ May 29, 2018 Bob Neland passed away at PeaceHealth Medical Center, Vancouver, WA, on Tuesday afternoon, May 29. Over a period of several years, Bob had confronted major health issues. A recent fall resulted in an infection that ultimately claimed his life. Bob was born and grew up in Yakima, WA, where he attended the academically rigorous Marquette High School. During those years, he developed an unrelenting work ethic, took part-time jobs in landscaping and custodial services, learned to manage his money (very tightly) and also became an expert bowler (by letting himself into the alley and practicing until 2:00 AM!) He worked his way through college at St. Martin's University in Lacey, WA. Each summer break, Bob would travel to work in fisheries and canning factories in Alaska. The hours were long, the work was strenuous, but in less than two months each summer, Bob earned enough money for the next year's college expenses. He made the best of the situation by working tenaciously and earned the title of Fastest Seal Skinner in the World. He later applied to appear on the What's My Line? television show but was turned down: His records were sealed. (Yes, Bob loved puns.) After graduating with his teaching certification, Bob became an elementary school teacher in Pasco, WA. He continued his education and soon became a principal in Pasco. At that time, he was the youngest principal in the state of Washington. While at Pasco, he set a goal as an elementary school principal to learn the name of every student in his school before the end of each school year. Former employees confirm that Bob achieved this goal year after year. Career advancement attracted Bob to Vancouver School District in the mid-1970s, where he served as an elementary principal. In 1976, Bob was hired by Evergreen School District as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. His administrative roles in the rapidly growing district included passage of school levies and bonds, teacher bargaining, boundary changes, transportation issues, staff development and management retreats. He supported initiatives such as the Highly Capable program, Instructional Resource Center and the student teacher program. Bob's passion was doing what's best for kids. At a Campfire Girls board meeting in 1988, Bob met his beloved Marie Parks, and his life took a new turn. With Marie at his side, he lovingly embraced her two adult children and became a grandfather that every child would love. He happily learned to finger paint, helped with homework, attended school activities, played Santa, praised his grandchildren to anyone who would listen, and devoted countless hours to making them laugh. He instilled in them a life-long love of learning. Bob and Marie loved to travel together, play board games, take beach trips, visit casinos, work in their yard, and they opened their home every Christmas Eve for an elaborate feast of snacks and sweets. Bob found cutting and splitting wood therapeutic and enjoyable. As he was leaving a room, one of his favorite sayings was "I'm outa' here!" Regretfully, Bob's health declined over the years following an accumulation of severe health issues. Bob never lost his smile, never bemoaned his misfortune, never ceased to be intellectually inquisitive. And Marie never left his side and showered Bob with love and caring. He passed on while in her embrace. Bob Neland was a hardworking man of impeccable integrity. He was inclusive, empowering, tireless, courageous in the face of grave illnesses, and never lost his positive attitude. Bob will always be missed by his family, friends and coworkers. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, August and Dora (Guin) Neland. He is survived by his brother, Vern (Gayle) Neland. Bob is also survived by his loving companion, Marie and her children, Kim (Terry Morin) Kuhle and Keith (Charlotte) Parks. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Autumn, Kale, Maas, Precious and Zachary. A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held at 3:00 PM, Thursday, June 21, at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Samaritan Foundation for Legacy Transplant Services, PO Box 4484, Portland, OR 97208.

Robert Lawrence Neland

February 28, 1942 - May 29, 2018