Robert Edward Wiswall

ROBERT "BOB" E. WISWALL July 14, 1933 ~ May 3, 2017 Robert E. Wiswall, better known as Wiz or Bob, was an outgoing lover of life who brought his magnetic personality and boisterous laugh to every room. He was a true gentleman, an avid sportsman, gifted story teller, accomplished businessman and a loving family man. Although his last few years weren't his best, oh what a life he lived. On May 3, 2017, with Helen and family at his side, Bob left this world a better place than when he found it on July 14, 1933. Bob was a lifelong Vancouver, WA resident born to Dr. Henry and Margaret Wiswall. He attended Lakeside Preparatory School in Seattle in the late 1940's and graduated from Vancouver High School in 1951. Bob attended The University of Portland where he studied business. He spent two years in the army before returning to Vancouver in 1956. In that year, Bob met his wife of 58 years, Helen Marie Paladeni. They married in 1959. Bob founded Columbia Collectors in 1957. He served as a Federal Bankruptcy Trustee from the early 1970's to 2000. He was a political lobbyist by hobby and was instrumental in moving forward multiple pieces of legislation relevant to the collections industry. He served on the Washington Collectors Association board where he was board president in 1980. He co-organized the Vancouver Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and was Area Chairman from 1972 to 1975, State Chairman in 1978 and National Trustee in 1979. Bob enjoyed being a long term member of Gyro's International, where he forged lifelong friendships with many. Bob was an avid golfer and 58-year member at Royal Oaks Country Club, as well as a long-time member of the Columbia River Yacht Club, Elks and American Legion. Bob and Helen spent much of their time in the summer hosting friends and family at the family beach cottage "Land's End" in Long Beach. As a forerunner of a family tradition to follow, Bob was a prodigious fisherman. At the helm of "The Collector," Bob always knew how to find the fish. His greatest enjoyment was watching others bring in the catch rather than reeling it in himself. Bob loved life, his wife, his family and friends. He will be warmly remembered by all whose lives he touched. A service will be held on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 1:30 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Vancouver, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vancouver Chapter of Ducks Unlimited or Coastal Conservation Association. Bob is survived by his wife, Helen; sons, Rick Wiswall, Ed Wiswall and Bob Wiswall Jr.; 7 grandchildren; one great- granddaughter; and his brother, William Wiswall of Eugene. He was preceded in death by his son, Larry Mauke Wiswall, who passed away in 2014. Heartfelt thanks to his caregivers at Fairgate Estates in Camas - we appreciate you. Please sign Bob's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

Robert Edward Wiswall

July 14, 1933 - May 3, 2017