Robert James Phillips

Robert ‘Bob’ Phillips, 81, of Astoria, Oregon, died Sunday, June 2, 2013, in Astoria.

He was born February 3, 1932, in Astoria, to Harry Percy Phillips and Pearl Katherine Mattson.

Bob was born and raised in Astoria. He graduated from Astoria High School in 1950, where he played football. Directly after high school, he enlisted in the Air Force, serving his country during the Korean War repairing engines of B 29’s in Okinawa.

He returned home and married Ardelle Backanen. They eloped to Stevenson, Washington, and were wed on April 21, 1959. They raised two children, Kimberly and Paul. Ardelle survives, residing in the family home.

Bob worked for the local ILWU 50 as a longshoreman for 40 years, retiring in 1994. Thereafter, he continued to enjoy his daily morning pinochle games at the hall. During the summer, Bob loved traveling with his grandkids in his motor home, making many lasting memories. He also loved watching their many years of sporting events. He never missed a game.

Bob was a devoted family man, a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He died peacefully at his home surrounded by love. He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and David Lund of Astoria; a son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Louise Phillips of Astoria; two granddaughters, Andrea Phillips and Noelle Lund, both of Astoria; and three grandsons, Edwin Phillips, Hans Lund and Dane Lund, all of Astoria.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: Harry Phillips and Howard Phillips.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 10, 2013, from 1-5 p.m. at Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary, 1165 Franklin Ave., Astoria.

Graveside Services will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton, Oregon.

A reception will follow at the Longshoreman’s Hall, 491 Industry St., Astoria, Oregon.

Donations can be made to Lower Columbia Hospice, 2111 Exchange St., Astoria, OR 97103.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com