Robert Andrew Kalander

Robert Andrew Kalander, 54, died Nov. 1, 2015 in Palmer, Alaska, after a short battle with cancer. Robert was born Aug. 19, 1961, in Astoria, Oregon, to John and Sandra Kalander. He was the oldest of three children. He married Carol Mitchell in December 1994, and they have one daughter, Kiani, who is his pride and joy.

He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Astoria, Oregon, where he started Sunday School at age 3. He enjoyed playing Little League baseball, swimming, and various camping activities with the Boy Scouts. He earned the highest award of Eagle Scout, and is a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. Robert was a talented musician and loved to play the guitar and sing. He played the saxophone in the high school concert and jazz bands. He loved music of all genres, and he shared this love with his wife and daughter.

Robert loved cars and trucks, especially the hot, muscle-type of vehicles. He also liked the classic cars and his 1964 Ford Mustang. He loved the mountains and the outdoors, and traveling with his family throughout the U.S. and Canada, his favorite trip being to the Grand Canyon. He also traveled to Scotland and England.

He studied architecture at the University of Oregon and Texas Tech University. He was very artistic, especially in technical drawing, which led to his occupation of architecture. Robert loved to design homes. Many were built in Oregon, Washington, Montana and Alaska. He designed beautiful log homes that were built in Kalispell and Whitefish, Montana, and Alaska. He also worked on designs for large projects, new and remodels, such as an airport, apartment complexes, churches and state office buildings.

His Scandinavian heritage was very important to him. He spent lots of time researching the family tree in Norway, Finland, and Iceland. He was a member of the Sons of Norway Bernt Balchen Lodge. He loved woodworking and carving Scandinavian figurines.

At the age of 32, Robert was converted and baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Robert was a faithful member and served in many callings. Robert was very inspirational in how he died, but even more in how he lived. He had a heart of gold and loved serving others.

Robert is survived by his wife of 20 years, Carol, and his daughter Kiani, of Alaska; his parents, John and Sandra Kalander of Astoria, Oregon; brother, Steve Kalander of Homer, Alaska; sister, Susan Cox of Astoria, Oregon; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 350 Niagara Ave., Astoria, Oregon. Funeral Services will follow at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to remain at the church for a reception.

Graveside services with vault interment will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, at Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 4462 Palmer, AK 99645.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guest book at www.caldwellsmortuary.com