Robert Alan Neibert

Robert “Bob” Neibert, 65 of Fairview Oregon, passed away Saturday, October 3 in the presence of his closest loved ones. Bob was born November 6, 1949 at Kaiser Hospital in Vancouver, WA. He was the first Neibert in 100 years to be born out of the State of Oregon. He was the youngest of 4 children born to Conrad and Lilas (Howden) Neibert. Bob grew up with his family in Portland, OR and surrounding areas. In 1967 he graduated from Madison High School where he played football and was nicknamed “Mad Dog” after breaking the record for most quarterback defense sacks for the year. After high school, Bob went to work for AA Ambulance as an EMT Ambulance Technician. He was regarded as one of the most caring and learned attendants by his peers and the area's emergency room nurses and physicians. Bob was among the first crew of Paramedics to serve in the back of ambulances in Multnomah County. In the middle of his studies at University Hospital on the hill, Bob was drafted and sent to Southeast Asia to serve our country. As like most things, Bob did this proudly, and without complaint. Never once asking why him or why not someone else? He did it with his shoulders back and served like no one else could. He wore our country’s uniform proudly. After returning home from overseas, Bob did some thinking about what he wanted to do next. He had a passion for both animals and helping people. All though he dreamed of becoming a Veterinarian, his calling to help people won. He took advantage of his schooling benefits and set off to complete a degree in Criminal Justice. In October of 1973, he married Suzan Mitchell; who now lives in Tygh Valley, OR with her husband, Dennis Smith. The two welcomed their daughter Samantha Jean into the world on August 30, 1974. After completing his degree, Bob took a job as a police officer for the Port of Portland. He was also assigned to the Multnomah County Bomb Squad. Bob served his community in a multitude of ways and also helped train officers at the firing range. While working as an officer at the Portland Airport; Bob met and married Lori Stark in June of 1977. The two welcomed a son, Brent Alan on March 2, 1979 and a daughter, Nicole Lee on June 11, 1982. Soon after the birth of their daughter, he decided to take his career into a different direction and over the years climbed the ladder to become the Director of Human Resources for the Port Of Portland before retiring in 2002. During that time, Bob also served on multiple board of trusties for places such as Advantis Credit Union. He also served on the school board for Reynolds School District. In 2003 he took a job for the Washington Department of Transportation working again in Human Resources. In March of 2009, his wife Lori was diagnosed with cancer. Bob devoted his time to caring for his wife until her passing in May of 2009. Soon after, he retired from WSDOT. In January 2010, he married Elise Stark. Over the last 5 ½ years Bob and Elise have spent time traveling, loving on their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and enjoying evenings spent with a glass of wine or a rum and coke on the back deck of their Fairview home, listening to the sounds of the beautiful creek below. Having suffered from Coronary artery disease, diabetes, strokes, kidney failure, throat cancer and congestive heart failure, Bob knew what a blessing each day was and, with Elise, the two made the best of each one. Even through all his health battles, he remained strong, grateful and never complained. Throughout his life Bob spent time hunting pheasant, fishing, boating, water skiing and spending time caring for a multitude of animals. He had several squirrels, dogs, cats, a sugar glider and a large Severe McCaw bird that was his pride and joy. He loved being a husband and father. He naturally cared for people and no matter the position he was in, he developed lifelong relationships. He encouraged all those around him to be the best they could be. He was a doer and was usually working or helping a friend or neighbor. Monday evenings and Sundays, you would most definitely find him in his favorite chair watching football. He was a lover of “all things football” and after retirement, he enjoyed attending Ducks games in Eugene or Portland State games. A highlight for him was a surprise trip with his wife Elise to see the Seahawks play. Bob accomplished many things in his life. His greatest joy was his family. He was humble, generous, funny, loving and in April of 2014, committed his life to Jesus Christ. He will be missed by many and remains an inspiration for his incredible strength while fighting many battles. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Lilas and Conrad Neibert, brother, Gary Neibert and wife Lori Neibert. He is survived by wife, Elise Neibert, siblings, Pat Hoddevick, Kathy Glenn and Bill Neibert. His children Samantha (Robert) Edwards, Brent (Alissa) Neibert, and Nicole (Jake) Main. He also leaves behind 9 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews he was very close to. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Iona Community Church (a new church plant in Vancouver, WA) at PO Box 872502, Vancouver, WA 98687. Checks can be made to the church as a whole or as a support to Pastor Bob and Samantha Edwards. If given in support of the Pastor and his family, write “support” on the memo line. Service Information