Bob Topliff, peacefully finished his journey through this life and into the next on Aug. 11. Born Robert R. Topliff Jr., to Roberta A. and Robert R. Topliff Sr. on Oct. 1, 1940 in Portland, Oregon.
He was joined two years later by a brother, Michael Jerome Topliff. Two years later, when Bob was four, his mother died from pneumonia. When his father found work in Alaska, he placed his sons in foster care for the rest of their growing up years. This resulted in a stronger than usual sibling bond. The first eight years of foster care were spent with the Ellis family in Sunnyside where he attended school until the 8th grade. Mrs. Ellis died as he started high school so the brothers finished their education in Gresham, in a home with 11 other foster boys of about the same age.
Bob, then joined the Navy where he was a telegrapher. Shortly after his discharge he married Lea Caren. They were parents of two biological children, 19 foster children and two adopted children.
Bob worked 32 years for Esco steel foundry in NW Porltand, most of it as an Industrial Radiographer. Bob was a member of the Sandy Optimist Club for many years and was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church where he volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul. After retirement his greatest enjoyments were camping at the coast during the summer and spending time with his grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his son Michael H. in 2014, is survived by his wife of 59 years, his brother Michael J., sons Rick and Larry, daughter Cheri, grandchildren Tyson, Tara, Hannah, Brad, Max, Brent Jessica, Anna and Cara and five great grandchildren. A private Funeral Mass and Internment will be held.