Robert Sanford Gant

Robert Gant, cherished son, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away from this life surrounded by the love he so freely gave. Born February 27, 1933, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Elizabeth and Sanford Gant, Robert's family moved west when he was just a boy. The years of picking and laying roots in Oregon instilled in him the tenacity and strong work ethic that would mark his life.

Robert attended Pringle School-often riding his horse to and from classes-and completed his schooling there, graduating in 1954. On November 23, 1966, he married Barbra, beginning a life together that spanned fifty nine years. From their marriage grew a devoted family: two children, Alice and Douglas; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren who brought him enormous joy.

A man of deep and steady faith, Robert was a longtime member of Judson Baptist Church, serving faithfully as a deacon for more than twenty five years. He and Barbra later worshiped at Fruitland Church until health needs made regular attendance difficult. Even then, Robert's devotion to the Lord and to service never ceased: he continued to pray, to serve as he was able, and to live the servant's heart he modeled for his family and community.

Robert worked for the City of Salem for over twenty years as a custodian, a role he accepted with pride and diligence. His faithfulness to that work-and to every task he undertook-reflected his character: humble, steady, and committed. Retirement did not slow him; he remained the kind of person who kept busy, who was willing to get his hands dirty to finish a job, and who found purpose in practical service.

Robert delighted in simple pleasures and family traditions. He loved the beach, trips and vacations with those he loved, and the outdoors-especially deer hunting. Many Saturdays were spent chopping wood and preparing for colder days. Though a man of few words, Robert's affection was unmistakable in his actions, and he dote­d on his grandchildren: from playful rides on the old hand‑crank ice cream machine to the small, magical moments only a grandfather can give, his presence created treasured memories.

It is impossible to fully record a life in a brief notice. Between the dash that marks a lifetime are countless prayers, quiet acts of kindness, and hours spent on knees for family, friends, and neighbors in need. Robert's legacy is found in those lived moments-in faithful work, in whispered prayers, and in the steady love he showed day after day.

Robert is survived by his Wife Barbra of 59 years, children Alice & Doug, grandchildren and great grandchildren, siblings, extended family and many friends. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him, by those whose lives he quietly changed, and by strangers who were lifted by prayers they never knew he offered.

As Robert crosses Jordan into the presence of the Lord and the reunion with those gone before, his family takes comfort in Scripture's promise and in the knowledge that his life of service, faith, and love endures in the hearts of all he touched.

Robert Gant - a faithful life, well lived. You will be truly missed.