Robert "Bob" Gillett

Robert Henry Gillett passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, in Salem, Oregon. He was born on March 22, 1934, in Rockford, Illinois, and lived a full and remarkable life defined by music, education, craftsmanship, and devotion to his family.

Bob grew up in Rockford and earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Northern Illinois State College in 1956. Shortly after graduation, he entered the United States Army, where his musical talents found a distinguished home. Serving in both the Fifth and Seventh Army Symphony Orchestra and Band, he toured throughout Europe, principally in Germany, performing on his beloved bassoon. His military service deepened his lifelong commitment to music and instilled in him a sense of discipline and purpose that guided him throughout his life.

Following his service, Bob completed a Master of Education degree from Northern Illinois University in 1963. He went on to dedicate more than 30 years to teaching and directing school bands in Illinois and Oregon. His influence as an educator was profound, with countless students remembering him not only as a gifted musician and teacher, but as a patient mentor who inspired both skill and character.

It was in Yorkville, Illinois, that Bob met the love of his life, fellow educator Dorothy Carter. After only four months, they were engaged, and four months later, they married, beginning a partnership that lasted nearly 65 years. Shortly after marrying, they moved to Oregon, where Bob spent a year teaching at Oakland High School before joining Marshfield High School in Coos Bay as its band director, a role he held for nearly three decades. Together, Bob and Dorothy raised a son, Eric, and a daughter, Michele, building a loving home rooted in music, faith, and a love of travel.

In his later years, Bob continued to treasure music, though health challenges eventually prevented him from playing the bassoon. In a gesture that reflected his generosity and lifelong passion for supporting young musicians, he gifted his cherished bassoon to an aspiring college student, ensuring that the instrument he loved would continue creating music in the hands of the next generation.

After they both retired in 1992, Bob and Dorothy explored the world together. They adventurously visited every continent, including Antarctica, and returned often to their favorite destination, Thailand.

Bob was also an aviation enthusiast. While living in Coos Bay, he earned both commercial and instrument ratings, and enjoyed flying his family on trips across the country and even internationally to Mexico. His love of flight remained a defining joy throughout his life.

He also continued his musical engagement outside the classroom, performing with a local woodwind quintet and directing the Bay Area Concert Band in Coos Bay for many years. His musicianship and leadership enriched the cultural life of every community he called home.

In 2002, seeking more sunshine and better flying weather, Bob and Dorothy moved to Independence, Oregon, where they designed and built their dream home in the local airpark. Bob's lifelong love of architecture and woodworking came together there; he designed the house himself and crafted many of its furnishings.

Faith was an important part of Bob's life. He and Dorothy were devoted churchgoers and attended Salem Alliance Church for more than 20 years.

Bob will be remembered for his honesty, integrity, and gentle humor, often full of puns. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a caring brother, a talented musician, a dedicated educator, and a man who made a lasting difference in the lives of many. His legacy endures in the many students he inspired, the music he shared, and the loved ones whose lives he enriched.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy, his sister, his son and his wife, his daughter, three grandsons, and one granddaughter.

He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.