Robert (Sam) Schlichting, passed away on Dec. 5, 2018, just 5 days short of his 96th birthday, surrounded by family and friends at Providence Hospital in Portland, Oregon. He was born on Dec. 10, 1922 in Mt. Vernon, WA to his parents, William and Isabelle Schlichting, predeceased by his older brother, William, and the love of his life, his wife, Ruth.
He left junior college in Mt. Vernon to join the Army Air Force in 1943. His musical talent was called upon to serve in the Army Band, entertaining troops, playing for military services, and other activities. He met and married Ruth in Vancouver, WA, and they married in Sept. 1946.
They settled in Portland, OR, where he graduated from the University of Portland as salutatorian, with a degree in Business Administration. He worked in the auto insurance field over 20 years, then changed careers and worked for J.P. Finley and Sons as their business manager until his retirement in 1984. During his entire life, his real passion and “dream” job was playing jazz tenor saxophone, well-known and admired for his talent throughout the Pacific Northwest, playing actively until he “put his horn away” at the age of 87. He had two extraordinary experiences during his musical career; performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival, and playing on a jazz cruise on the QE II.
He was kind, generous, and very funny. He belonged to the Kiwanis Club of Beaverton for 36 years, serving as their President in 1983-84, and their “Minister of Humor”, sharing jokes at the club meetings. He rang bells for the Salvation Army, participated in club projects, and raised funds for and donated many hours helping maintain the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, which provides camping experiences for special needs children and adults.
He leaves behind his daughters Sandra (Steven Lepley), Deborah (Richard Hawkins) and grandchildren Andrew Derrick (Rob Terry), Abraham (Keeley) Hawkins and Alexis (Travis Luckey), and two great-grandchildren, Hadley and Palmer Hawkins. He was so proud of the accomplishments of his grandchildren, and attended many of their musical performances, athletic events, and school activities.
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