Bob was born in Portland, Oregon in 1930, the son of Thomas and Grace (Stallcop) Burley. He proudly grew up in the St. Johns Neighborhood. He also spent many summers at his grandparents’ in Raymond, Washington. He enjoyed those summers helping out on the farm. Bob attended Benson Technical High School in Portland, where he played basketball. It was this period where he also fine-tuned his interest in cars. After high school, Bob fought in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he returned home and later married his wife Donna and started a family.
Bob loved working on anything automotive, and was quite good at it, so a long career in the trucking industry seemed like a good fit. Bob started driving for Santry Trucking Company and part time for Atlantic Richfield. Later he struck out on his own, owning and operating RCB Trucking. He worked long, hard hours to provide a good life for his family. Eventually he joined Freightliner Corporation as a driver. He moved up into corporate to become their first Test Fleet Manager. After retiring, Bob spent the rest of his years doing what he truly loved – building and racing old Ford cars. He was an original member of the Road Angels Car Club of Portland.
Bob is survived by his three children, Jeannine, Rich, and Chris; one grandson, and four great-grandchildren.
Mr. Burley will be laid to rest with honors at Willamette National Cemetery in private services. A public Celebration of his life will be planned when the limitations on public gatherings are lifted.
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