Robert Garness Crumpton was born in Webster City, Iowa on August 29th, 1935, to parents Robert Cochran and Esther G. (Isvik) Crumpton. He was the older brother to Claude and Bryan. Robert was proud to call himself the son of the town doctor of Webster City. His mother was a nurse and the daughter of large Norwegian family living on a nearby farm.
Robert was raised and graduated from high school in 1953 in Webster City. He was active in the speech and debate club, on the student council, a tackle on the football team, part of the band and choir. Following high school he went to study music at Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA with a focus as an Organist. Robert spent a summer at the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York studying organ music. Later Robert continued his studies at the University of Michigan where he ultimately received a master’s degree in musicology and music education and an additional Master’s degree in Secondary Administration.
From 1958-1960 Robert served in the US Navy as a choir recruiter, director and Chaplain’s assistant in Bremerhaven, Northern Germany and stateside.
He began teaching in 1965, but became active in his local union and quickly became the Executive Director in Waterford Township, Pontiac, Michigan.
Robert met Ann Louise Hamilton in Waterford Township, Michigan in 1966. Robert and Ann exchanged wedding vows on June 17th, 1967 in Robert’s mother’s Lutheran church in Webster City, Iowa.
They were blessed with two children – daughter Susan L. and Son Robert C.
The young family came west and made Beaverton, Oregon their home in 1974. Robert spent the rest of his days in Oregon but was very proud to have been born and raised in Iowa.
In Oregon, Robert proudly and steadfastly served for many years as Executive Director of the Oregon Education Association. With the advent of the Public Employee Collective Bargaining Law he led the organization through a time of great change. Robert understood advocacy and made sure that the OEA became a strong presence both at local collective bargaining tables and in the state legislature. Many of the benefits enjoyed today by school employees came in no small part as a result of Robert's leadership.
Robert was a long-time advocate for children and public school employees and continued to be a lifelong advocate for social justice and political progressiveness long after retirement. Robert enjoyed fishing, gardening, birds, music, the arts, and travel. He spent part of his last 14 years in Tucson, Arizona golfing and exploring the arts and warmth of a vastly different state.
It has been said that Robert had a “bigger than life” personality and a man with a powerful presence and energy. He had the capacity to get tough when the occasion called for it and be quite matter-of-fact at times; but when someone was hurting or in need, Robert was the first one to respond with his caring heart. Robert was there to offer a hand, words of comfort, or just his presence when it was needed most.
Robert will be remembered as a loving, dutiful, devoted, and protective husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a kind, compassionate, and honorable man and he will be greatly missed.
Robert is survived by his loving wife Ann Crumpton; daughter, Susan Crumpton; son, Robert C. Crumpton; grandchildren, Madeline, Chloe, Samantha, Isabella Crumpton; many, many extended family, and a loving network of friends.
A memorial service will be held at First Unitarian Church of Portland, Oregon, 1034 SW 13th Ave, Portland, OR, on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at 4PM with a reception to follow.
Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to the Kendall Young Library, 1201 Willson Ave., Webster City, IA 50595, (515) 832-9100 www.kylib.org or the OEA Foundation, 6900 SW Atlanta St., Portland, OR 97223, (503) 684-3300 www.oregoned.org/foundation.
Please visit Robert’s internet memorial and online guestbook at www.skylinememorialgardens.com Thank you.
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