Robert Dale Shunk

Bob grew up in Colorado Springs and the western slope of the Colorado Rockies. He graduated from Rifle High School in 1984 and joined the U.S. Navy the following year. During his time in the Navy, Bob served on the USS Iowa, a duty that took him to ports throughout the world. Later, Bob changed assignments and was trained through the Defense Information School (DINFOS) in Indianapolis. This training took him to the Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean for a year. He completed his time seven years in the Navy in Norfolk, VA, and was honorably discharged.

Bob continued to work in journalism at alternative weekly publications in Virginia and then again when he moved across the country to Portland, OR, in 1994. When he returned to Portland State University to pursue his college degree, he continued working in journalism as a writer, news editor, and editor in chief at the student newspaper, The Vanguard.

Bob earned his bachelor's degree in sociology and his master’s degree in education from PSU. He then worked for PSU in the School of Extended Studies, helping non-traditional students, like himself, find success in college and beyond. When the school closed, Bob turned his attention to making his hobby, brewing beer, into a business. Along with brewing partner Dan Overbay, Bob and Dan formed Vanport Brewing, a nanobrewery operation that they co-owned and operated for several years. Starting in 2021, Bob returned to education as an instructional assistant in Portland Public Schools working with students with disabilities.

Bob loved socializing, challenging norms and perspectives, a good crossword on Sunday mornings, Denver Broncos football, and most of all his two children. He enjoyed helping coach the kid's sports teams, playing tackle time on the couch, hiking and being outdoors with his kids.

Bob is survived by his children, Judson, 18, and Alice, 14; parents, Mike and Sandi Shunk; brother Neal Shunk and his wife Melinda; and four nieces and nephews.