Robert Allan (Bob) Beall
Born March 15, 1920, Vashon Island, Washington; Died November 12, 2015, Milwaukie, Oregon
Robert Allan (Bob) Beall was born March 15, 1920 on Vashon Island, Washington, the youngest son of Magruder and Grace (Gorsuch) Beall. His parents were partners in the Beall Greenhouses, a lifelong influence on Bob’s love of plants and gardening. Although his dad died when Bob was only three, Bob played with his older brothers, Ken and Fielder, and enjoyed the many relatives living nearby. Bob went on to graduate in physics from the University of Washington in 1941.
In 1942 Bob married Junanne (Judy) Sexsmith of Seattle. They made their first home in a tiny beach cottage that had no electricity, and water had to be carried from a spring. Their mutual faith, commitment to social justice and tolerance, and love for music and the ocean carried them through 68 years of marriage. They raised three children, Jane Margaret (deceased,) Magruder Clare and Robert Alexander, who grew up to be talented musicians and committed humanitarians in life and work. Throughout their marriage, Bob and Judy always loved the beach, and moved to Lincoln City, Oregon, full time after retirement.
Bob served in the US Navy during World War II, and later worked for the Federal Bureau of Mines in Albany, Oregon, for 30 years. At the Bureau of Mines, Bob conducted research melting rare metals to use in sheathing atomic-powered submarines. He was honored at a Presidential dinner in Washington D. C. for his work. He also was the author or co-author of fifty articles related to the ongoing research, which can be googled under Robert A. Beall, rare metals. Bob’s work led to travel, consulting in the United States, England, Sweden, Russia, Argentina and Brazil.
In retirement, Bob made beautiful wood furniture as well as exquisite jewelry, which have become family heirlooms. He sang in the church choir, and kept the organ in good repair. The home Bob and Judy shared was filled with music and activity. Their doors and their hearts and minds were open to family, friends and humanity. In his final years, Bob received gentle, loving care at Royalton Place in Milwaukie. Ever the scientist, Bob donated his body to medical research.
Bob is survived by his sons Magruder Clare (Manjeet) Beall of Santa Rosa, CA, and Robert Alexander (Nan Lewis) Beall of Portland, Oregon, and his former son-in-law Edward (Dawn) Marges of Salem. Bob’s grandchildren include Corinna Raznikov, Andrew and Annie Marges, Christa Kaainoa, Laura and Lisa Meyer, Josh and Scott Pfenning, Payal and Gagan Singh, as well as great-grandchildren Josephine, Jude, Lee Alex, Robin, Austin, Kaeli, Amare, Bodhi, Taylor and Hayden.
An informal memorial gathering will be held at a later time.
Paid Obituary.
