Robert Baughman

Robert Baughman Obituary

Robert flew on a mission that included Charles Lindbergh in the South Pacific during World War II; he survived a whiteout while alone on the Greenland Ice Cap, fought forest fires in Montana, traveled freelance throughout China, and dug for antiquities in the hot summer sun of Israel.

Robert was born on July 10, 1923 in Seattle, Washington where he graduated from the Beacon Hill Grade School and Franklin High School before enlisting in the Naval Reserve in 1942. He flew many missions in a scout (dive) bomber, squadron vs 52, in the Pacific Theatre and was awarded several medals and decorations. He attended the University of Washington on the GI Bill and received a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Atmospheric Sciences. He served as principal research scientist for the Corp of Engineers (Arctic Research) and for the US Forest Service (Forest Fire Research) receiving several awards for outstanding performance. Robert published a number of research papers and articles. He received a certificate of appreciation from the Israel Antiquities Authority for his archaeological work in Israel and was given the Frozen Order of Hairy Eared Arctic Engineers from the Corp of Engineers and the Knights of the Blue Nose Certificate from the US Air Force for enduring more than three months of hardship north of the Arctic Circle. He was an associate professor at the University of Montana for several years and was a member of the American Meteorological Society and the scientific research society Sigma Xi. A record of his scientific achievements is recorded in volume nine of the Dictionary of International Biography.

Robert married Marylou Forsbeck of Tacoma, Washington from 1948 until Marylou passed away in 1987. Their union produced two sons; David and Donald, and four grandchildren.

While on vacation Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Robert met an attractive spirited lady named Colleen (Connie) Inez Schulz from Portland, Oregon. They were married in 1993 and lived the best of what life could offer. The second family was a joy to behold.

Robert is survived by his wife Connie; his son David; David’s daughters Victoria and Denise; Don’s sons Trask and Jesse; brother Don, sister Miriam (Mimi) and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Onas and Lola, brother James, and son Don.

Robert passed away peacefully at the Hopewell House Portland, Oregon on Sunday, October 5, 2014.

Memorial Service will be held at Riverview Abbey 0319 SW Taylors Ferry Road, Portland, Oregon on October 11, 2014 at 1PM.

Now is not the time for sorrow, but a time of joy to celebrate a long, productive life.