Robert M. Slawson, 86, passed away on Feb. 18, 2025, in Vancouver, Washington, surrounded by family.
Born on Dec. 18, 1938, in San Diego, California, Bob grew up in Battle Ground, Washington. He was not only a quarterback for the football team but also played baseball and managed the basketball team.
After high school, Bob proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed in the San Francisco Bay Area. During his service, he patrolled Alcatraz Island and was involved in a notable rescue of an escapee, completing his duty with an honorable discharge in 1961.
Professionally, Bob's career began at SP&S Railroad and Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill. In 1965, he joined Clark Public Utilities, where he advanced through various roles—from journeyman lineman to water operations superintendent—until his retirement in 1992. However, finding retirement unsuitable at that time, he returned to work at Hawkeye Construction and later at DJ's Electrical, where he continued contributing his expertise until his final retirement in 2004.
Bob was a man of integrity and honor, known for his sense of humor and love for storytelling, often sharing tales from his Coast Guard days. His hobbies included archery hunting, fishing for sturgeon, salmon and catfish, and clamming on the Oregon coast. Bob cherished traveling with his wife, Sherri, and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. An avid bowler, he frequented Tiger Bowl and was known for his generosity, always ready with dog bones for neighborhood dogs and Werther’s Original candies for friends and family.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sherri Slawson; brother, Larry Slawson; daughters, Debra McElveny, Staci Chambers and Lisa Slawson; stepchildren, Amy Driver and Daniel Driver; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a vast network of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rosemary Christensen, in 1973.
Bob will be placed at Willamette National Cemetery in a private ceremony with military honors, celebrating a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter and dedication. Bob’s legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.
Please join the family for a community reception on Monday, March 31, at the American Legion Post 176, 14011 NE 20th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98686, from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
