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Robert Hess Obituary
August 12, 1935 - May 8, 2014
Robert Hess, 78, charmed his way into an artful afterlife on May 8, 2014. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, August 12, 1935. His passion for art led him to an education at Indiana University and Notre Dame, where upon graduation, he relocated to Salem, Oregon. He held a professorship at Willamette University for 34 years. Robert was a well-known and respected artist in the Northwest, who continued his craft until his death.
Robert, you and your joie de vivre will be sorely missed, by your wife, Candace, of 43 years, your loving family, your devoted friends and faithful felines.
A celebration of Robert's life will be held at Hallie Ford Museum on June 2 from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to continue to celebrate the arts in Robert's name by joining or donating to the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 503-370-6867.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hess
Becki Hesedahl
May 8, 2024
Hard to believe it has been ten years. Would love to talk to him again. He was such a mentor and encourager to me in my art. Becki Hesedahl
Clare Hungate-Hawk
June 9, 2014
Professor Hess taught me a great deal in the early 2000's, I talked my way into as many of his classes as I could! I will miss his patience and artistic vision as I make my own way through the arts as a costume designer.
Hillary Flores
May 25, 2014
I only met Robert on a few occasions But I know his lovley wife well. I was invited into thier home once and into an amazing gallery if His work. I had seen his sculptures but his paintings were breathtaking . And the love for his wife was obvious. My heart is heavy for her loss and his friends and families loss.
Nicole Thibadeaux
May 21, 2014
I had the honor to be one of Professor Hess' students in the early 1980s. He was a compassionate and provocative influence on my understanding and skills with paper, all of which contributed immensely to my MFA in Costume Design. He was certainly one of the treasures at Willamette.
Chris Harris
May 19, 2014
Robert Hess, Professor of sculpture at Willamette University. A great artist and fierce supporter of the arts. A generous, big-hearted, bear of a man. Some of you may have been blessed with a class from him. I was blessed that he hired me thirty years ago, and mentored me, and tormentored me!
Thank you, Robert, for your creative gifts, and your laughter, and your unabashed, unapologetic, embracing of life. I will be forever grateful.
Susan McFadden
May 19, 2014
A larger than life individual that impacted this world greatly. For what he did and contributed during his life, for how he lived that life and impacted others, I can only say what he would shout at every Theatre performance at Willamette in the 1980's and 90's, "Bravo!".
Daniel & Ashley Graber
May 16, 2014
Candace, you and your family remain in our prayers.
colleen hoerning
May 16, 2014
I got to know Robert while I was working at the Fred Meyer pharmacy. He was a wonderful man. So encouraging and positive. Never met his wife, but she must be a special person also.
Becki Trachsel Hesedahl
May 15, 2014
Thinking of you Candace. Robert will be missed by all who knew him.
Fran Huffman
May 14, 2014
Thinking of you Candace. Sharing in your pain. Robert was an awesome man
Fran
Donald Larson
May 14, 2014
I knew Professor Hess in his first year at Willamette when I was in his very first oil painting class. He told us not to bother drawing detailed pencil outlines of our subjects, he told us to just start painting = very cool! He was a great teacher and a better human.
Carol Abbott
May 14, 2014
Remembering your great love story today and always.
Katie O'Dell
May 14, 2014
The O'Dell family has you in their prayers Candace.
May 14, 2014
Franklin & Connie Simons
May 14, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Candice.
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