Brian Roberts Routh Sr.

Brian was my favorite male cousin. His jokes were eye-rolling, true, but there were so many other qualities I admired: his gentle nature, his courtliness, his love for his family, his ability to fix anything. I'll miss him very much and I'm sorry I can't be there with you my dear family. My prayers are with you all.

Brian was my Uncle and WHAT an Uncle he was. He babysat my brother and I, taught me right from wrong, tipped a canoe over in the middle of the lake (well, that was my brother and I, but I swear he made us do it!). I could barely reach my arms around him for a hug, which were always available. I love him.

I babysat for the Rouths when Steph & Rob were little, my brother is the same age as Steph (5 days apart). My fondest memory is when Mr Routh, I mean Brian, would take me home after babysitting in the VW station wagon. I only was a few blocks away but he insisted in driving and would tell me not to open the door until he could run around and open the door for me. He made me feel like a princess at 15 yrs old. I always enjoyed his positive outlook and of course the jokes that I can never...

Brian and Donna were family. Steph, Rob and our son were always together. Our older daughter was their babysitter. Brian was always there when we needed help. He even climbed on top of our roof to find a leak. We will miss that super smile and great big bear hug. Our thoughts and prayers are with Donna, Steph, Rob, Jo and the grandchildren at this sad time. Carol & Rich

Brian was a big part of making Portland my new home. It started early in my teens years, when I would come and visit his daughter, son and friends. He always had a welcoming smile, an easy grace that set anyone at ease. His laugh would fill your heart and soul with joy. Especially when he knew he was getting away with something. I am so thankful for his kindness and loving hugs. I have been in awe of him through the years; his enduring respectful love towards his wife,his strength of heart...

There are so many memories of Dad. I learned to love swimming and the water from him. When I lived in China, we would occasionally find an absolute time that worked for both time zones during which we could swim at the same time, even though we were thousands of miles apart. It was petty special.

Brian was a swimming friend of mine. I used to see him early in the morning at the Portland State University pool, years ago. Then, coincidentally we both started swimming at the Tualatin Hills aquatic center, where I have seen him a couple of times each week for the past few years. He recently told me about coming up from K Falls as a teenager to swim in the Junior Olympics at Jantzen Beach. I just saw him last Saturday and talked with him a bit. He had just finished a good swim. I'm...