Robert Donald Dietsche

Bob and I were students at the University of Oregon at the same time, he a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity across from the Millrace, where I lived in the Alpha Phi sorority house. He was a mischievous friend, directing a hose one night at the sleeping porch where I, and around 20 of my sorority sisters, were sleeping on a sleeping porch. It was a night before I had an important exam, and I was furious! We did survive, and I passed the exam. Later, when Bob and I were both students in...

My dad knew him since the 60's. Dad took lessons from Gene Confer and met Robert about that time. He was a good friend of Russ Hackett - and hung around the clubs. He also knew my uncle Charlie when he was in Don and the Goodtimes and later The Raiders. We visited him about 5 years ago in Manzanita. My dad really enjoyed their visit. We looked him up today as we're in Manzanita. We're sorry to hear of his passing.

I was very much an underachieving student at BHS back around 1967. But a (very) few teachers had an impact. Mr. D exposed me to one particular book that changed the way I looked at life. It was actually a few years later that "it all clicked" and that was instrumental in sending me in a very upward direction, achieving some things I'd have never dreamed possible. I am not sure if he saw potential in me, but what more could one ask for in a teacher than to change your life?

I was honored to have Bob and Steve Brockway take me to coffee and invite me to join the staff of the new (in 1986) jazz station KKUL-AM 1410. Bob and the rest of that dazzling array of jazz hosts taught us all so much, including about taste. He had a way with words and named my first jazz show with an offhand comment. When he called, you needed to set aside some time because he had so many meaningful things to say. He was a brilliant interviewer with unparalleled knowledge of his subjects...

I knew Bob and Sue when I used to play tennis at Portland Athletic Club. They were delightful and even came to dinner at my house once. Bob and I had many interesting chats about music. I also have his books, which I so enjoyed reading. And I love that OPB still, airs stories about him and the PDX jazz scene. I learned a lot from him. I can understand why he was a favorite teacher to so many. He always made me laugh! I was so sorry to hear of his passing and hope that you have wonderful...

So sorry to hear of Bob's death. SUe i would love to get in touch with [email protected].. With fond memories...Barbara Runge Knox

Mr. Dietsche was a student favorite at Beaverton High School. His knowledge and enthusiasm for great literature has stuck with me all these years. What a legacy for a great teacher. I remember him anytime I think of A Tale of Two Cities, Les Miserables or Greek Mythology. Interesting that he was only ten year older than his students. Maybe that's why we thought he was so cool!

A truly American Jazz Icon.

I took Mr. Dietsche's Shakespeare class at BHS. He tried so hard to help us extract meaning from the sometimes difficult-to-understand language. A very dedicated teacher. Glad to know he had a great life doing what he loved.