Search by Name

Search by Name

Robert Boxberger Obituary

Robert Boxberger
January 10, 2021
Los Osos, California - Robert (Bob, Boxie) Boxberger, at the age of 92, died peacefully on January 10th, 2021, at his paradise home in Los Osos, California. He was the son of Mitchell and Glenda Boxberger and grew up in Ocean Beach, San Diego, California.
He wanted to fly but due to poor eyesight enlisted at age 17 in the U. S. Army Air Corps in 1945, trained as a cryptographer, and served in Saudi Arabia and the Aleutians during the WWII and Korean wars. In the Aleutians he met his lifelong friend, screenwriter and novelist William Kelley, and set out to become a writer himself. He received a bachelor of science degree in journalism at San Diego State University and began working as a reporter and photographer at the Ontario (California) Daily Report in 1956. There he met and married his wife of 54 years, Patricia, and with her began raising her three children, Ricky, Geoffrey, and Ruthie. There, Bob and Pat had a fourth child, Erika. In 1960 he got a job at the Oregon Journal and moved his new family to the Portland vicinity. There, twins were born to them, Ingrid and Karen.
Ultimately Bob was drawn to the Puget Sound area, where his grandfather took him fishing when he was a child. He moved his family to Tacoma and eventually began working for the Tacoma News Tribune. In 1965, he covered the construction of a hospital on Little Diomede, Alaska, in the Bering Strait. Not only did he write articles and take pictures of the event, he also helped the Inuits build the hospital.
Then, in 1966, he moved the family out on Puget Sound, to Vaughn, Washington, which for Bob was the ideal place to raise a family. There was gardening, boating, fishing, clamming, views of the Olympics and, occasionally, orcas. Here, he and his family had found a paradise. During this period Bob succeeded in climbing to the summit of Mt. Rainier with his lifelong friend Kirk Kirkland. Once most of his six kids had left home for their own adventures, he moved his remaining family to Wollochet, Washington, and supported Pat in going back to school. Once she got a job as a prosecuting attorney in Tacoma, they moved across the Narrows Bridge into Tacoma. Bob continued to work for the Tribune until 1987, when he joined his son Rick in Japan for a journey through Thailand, Nepal, and Tibet. He took notes during these travels that, years later, he used to write and publish the book Far Bridge (Pina Press). Pat died from Alzheimer's complications in 2011.
Bob lived as a widower in Tacoma for five years, then moved to Morro Bay, California, returning to his childhood landscapes, seascapes, and climate and, there, met the second love of his life, Anne Tiber. It was with Anne that Bob lived out his "golden years" and Anne saw him through with love to the end.
Bob was full of romance and adventure. He participated actively in life every single day and modeled his approach to life for his six kids. While he encouraged caution, he also taught his kids to test their wings whenever possible. He had an opened-minded curiosity that made him a wonderful friend and father. He was always full of passion, educated himself through experience and reading, and maintained a tight ship. He was a do-it-yourself, project-oriented guy. He was always the first to volunteer to help friends, neighbors, and family. He cooked; took pictures all his life; archived materials for the family; and loved deeply. Nature, literature, and music filled his life with interest and adventure. He was a strong presence in many lives and will be sorely missed.
Surviving Bob are his life companion Anne Tiber, his six children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Rather than sending flowers, please consider making donations to the American Cancer Society. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by & from Jan. 24 to Jan. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Boxberger

Not sure what to say?





Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Jeanne Bender-Irvine

Planted Trees

Karen A

January 31, 2021

Bob was an exceptional neighbor. Wonderful to talk to on a wide range of subjects, thoughtful and kind. I've missed his presence here in Tacoma for several years. My condolences to his family and his friends at this difficult and sad time. Sincerely, Karen A.

George I. Rodgers II

January 30, 2021

I often refer to Bob, as one of those Special people who could speak to you at your level, uplift and inspire you on your journey. Thank You Rick for including me in Family Time on the Sound.

Bobbie Doyle Bludau

January 26, 2021

Such a beautiful and loving tribute!! So sorry for your loss Karen... what a lovely Dad you had! Loved reading about his amazing life but very sorry it’s over! Wish I had known him...
Bobbie Bludau

Shirley Knoop

January 26, 2021

His passing allows for time to reflect on his memory. Celebrate his love.

Shea-Lynn Marshall

January 26, 2021

I enjoyed visiting and spending time with Bob over the years. He was always a very kind and generous man. He made you feel at home and comfortable. A very stand up kinda guy that made you want him around you and attracted you to his helpful presence. I was so happy to have gotten to share a few great celebrations with him as part of my extended family. He will be missed. Love you all,
Hope to connect soon and celebrate your Dad's amazing achievements and absolutely magical life.
Cheers,
Shea-Lynn Marshall xo

Barbara Sandberg

January 25, 2021

Wonderful tribute to a remarkable man. Condolences to each and every one of you.

Justina & Ben Riippi

January 24, 2021

What a beautiful and inspiring tribute to a life well-lived. Wishing Bob’s family peace... thinking of you all.

January 21, 2021

My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories
and Gods promise to return our loved ones . 1st Thessalonians 4 : 13 & 14 .

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Boxberger's name

Memorial Events
for Robert Boxberger

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert Boxberger's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more