Robert Skinner

Robert Harold Skinner
June 26, 1920 - September 5, 2012
Robert Harold Skinner (Bob), of Jordan Valley, Oregon, passed away at the age of 92 on September 5, 2012, in Eagle, Idaho. Bob was born on June 26th, 1920 in Jordan Valley, Oregon to Kirt and Johanna Skinner. Bob grew up on the Skinner Ranch in Jordan Valley, along with his four brothers and two sisters. He attended school in the Jordan Valley area, later graduating from Caldwell High School. He spent a year at The College of Idaho and then transferred to Oregon State where he received his degree in agriculture. Bob was a loyal member of Oregon State's Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and an avid Beavers fan. After graduation and a short tenure in Lakeview, Oregon, he returned to the ranch in Jordan Valley and began what was to become a lifelong career as a cattle rancher. This career was interrupted for a short time when he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army. Being assigned to serve at the Army Depot in Richmond, Virginia proved to be more than just fullfillment of service to his country, as that is where he met his wife of 65 years, Sara Morgan.
Sara and Bob were married on November, 9, 1946 and thus began an amazingly devoted and supportive partnership. Their relationship radiated a genuine warmth that was both welcoming and inspirational to family and friends. They resided at the ranch in Jordan Valley and made this their home for well over 60 years. They raised three children: Bob, Nancy, and Sally.
Bob dearly loved the ranch and the lifestyle it offered. He had an immense respect for the land and what it could provide if treated well. Known for his integrity, his professionalism, his knowledge of the cattle and ranching industry, as well as his ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of organizations, Bob was the recipient of numerous awards, honors, and accolades. He felt very privileged to be selected to serve as president of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association and his achievements were valued by the industry. He was on the Board of Directors of the National Cattlemen's Association, served as an Oregon representative on the National Public Lands Council, and was honored for such service through induction into the OSU Agricultural Hall of Fame. He served many years on the Jordan Valley High School Board and the Malheur County and Oregon School Reorganization Committees. One of the accomplishments he was most proud of was working with the Trout Creek Mountain Working Group in Southeastern Oregon. With trust, respect, credibility, and communication, Bob and the group developed and implemented a successful management plan that improved riparian areas of Trout Creek.
Bob exhibited a simple but profound zest and love for life. Spending his life on the ranch gave him a singular appreciation for the changing of the seasons, harvests, sunrises, and sunsets-and he shared that appreciation with his family throughout his life. His humble appreciation for life and the world led to an unending passion for learning-and he spent his entire life discovering current events and wondering how things worked. Some of the happiest times in his life were filled with family gatherings, Sara's baking powder biscuits and homemade gravy, waltzes, crossword puzzles, butterscotch pies, cooking ranch-style breakfasts, Lawrence Welk, root beer, black licorice, steak dinners, pineapple milkshakes, and stories that were understated and always true.
Bob is survived by his wife Sara, his three children and their families, which include eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Bob's family was always his top priority, and he was particularly proud of each and every member's accomplishments. He was truly a gentleman and will be missed by all.
Our heartfelt thanks to Paramount Parks and Hearts for Hospice. A memorial service will be held in the Jordan Valley High School gymnasium at 11:00 am on Sat. September 15. Services are under the direction of Dakan Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of two charities: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, NY NY 10163-4777 or the Jordan Valley Methodist Church, P.O. Box 8, Jordan Valley, Oregon 97910.
Memories and condolences may be shared with Bob's family in his online tribute at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com