Robert L. "Lee" Penson

Penson, Robert L. 'Lee' 85 Feb. 25, 1927 Jan. 15, 2013 Age 85, a resident of the Hillsboro community, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 15, 2013 at Cornell Estates Assisted Living Facility in Hillsboro. Private Cremation Rites have been held at Hoyt Crematory in Forest Grove. Robert LeRoy Penson was born on Feb. 25, 1927 in Medford, the son of the late Paul L. and Emma J. (Schrecengost) Penson. He lived with his family in Medford until the age of 10, when they moved to the Redmond community, where was raised and received his education, having been a graduate of Redmond High School Class of 1945. He was a veteran of World War II, having served one enlistment in the United States Navy, until receiving his honorable discharge. Lee was united in marriage to Edna J. Hallowell on July 20, 1947, in Redmond. They celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary this past July. Following their marriage, they made their home in the Portland, until 1957, when they moved to the Beaverton community, where they resided for 55 years. In December of 2012, they moved to their present home at the Cornell Estates Retirement Community in Hillsboro. He was a manager in the Tool and Die Department at Tektronix Inc. in Beaverton for over 32 years, until his retirement in 1979. Lee was a member of the Hillsboro Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. #1862. Among his special interests he enjoyed fly fishing, deep sea fishing, hunting and motorcycling, but most of all he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Paul L. and Emma J. Penson. Survivors include his wife, Edna J. Penson, of Hillsboro; his two daughters and sons-in-law, Christine and Ed May, of Banks and Bonnie and Bob Simmering, of Hillsboro; his son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Betsy Penson, of Portland; and his two sisters, LaVerna Holte of Minnesota and Helen Buck, of Yuma, Ariz. Also surviving are his 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. The family suggests that remembrances may be contributions to the Pacific NW Chapter of Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Villiage, IL 60007, in his memory for his great-granddaughter, Kayla VanderZanden, who has SMA, or donate directly towards Mobility for Kayla, www.gofundme.com/ntc88, in his memory. To sign the online guestbook or to send the family condolences, visit www.fuitenrosehoyt.com. Fuiten, Rose & Hoyt Funeral Home in Forest Grove is in charge of the arrangements, 503-357-2161.