Robert Joseph

Robert Edward Joseph, Jr. was born in Portland Oregon on November 15, 1935 of parents Margaret Murray Joseph and Dr. Robert Joseph and passed away February 19, 2026. He grew up in Salem where his father was the chief of the State of Oregon Tuberculosis Hospital. Bob moved with his wife and growing family to Portland in 1963. He has lived a wonderful life as a positive and loving husband, father, attorney, friend and leader. Bob's kindness loyalty and generosity of spirit will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. One of the greatest gifts Bob will leave behind is a sense of camaraderie that was contagious. "Whenever asked how he was that day his answer was "Never better but how are you?".

He held Law and Undergraduate degrees from Willamette University and was a Senior Partner in the firm of Schwabe, Williamson and Wyatt in Portland for 55 years. He served on the Board and numerous committees of the American, Oregon and Multnomah County Bar Associations. He was Chairman of the Judicial Fitness Commission, served on several state boards, Republican Central Committee, Trumpeters and manager of several campaigns.

He has been President of the Willamette Law Alumni Association and member of the Boards of The Portland Boys Club, University Club, Multnomah Athletic Club, United Pipe and Supply Company, Liberty Northwest Insurance Corporation, Associated Oregon Industries, and Chairman of the Sigma Chi Foundation. He also served as President of Waverley Country Club at its 100th anniversary.

One of Bob' s passions in life was his association with the Sigma Chi Fraternity which began at Willamette University. His car license plate read "BIGSIG". He became the National President of Sigma Chi Fraternity after being involved with many facets of the organization over a 70 year period in Oregon, across the USA and Canada. Bob felt strongly that it was the best way he could contribute to the future leadership and life skills of young men. His brother Bill, two brothers in law, two grandsons, five nephews and many friends and extended family members are all his Sigma Chi brothers. His mentors were many along those 70 years, many of whom encouraged him in law school experience and as his career in the law developed.

He has left in life his wife of 63 years, Gail Larsen Joseph, daughters, Ann Kathryn Joseph Reinhart (Steve), and Mary Patricia Joseph Mansfield (Brock), grandsons Nicholas Reinhart (Anna), Alex Reinhart (Veronica), William Mansfield (Lela) and Henry Mansfield. He cared greatly for his many nieces and nephews, and great grandsons, Robert and Ryle.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Leslie Marie, his brother Bill and sisters Sally Gooding and Patricia Ramsey.

Gifts in his honor may be made online to Robert E. Joseph Memorial Scholarship for Delta Zeta Chapter, mailed to The Sigma Chi Foundation, 1714 Hinman, Evanston, Illinois 60201 or to the designation of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held at the Town Club, 2115 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR 97205 at 4 PM Friday March 6th.