Robert Davis Markland

Robert "Bob" Davis Markland, age 72, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Wednesday,
August 13th , 2025 after enjoying a day of fishing with friends in Southern Oregon. He was born
on January 17th ,1953 to Janet (Barnard) Porch and Donald Frank Davis in St. Louis, Missouri.

Due to his father's occupation, Bob and his family relocated to eleven different cities throughout
his childhood. After graduating from high school, he spent several years on a "spiritual voyage"
traversing the continent. Adapting to new environments early in life helped him develop a rare
talent for forming meaningful bonds with people quickly. By his early thirties he had become a
proud father of three children, put himself through college, and started his career as an educator.

Bend, Oregon became home in 1991 and seven years later his modern family was firmly
grounded when he married Louise Underdahl. Together they lovingly accepted each other's
children as their own and spent 27 years joyfully invested in their lives as they came of age and
started families of their own. Although Bob had much to love about life, his role as "Pop" to his
nine grandchildren would surely top the list. In 2015, he retired from education after serving two
terms as President of the Bend Education Association, which allowed him to dedicate more of
his time to his family, friends, and passion for travel and fishing. He strengthened existing bonds
and created new ones during frequent gatherings, outdoor adventures, and quiet moments spent
together.

Bob was known for his adventurous personality, captivating charisma, and profound empathy for
others. His absence will be felt wholeheartedly by family and countless friends. He will be
remembered as someone who relished living in the moment and as someone who would evoke
excitement amongst those in his presence. Most admirably, he naturally and openly
communicated his genuine love, pride, and happiness for the people in his world. He walked
through life unabashed while making new connections, challenging unwritten (and some written)
social rules, and choosing to take risks instead of settling for familiar. These qualities define a
life lived to the fullest and explain why Bob will leave a lasting impact on so many.

Robert Markland is survived and will forever be loved and remembered by his wife, Louise
Markland; his children, Tavia (Mark) Sinicki, Cory (Molly) Markland, Rainbow (Amara)
Dreamer, Jordan (Katelynn) Good, and Kayla (Carson) Good; his grandchildren, Paige, Bailey,
Blake, Caladin, Luke, Marie, Augustine, Paul, and Micah; his stepfather, Paul Porch; his sisters,
Julie (Stewart) Galloway and Ann (Steve) Shields; and his large extended family.

A private Celebration of Life will be held in Central Oregon at a time and place yet to be
determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob's memory to
Deschutes Land Trust or Oregon Public Broadcasting.