Robert "Rob" Ranta

Rob was born in Astoria, Oregon. He was proud of his ties to his Finnish ancestry through his father and his ties to this coastal town. He was grateful for his mother's consistent support during her long life (into her nineties). He attended school at North Portland's Chief Joseph Elementary and later at Benson High School, with a subsequent AA degree in drafting from PCC. He is survived by his brother William (Bill) Ranta and his sister Nancy Endsley. He also had close ties in his later years with his grade school friend David Rohr and his activist friend Nancy Hedrick.

He enjoyed his work as a draftsman and felt that he had found his niche. As an adult, he enjoyed trips out of state as well as a brief period working in Alaska. He loved working in his yard on the roses and tomatoes, and appreciated the Arbor Lodge neighborhood's lovely parks and river views.

He increasingly turned to peace and social justice activism in recent decades, including concerns regarding Native American history and issues, American foreign policy (particularly anti-war efforts), environmentalism, the Black Lives Matter movement, and immigration. He was a regular volunteer at the Portland Copwatch office. He was a mainstay for 20+ years at the Friday afternoon Pioneer Square rally and vigil for peace. He made over 100 well-crafted signs for use at such rallies.

He appreciated the support of family and friends during the final stage of his cancer illness. He was a thoughtful soul who will be missed.

Family and friends can leave remembrances at this obituary link connection with Springer and Son Funeral Home. Donations can be made to Portland's Peace and Justice Works (tinyurl.com/PJWdonation), KBOO Community Radio (kboo.fm), or the Oregon Food Bank.