Robert Stevens Gilley

Robert Stevens "Steve" Gilley

March 26, 1935 - August 19, 2025

Robert Stevens Gilley, known as Steve, was born March 26, 1935, in Portland, Oregon, to Robert William and Frances Stevens Gilley. From childhood, he showed the drive and determination that would define his 90 years of life.

Steve grew up in Portland during World War II, remembering the bittersweet goodbyes when his father went overseas and the long train ride with his mother to see him while on a brief leave in Boston. As a boy, he worked as a paper carrier-an early example of his persistence and dedication.

After graduating from Oregon State University, Steve began a career in real estate that took him from Portland to New York, San Francisco, and Hawaii. He founded and led companies and held leadership roles across the country. He was known for being relentless in his pursuits, and he generously shared his guidance with colleagues, mentoring many and helping them achieve success.

In 1965, Steve married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Petersen. Their elopement to Honolulu began a 60-year marriage rooted in love, adventure, and a deep connection to the Hawaiian Islands. Together they raised their children-Scott, Mark, Bob, and Liz-and built a life centered on family. Summers were spent boating in the San Juan Islands, enjoying Tinsley Island in the California Delta, or gathering in Hawaii, where Steve loved hosting family gatherings, ensuring everyone was comfortable-even installing air conditioning in his garage for his grandchildren.

Steve pursued many passions throughout his life. He rode horses and won competitions, sailed in the Pacific and Atlantic, and nurtured a lifelong love of trains and railroads. He found community wherever he lived, from yacht clubs in New York and San Francisco to the Outrigger Canoe Club in Honolulu, and formed friendships that endured for decades.

He was deeply devoted to Oregon State University, serving as a trustee, alumni president, and supporter of the business school. He took pride in seeing his grandchildren follow him to OSU and in sharing his Beaver spirit with them. Steve was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Frances Gilley, and his brother, David. He is survived by his wife Patricia; children Scott (Jodi) Howden, Mark (Robin) Gilley, Bob Gilley (Cindy Gibson), and Liz (Bill) Peatman; along with eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A service will be held at Grace Cathedral on Monday, November 17, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the United Religions Initiative, an organization dedicated to enduring, daily interfaith cooperation; ending religiously motivated violence; and creating cultures of peace, justice, and healing (www.uri.org); or to the charity of your choice.