Robert K. Fristad

1920 - 2009

Robert Kenneth Fristad passed away peacefully at the Hospice Care Center April 11, 2009, at the age of 88.

Robert was born on a farm near Mandan, N.D., Dec. 11, 1920, to Odin and Anna (Golde) Fristad. He moved to Kelso at age 14 and lived with his aunt and uncle, Agnes and Henry Showers, until graduating from Kelso High School in 1939. He was a clerk at the Kelso Train Station until joining the Navy in 1944 where he served on the destroyer USS Caldwell until 1946. After returning to Kelso and many months of correspondence, he married Erma Pyle in 1948 at the Kelso Presbyterian Church.

Robert worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for 41 years as a telegrapher/clerk and train dispatcher. He was a member of the Kelso First Presbyterian Church and a very active member of the Mount St. Helens Club, Cowlitz Caravan Good Sam R.V. Club, Morse Telegraph Club, American Legion and the Sons of Norway where he was known as the "Lutefisk King", selling more than 400 tickets to the annual dinners each year. He especially enjoyed deep sea fishing, hiking, photography, traveling, camping and spending time with family and friends. He traveled to Norway, Denmark and Australia. He and Erma enjoyed many cruises to Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal and explored most of the United States with their faithful trailer.

Robert was an extraordinary and unique individual. Whether hiking on the trails of Mount St. Helens or traveling through the forests of Mount Rainier, Robert (or Bob to family and friends) always displayed a can-do attitude that inspired all those lucky enough to hike, travel or ride with him in the old Suburban. Many will remember a few of his favorite sayings, "It's just around the next corner" or "This was the best day, meal, hike, etc., of my life" or "We better do something even if it's wrong." He was a wonderful father, husband and grandfather, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family as they shared many camping and hiking trips, boating, rodeos, concerts and fireworks at the lake, air shows and trips to Hostfest in Minot, N.D., and then to Mandan where he visited the old farmstead. He was a person who truly loved life to the fullest.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Erma in November 2008, a sister and two brothers.

Survivors include two children and their spouses, Nancy (Farell) Harris of Kelso and Mark (Patti) Fristad of Portland; his grandsons, Shawn Harris of Castle Rock, Jesse (Jennie) Harris of Olympia, Neal Harris of Kelso, and Spencer Fristad of Portland; a great-granddaughter, Isabelle Harris of Olympia; a sister, Lucille (Ben) Hindman of Salem; two nieces; four nephews; and a very special cousins, Roger Smith of Glendive, Mont.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Sons of Norway Hall in Kelso.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hospice Care Center or the Kelso First Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements are by Columbia Funeral Service.

Please sign the guest book at www.tdn.com/obits.