Robert Ray Ackman

On August 19, 2017 Bob Ackman of passed away at Peace Health Medical Center in Vancouver, WA. He was 89 years old. Bob Ackman was born to Esco and Lucille Ackman in the small farming community of St. Francisville, IL. Growing up on a small farm and losing his mother at the age of two, Bob learned the harsh realities of life early and became determined to make a better life for the next generation. It was on that small farm in Southern Illinois where Bob learned the importance of hard work and strong family values. At the age of 20, Bob met Joyce Delbridge of Peoria, IL through a group of mutual friends. They married a short 11 months later on February 4, 1950. Bob and Joyce celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in 2017. In December of 1951, Bob took a brief hiatus from his young career at Caterpillar to serve his country as a Marine during the Korean War. Upon his discharge from the military, Bob and Joyce returned to Peoria, IL and Bob resumed his career as a sales representative for Caterpillar Tractor. Shortly after returning to Peoria, Bob and Joyce welcomed their first son, Richard Ray Ackman in January 1955. In 1959, Caterpillar transferred Bob and family to Portland, OR. Joyce reluctantly left her hometown with a promise from Bob that they would return in a few short years. Bob and Joyce welcomed their second son, Timothy James Ackman, in July 1963 while living in Portland. As it turned out, the opportunity to return to Illinois did not present itself until 1983 when Caterpillar required him to transfer back to Illinois. Bob opted to retire rather than leave the beauty of the Pacific Northwest; he had become engrained in the fabric of the Portland community. He was very active in little league sports - coaching baseball and hockey and eventually becoming President of the Portland Amateur Hockey Association. He also taught Sunday School to children at Shriners Hospital, one of his favorite pastimes, along with hunting and fishing with his friends. After his retirement from Caterpillar, Bob and Joyce opened two small businesses in Northeast Portland: Crown Video and Active Photo. He truly was a self-made man in every sense of the word. In 1987 Bob and Joyce moved to Vancouver, WA to be near their grandchildren. In 1990, they moved to the community of Fairway Village - a community they have held near and dear to their hearts. They had a very active social life and built strong friendships. Bob joined the Mens Golf Club and played nearly every day - including 8 of his final 10 days, up to the day before he passed away. Bob will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He had a particular soft spot for his family who he loved with all of his heart. From his humble beginnings on a small farm in Southern Illinois to the head of a loving family, Bobs dream of something greater for the next generation truly became a reality. Robert Ray Ackman is survived by his wife Joyce Ackman, his son Rick Ackman and wife Chris; his son Tim Ackman and wife Rhonda; grandchildren Lindsay Bigby and husband Jake, James Ackman, Audriana Vega and husband Charles, Austin Ackman and Aaron Ackman; great-grandchildren Ellis and Logan Bigby. The family has requested a private burial ceremony at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 2nd at 11:00 am at the Fairway Village Clubhouse in the ballroom. Lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to Make A Wish Oregon.

Robert Ray Ackman

March 19, 1928 - August 19, 2017