Bob "Bobby" Eugene Gladson

Bob "Bobby" Eugene Gladson passed away peacefully in Vancouver, WA. following a stroke. He was 88. Born in McCune, KS, to Leland and Pauline, Bob migrated to Vancouver with his family during the Great Depression. His father worked at the Kaiser Shipyards during World War II. Bob graduated from Vancouver High School, where he competed in track and field. While a student at Clark College in 1950, Bob joined the U.S. Naval Reserve and attended weekly meetings at Swan Island. In 1951, during the Korean War, Bob was called to active duty, and he attended boot camp in San Diego. He then went overseas to Yokosuka, Japan, and was temporarily assigned to the Bremerton, a heavy cruiser that had just been recommissioned from World War II. The ship shelled the coast of Korea and would eventually fire the final shots of the war. Bob got a permanent assignment to the U.S.S. Dixie destroyer tender, which was based in Sasebo, Japan. During his time on the ship, an accident caused him to lose hearing in one ear. Bob ended his service in 1953 and went on to finish his studies at Clark College and earn a degree in history from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR. Bob was introduced to his future wife Gloria (Miller) by her sister Louise. The pair married on July 4, 1959 in Reno, NV. He taught U.S. history at Covington Junior High for more than 20 years where he also coached track and field. Being a teacher gave Bob the freedom to spend time with Gloria and their four children during school breaks. They often traveled to Kansas and Roseburg, OR. to visit extended family. He loved camping and boating at Detroit Lake and Cove Palisades. After retirement, he enjoyed visits to the Oregon Coast and Reno. He was an avid reader of history and westerns. Bob will be remembered as an honest, kind, and generous soul who always put family first and was a doting grandfather. He was always ready with a helping hand when anyone was in need. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill; and his beloved wife, Gloria. He is survived by his four children, Denise Riehl of University Place, WA, Leland Gladson of Vancouver, WA, Nell Gladson of San Diego, CA, and Lynn Busby of Ridgefield, WA; and two grandchildren Nicholas and Leah. Private interment was at Evergreen Memorial Gardens with military honors. Please consider a donation to the Clark College General Scholarship Fund in his memory.

Bob "Bobby" Eugene Gladson

November 30, 1931 - July 27, 2020