Robert N. Kussman

Robert Kussman passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2015 surrounded by family. Bob was born on Mach 15, 1925 in Astoria, Oregon. His father, Nicholas Kussman, had immigrated to Oregon from Vis, Croatia in the early 1900s. Bob’s mother, Marion, met and married Nick after Nick had served in the Army during WWI. In the early 1920s, Nick founded the Astoria Plumbing Company, and ran it for over 40 years. Bob and his older sister, Frances, lived in Astoria through their high school years. Bob excelled in high school and, during his senior year, he was student body president and captain of the football team. In the summer between his junior and senior years, Bob and two other Astoria boys traveled throughout the United States, representing Hi-Y, and attended the group’s national convention in Washington, D.C. During this trip, he met and had tea with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Bob enlisted in the Navy on July 1, 1943. He was always fascinated with flying and wanted to become a Naval Aviator. He attended the Navy V-5 flight training program with stops in Oakland and San Luis Obispo, California, and Glenview, Illinois. After earning his wings, Bob flew nearly every type of aircraft the Navy had to offer. He remained on active and reserve duty for 33 years, retiring in 1973 as a full Commander. In the late 1940s, Bob returned to the Pacific Northwest, was married, and had two sons, Don and Dave. Sadly, Bob’s wife, Bonnie, passed away in 1953, leaving him alone to raise two baby boys. His parents, Nick and Marion, offered to take the boys so Bob could continue with his career. Most every weekend, Bob would drive from Tacoma to Astoria to be with his boys. Bob graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in mechanical engineering, and had started working for a company in Tacoma, Washington, called Container Corp. of America. He worked his way through the ranks at CCA, becoming Superintendent of the mill, and later General Manager. He retired from CCA in 1987. In the mid-1950s, Bob became active in supporting the South End Boys and Girls Club in Tacoma. He served as president and also was on the board of directors in those early years, and continued his support throughout his life. Donations can be made in his name to the South Puget Sound Boys and Girls Club at www.bgcsps.org. In the early 1970s, Bob met the love of his life, Lois, who had been widowed and lived in a small cabin on Hood Canal with her daughters, Linda and Leslee. After a courtship, Bob and Lois married in 1972 and lived happily together for 42 years. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Lois; sons Don (Rebecca) and Dave (Sharon); daughters, Linda (Corky) and Leslee (Denny); 11 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren. Thanks, Dad, for the love, gifts and legacy you’ve given to your family. We are forever grateful. “Old sailors never die; they just keep bob, bob, bobbin’ along.” – Bob Kussman Please leave memories of Bob or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.