Robert Lee Wilder

Dr. Robert L. Wilder was born in Portland, Oregon, on March 22, 1934 to Porter G. and Angelina Fabiano Wilder. He passed away September 10, 2016, at Panorama Convalescent Center. His mother died when he was nine years old. His life could have gone in a totally different path but there seemed to always be a teacher, or someone to help him make good decisions. He talked about how the Portland Jewish Community Center gave him a safe place to go after school and helped him develop positive life skills. He chose to help others by providing opportunities for recreation because of this experience. Bob was fortunate to attend high school in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. He put himself through high school. When he was running out of money, he believed he had no alternative but to drop out of school and enlist in the service. The townspeople of Myrtle Creek came to his aid and found him a job so he could pay his bills and continue his education. He attended Oregon College of Education on a football scholarship from 1952 to 1954. He served in the Navy from 1956 to 1958. After the service, he enrolled at the University of Oregon and completed his Bachelor’s degree in 1959. He received his Master’s degree in Recreation Management in 1960. He earned his Doctorate at Oregon State University while on staff. He married Carol Hornish in 1959 and they had two sons, John and James. Bob’s park and recreation jobs included: Superintendent, River Road Park District, Eugene, Oregon; Director of Parks and Recreation, Grants Pass, Oregon; State Recreation Director (Assistant Park Superintendent), Salem, Oregon; Recreation Resource Specialist, Oregon State University; Deputy Superintendent, Seattle Parks and Recreation Department; and Administrator, Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation, Tumwater, Washington. His last position was working on Special Projects for Washington State Parks. He retired in 1994. During his position with the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation, he also served as the President of the American Park and Recreation Society and on the APRS Board of Directors. Bob’s contribution toward the good of mankind was to teach others the value of recreation and its benefits for our quality of life. He was the protector of parks and recreational resources when profit-minded developers tried to steal them from us. He communicated his message in creative ways by touching the hearts and souls of special recreational interest groups. Recreation saved his life and he wanted to save others. Throughout his years, he earned many honors of which he was proud. He also had much of his work published. His book of poetry titled “Reflections of Leisure” is a collection of his poetry that he would use when speaking to special recreational interest groups, which would inspire them. This brought him great joy as many of his poems are on plaques outside parks and community centers. The following is a letter that was written for Bob when he retired. It communicates a message the way Bob would when he was addressing a special interest group. It is a tribute from one of the many people whose lives he has touched. Bob Wilder, Our Partner In Progress July 19, 1994 Partners in Progress Is a phrase that we all share Created by a special man Someone who really cares A man who’s been a leader A man who’s shown the way A man who shares his poetry And brightens up our day A man who shows compassion For water, parks and land A man who gives us guidance And always lends a hand A man who shares his vision His wisdom he imparts That Parks and Recreation Are always in his heart A man who is retiring We celebrate and toast A man we’re here to honor “He’s one of us” we boast Yes, Partners in Progress The meaning never dims Each time the phrase is spoken We’ll always think of him Thank you for being the shining example of a true professional. I only hope that I can accomplish half of what you have done for the field during my career. You will always have a special place in my heart! –Lynn Please leave memories of Bob or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.