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The following obituary notice for Bob Oas appeared in the Suntree, Florida newspaper:
Robert Harold Oas, 73, passed away at home April 19, 2014, following a lengthy battle with cancer, surrounded by his wife and family. Bob had been battling a rare form of cancer for the past two years.
He was born in St. Paul, MN on October 23, 1940. He graduated from The University of Minnesota with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and later obtained his MBA at FIT. He moved to Brevard County in 1977 and worked for Rockwell Collins until his retirement.
He was a high school State of Minnesota Cross Country Champion, a founding member of Suntree Country Club, and an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman. He was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Bob was a fantastic role model who was always willing to give advice (whether asked for or not) to his family and friends, including his loving wife of over 50 years, Kathy; son, Todd (Lori); daughter, Michelle (Jeffrey);
brothers, Richard (Polly), Roger and Rodney; and extended family. He was an active and loving grandfather to Bailey, Andrew, Caroline and Cade.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 10:30 AM at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 610 Young St., Melbourne. A luncheon reception will follow the service at Suntree Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church or Cancer Care Centers of Brevard.
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We've asked Bob's closest high school friends to comment on their relationship with Bob. Here's a contribution from classmate Bob Erickson:
As most of you know, it is very difficult to lose a close and dear friend, especially one you have known for over 70 years. Such is the case with Bob and me as we grew up in the same neighborhood from the time when we were only two years of age.
I have so many fond memories of Bob Oas from childhood; Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and throughout our high school years. We were on the track and field team -- he was track and I was field. We also became fraternity brothers at the U of MN. We enjoyed so many hunting and fishing trips over all those years that I could not possibly count them all. The last such trip was a hunting outing in Devils Lake, North Dakota in the fall of 2012.
My wife Mary and I introduced Bob and Kathy and the rest is history, as they were married for over 50 years. Bob was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and very involved in all their children’s lives.
Bob was very interested in all young people, especially with regard to education, not only with his own family but all young folks. Every time we were out for a meal or just some drinks he would always engage the server in a conversation with regard to where they were with their education and how important it was to continue.
Bob was very involved in his community, professional associations, his church and Sun Tree Country Club of which he was a founding member.
What I remember and cherish the most is his intense interest and commitment to his close friends, which was unending.
He will be missed by all of his close friends who knew and loved him.
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Gerald Thompson
My deep felt condolences go to Bobby's family. What a great honest person he was, always willing to help someone else, and offer positive encouragement. I knew him since grade school, going back to Fern Hill and probably Lenox. After High School we shared many engineering classes at the U. We often car pooled to the U. together, and I'm sure Bobby hated those sub-zero mornings in my '32 Ford with no defrosters and an old time heater that ran off the intake fuel system. I often think about how much he helped me to get through Chemistry, which was my worst subject. The chem labs were off the scale difficult so we worked together to dry lab them! Thanks Bobby for being a wonderful friend and I will always miss you!
Rod Lazorik
Robert H. Oas, a friend from 7th grade, has past. Although Bob was an ill-informed Fox news watching conservative and I a humble progressive, we had a lot in common. In fact, we both agreed that if by some miracle we were appointed a committee of two and assigned the task of solving the world’s problems, we could do a pretty good job of it. We both filed our own income tax all our lives (Bob looking for loop-holes and I reviewing the year and looking for ways to spread my wealth).
If anything Bob was a good provider (anyway you define PROVIDER) to his family, his church and his community. He thought of Kathy as the best thing that ever happened to him and because of his deep love and endearing respect for her, his wife of 51 years, Bob always put the toilet seat down.
Barbara O'Neil (Horbal)
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO BOB'S ENTIRE FAMILY. YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS.
BARBARA O'NEIL-HORBAL
Charlene Youngkin (Paulson)
I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. It is sad to hear we have lost another classmate. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Joy Rydholm (Gallagher)
I moved to St. Lous Park our Senior Year of HS. I didn't know Robert (Bob) outside of school. What I do remember he was ALWAYS kind and considerate when we talked. It's obvious those qualities were a part of his entire life with friends and family. He was one gentleman I do remember from my Sr. Year. I will be praying for the family and am anxious to meet them some day here, there or in the air! May the Lord give you many opportunities, even unexpected encounters, being able to share your memories with others. May the Lord comfort you now and until either He comes again or we see Robert in heaven.
Joy Rydholm (Gallagher) - Now Gun Barrel City, TX
Bill Dean
So sad to learn of the passing of Bob Oas. I knew him fairly well early on, as we were in Boy Scouts together and were classmates, of course. He was always very friendly to me. We lived a few blocks apart, but close enough that we often saw each other as kids and whenever we were together he always had a smile for everyone. My heartfelt condolences to all his close friends and family. RIP, Bobby.
Mary Reid (Brooks)
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's long illness and his passing. I think of Bob as a very nice classmate who everyone really liked...and who was friendly & kind to everyone. What a terrible loss. Mary Reid Brooks, class of '58.
Timothy Kiernan
I miss Bob Oas. I miss his great smile and warm heart. I miss our heated discussions over just about anything. We would have talks and inform the other about the REAL "FACTS" as we each saw them, shake hands in our special way, then go out to eat. He had an open, quick mind and could argue on a wide range of topics, if only he got his "facts" from the same place I did. The last few years in Melbourne, for me, have not been the same. He is missed by many. Tim
Carol Ellefsen (Simon)
Sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Thinking of his family and friends and wishing them peace as they face the days ahead. He was a special.
Mary Reid (Brooks)
Our classmates have shown how we value open warm-hearted, kindness in each other. Bob represented all these qualities...as do so many of our STLP alums. I love to read the comments of Bob's childhood & sports friendships. I remember Bob sitting in the trumpet section with Bob E.....Did we really value each other when we were growing up? Now as we look back ....we really do! That is a blessing of our senior years. M