Obituary of Robert Paul Jacobson

With sadness we share the loss of a devoted husband, father, grandfather,brother, uncle, and father-in-law, Robert (Bob) Jacobson after a two-month battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme brain cancer. Born in Portland, Oregon to Dr. Paul Jacobson, DDS, and Janette Jacobson, mother and son moved ten days later to join Paul in San Francisco, California who was serving as an Air Force captain at the time. Bob and his younger brother, Stuart, grew up in San Francisco. He attended Washington High School and developed an interest in rocks and geology. The entire Jacobson family became active members of the San Francisco Gem and Mineral Society where they crafted pieces of metal and tone. Bob went on to put his interest in geology to use in Germany as amember of the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. After being honorably discharged, he returned home to San Francisco. Always a person to fix, tinker, and work with his hands, Bob made several trips to help Stu remodel homes in Portland. On one of these trips in 1978,he went on a blind date with Mary Ann Way, a longtime friend of Stu’s. MaryAnn had asked to meet Stu’s older brother for 10 years, but Stu assured her it would never work out between the two of them. To Stu’s surprise, Bob and Mary Ann hit it off at Les Ballets Trockadero and married in 1980. The two have shared a 42-year-long marriage living in the same “fixer-upper” home since they were engaged. Bob’s fixes, improvements, and workarounds can be found in every corner of the house that their two children, Jeffrey and Jené, grew up in. In addition to his wife and children, Bob leaves behind his daughter-in-law,Jodi; his grandchildren, Hazel and Orin; his brother, Stuart; his sisters-in-law, Peggy and Nancy; his brother-in-law, Ted; his nieces, Jackie and Andria; nephews, David J. and David W; and a loving group of meaningful friends. As a family, we have learned from Bob the joy of a life of curiosity and unflinching love for family. Bob gave contagious justice, compassion, curiosity, and gentleness to all he met. He faced his battle with cancer with the same calm and strength of character he showed throughout his life. He was one of a kind and will be deeply missed.In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Red Cross, Oregon Humane Society, or Disabled American Veterans. Being a regular blood donor for 21 years, Bob helped over 5,000 premature babies who could only accept Bob’s rare blood type. Bob’s funeral will be private to the immediate family. A celebration of life will be held with close family and friends