In Memoriam: Robert "Bob" Epler

Trustee Robert “Bob” Epler died on August 28, 2020 at the age of 93. Epler was deeply involved in the Forest Grove community throughout his life. He was owner of Epler Farms, and along with his wife Nell, formed E F Nursery which specializes in growing ornamental fruit trees in Forest Grove.

After retirement, Epler and his wife continued to work in the agricultural sector, raising blueberries for commercial packaging and sales to Japan and other foreign markets.

He was very community minded, serving on the Forest Grove Rotary Club as a past president from 1992 to 1993. Epler also filled roles as a board member for the following organizations; Forest Grove Senior and Community Center, Forest Grove School District, Northwest Farm Credit Services, Forest Grove Rural Fire Board, and Pacific University in Forest Grove.

Epler was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Ethel Epler; his two sisters, Betty Dryden and Ruth Nettles; and his son, Douglas Epler. He is survived by his wife, Nell; his five children and their spouses, Mary Jo Epler, of Beaverton, Ore., Thomas "Tom" and Lori Epler, of Forest Grove, Robert Schwarz, of Tigard, Ore., Gloria Laskey, of Forest Grove and Sammy Schwarz, of Portland.