The world lost a kind and patient soul on September 28, 2025, when Robert “Bob” Lee Maxson Jr. passed away peacefully in Hillsboro, Oregon, at the age of 91. Born in San Diego, California in 1933, Bob’s 91-year adventure was filled with stories, service, and just the right amount of sawdust, film negatives, and camera lenses.

After graduating from high school in Ashland OR, Bob went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Southern Oregon University in General Studies then followed a calling to seminary, earning a master’s degree in divinity and beginning a lifelong journey of faith and compassion. He served as a pastor in New Mexico before moving back to Oregon, where he took on a new mission as a Washington County Juvenile Counselor for 21 years — guiding young lives with the same gentle wisdom and humor he shared in the pulpit. He never really retired from ministry, though; he just went freelance, serving as a volunteer pastor whenever the need arose.

Bob’s early hobbies included scale trains, stamp collecting, reading, sailing, and photography — it was behind a camera that he truly found his creative stride. Whether capturing a foggy coastline, a curious bird, or a family moment of mid-laughter, Bob had an eye for beauty every day. His love of photography was matched only by his enthusiasm for metal work, machining, leather tooling, and birdwatching — hobbies that combined patience, precision, and a little bit of tinkering magic.

And true to form, Bob loved to take things apart just to see how they worked — cameras, clocks, radios, you name it. Sometimes they even went back together again. (Usually.) His curiosity wasn’t just mechanical; it was philosophical. He wanted to understand how everything worked — from the inner gears of a watch to the workings of the human heart.

Bob was happiest when camping, exploring the coast, or telling one of his famously detailed stories — stories that almost always began with his trademark phrase, “You know…” before leading listeners down a winding path of history, humor, and heart.

Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife Patricia “Patty” in 2018, and together they built a beautiful, blended family. He leaves behind his sons Scott and Doug Maxson; Patty’s children and their spouses — Brian and Heather Cave, Alan and Erin Cave, and Stephanie Harris — as well as multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren, and brother in-law Mike Dahl with his wife Suzie. All of them will carry forward his stories, his laughter, and his love of a good coastline drive.

Bob’s life was one of quiet strength, service, and deep curiosity — a reminder that faith and wonder can coexist beautifully. As he often said, “There’s always more to learn, and always more to see.”

He will now be reunited with his beloved Patty once again — surely with a story to tell her that begins with, “You know…”

In honor of Bob, we encourage everyone to take a walk, tell a story, take a photo of something that makes you smile, and consider donating to the Center Church or Lopez Library to continue his legacy of faith, learning, and community.

Services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026: 1:00 pm, Center Church on Lopez Island, Washington, with a reception to follow at The Islander Restaurant around 2:00 pm.