Robert Jackson McNary

Robert McNary passed away on August 10, 2026, at Adventist Hospital in The Dalles,

Oregon. Bob lived to see his 90th birthday, the first in his immediate family to do so.

Robert Jackson McNary was born May 29, 1936, near Brown City, Michigan. His

parents were Howard and Clara Bina McNary. Raised on a farm, he milked cows twice

a day and graduated from High School on his 17th birthday. Bob spent two years in the

Army, stationed in Berlin, Germany. The country was still recovering from the ravages of

World War Two, so Bob became a heavy equipment operator, learning the fine art of dirt

moving and road building. After leaving the service, Bob came to Oregon looking for

construction work. He found much to do. He worked for a time for the Corps of

Engineers and learned dynamite skills while helping complete the Lyle tunnels on

Highway 14. In the 1970’s Bob took a job in road construction with J.C. Compton

Company from McMinnville Oregon and retired from traveling around the countryside in

2000.

Bob married Virginia Turner on July 29, 1963. She was a young widow with two small

children to raise. Bob was up for the task. He was a volunteer Scoutmaster, served on

various church committees and served the city of The Dalles on the Landmark

Commission. He was often seen volunteering in the booth for the Wasco County

Democrats and in the High School looking to register young voters.

Bob loved working outside. He enjoyed his tulip garden that many people viewed while

traveling up or down Brewery Grade. He was the master of the hillside.

Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ginny, their children Dave Turner and wife

Paula, Linda Kuciauskas and husband Matthew, Sally McNary Forster and husband

Scott, his sister Joice Fredenburgh and her husband David, and his sister-in-law Sandra

McNary. Grandson Max Turner, wife Payla and granddaughter Autumn. He also leaves

several nieces and nephews in Michigan and Montana. He was preceded in death by

grandson Joseph Kuciauskas.

A Celebration of Bob’s life will be on Friday, August 21st at the First United Methodist

Church 305 East 11th St. The Dalles, Oregon at 11 a.m. Viewing and visitation will take

place at Spencer Libby and Powell on Thursday, August 20th from 2-6 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to Columbia Gorge Community College

Foundation 400 East Scenic Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058.