Robert Corbett

Robert Corbett peacefully passed away in his home on June 23, 2009, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.

Bob was born on May 30, 1927 in Olympia, Wash. and spent most of his youth in San Francisco where he graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1946. After serving his country for two years in the Navy, he returned to San Francisco and earned his business degree from San Francisco State.

It was in San Francisco that he met his wife, Elena Valentine. They wed on Dec. 2, 1950 and experienced nearly 59 years of commitment, devotion and the deepest love.

Immediately after graduating from San Francisco State, Bob joined the Standard Oil Company where he remained for 17 years, rising to the position of District Manager for Southern Oregon and Northern California. After, he went out on his own buying Medford Moving and Storage and building it into a successful family run and operated business, retiring in 2005.

It was not personal success Bob valued nor let it define him. He was focused on being the best husband, father and family man. Despite the demands of building a business, he always placed his family first, never missing birthdays, school activities or ball games for any of his children.

Bob had an incredible quick smile, warm sense of humor and gentle demeanor. Each of these traits endeared him to those who met him. His affable nature made him extremely easy, comfortable and enjoyable to be around. He was also a gentleman in every sense of the word. Bob had a passion for sports and played hockey, baseball and football in his youth and was a member of the 1941 Madeleine Parochial school football championship, the 1945 AAA San Francisco High School Football Championship and the Navy All Pacific Athletic Football Title team in 1947. However, what he valued most was golf and his Saturday mornings at the Rogue Valley Country Club, as well as family golf outings. In all of his sporting life he valued the experience, the friendships and the good times more than any particular game on its own.

Bob is preceded in death by his twin brother, William; and sister, Joanne.

Bob is survived by his wife, Elena; daughters, Marie Elena, Colleen and Cindy; son, James; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to St. Mary's High School Scholarship Fund, 816 Black Oak Drive, Medford Oregon 97504