Robert "Bob" Eaton

Jan 16, 1947 -

Sep 25, 2025

Bob Eaton, a longtime Alaskan, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sept. 25, 2025, at the age of 78.

He was born in Peoria, Ill., on Jan. 16, 1947. While driving along the Oregon Coast years later, the beautiful Heceta Lighthouse drew his attention, and he and his wife, Jodi, chose Florence, Ore., as their home. They cherished their life by the ocean for the past 12 years.

Bob devoted his professional life to service and care. He spent 22 years directing and running homeless shelters in Spokane, Wash.; Anchorage, Alaska; and Portland, Ore. Of these, more than 10 years as director of the Brother Francis Shelter in Anchorage were, in his words, the best years of his career. He later served over 12 years as Director of Mission and Spiritual Care at St. Anthony Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center in Denver, Colo.

Bob was a devoted son, brother, husband, dad, grandfather, uncle, friend and pet lover. A lifelong Chicago Bears fan, he also loved to travel. His favorite destination was Assisi, Italy, the hometown of St. Francis of Assisi.

Bob's final prayer for his family, friends and the world was the same as that of St. Francis: "Make me an instrument of peace."

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to: St. Andrew's, "For: Labyrinth and Gardens," P.O. Box 15, Florence, OR 97439; or Oregon Coast Humane Society, 2840 Rhododendron Drive, Florence, OR 97439.