Robert "Bob" Harold Navarette

Robert Harold Navarette, 90, lifelong resident of Azusa, California and a recent resident of the North Plains community passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at the Avamere Rehab of Hillsboro.
Robert was born on March 5, 1926 in Los Angeles, Ca. He was one of five children born to Victor and Tomasa (Lopez) Navarette. He was raised in Azusa, Ca with his family where he attended school. A young age Robert started working to help support his family, one of his first jobs was working at the old Edwards movie theater.
He was drafted into the US Army in 1944 as an infantry soldier and served his country in the European theater of WWII. He fought with honor and selflessness through the Battle of the Bugle and was captured just hours before reaching the Rhine River. Captured in 1945, he spent 29 long days as a prisoner of war in Germany before being freed by US troops. Shortly after being discharged, Robert reenlisted and served as a drill sergeant at Camp Roberts, Ca and as a Military police officer in occupied Japan for three years.
Robert met his future wife, Helen Ochoa, while working. They soon began dating and following a two year courtship they were married on May 1, 1954 at St. Francis of Rome Catholic Church in Azusa, CA. Following their marriage they made their home in Azusa where they raised six children; Monica, Eileen, Thomas, Steven, Robert and Diana, until moving to Oregon in 2014 to be near his daughters.
He worked in the manufacturing industry all of his life, a production supervisor or a general manager retiring in 1981.
Robert enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren very much, in fact at one point in each of their lives his "rascals" had lived with their "Grandpa".  Upon retirement he became an avid gardener, raising Orchids, ferns and keeping a tidy yard. He loved reading the newspaper and often listened to country western music and would dance "The Twist" when the occasion would arise. When Robert was unable to attend Holy Mass he began watching EWTN daily so that he could faithfully "attend" Mass.  He loved watching the Discovery Channel shows about Alaska.   Robert was known for his immaculate hair, sharp dress, kind gentle personality and sense of humor.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen, a daughter, Monica and three siblings, Victoria, Frank and Raymond.
Survivors include five children and their spouses; Eileen and Daniel Stinchfield of North Plains, Thomas and Liz Navarette of Azusa, Steven Navarette and his partner Patsy Gomez both of Azusa, Robert J and Gretta Navarette of Azusa, Diana Pedroza and her fiancée Raul Acosta both of Beaverton, a brother and sister-in-law; John and Mary Lou Navarette of Azusa, two sister-in-laws Jenny Molina of Duarte, Ana Ochoa of Yuma, twenty three grandchildren and forty one great grandchildren as well as numerous nephews and nieces and Godchildren.
The family suggest donations in Roberts name to EWTN Eternal World Television Network 5817 Old Leeds Rd. Irondale, AL 35210-9948

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