Robert John Lindsay

Robert John Lindsay, of Paisely, Oregon, passed away on March 7th, 2024. He was born March 5, 1951, in Redmond, Oregon, to Clarence “Lin” and Rosalie Lindsay, grandparents William and Winifred Pochelu.

Our amazing father, Rob Lindsay earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Oregon (UO) in Psychology and Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He also achieved a Master of Science in Education from Eastern Oregon University, along with an Oregon Teacher Certificate from UO. Rob also pursued his PHD at UO.

Rob was curious, and his inquisitiveness plus keen intellect drove all his pursuits. In 1969, he was on the ground as a “hot shot” fire crewman - highly trained and extensive knowledge of fire behavior, and in 1970 he went up in the air as a smokejumper, which Rob would say… “yep, right out of a perfectly good plane”. In his next chapter, he became a research fellow at the University of Nevada where he was a companion, caretaker, and American sign language tutor to infant chimpanzees, which later we enjoyed many stories of his time with the chimps. He went back to UO to be a keeper of the zoological research colonies – xenopus to cockroach, and then switched to an OIC researcher studying ancient China and Japan. Possibly his most treasured career was as a science teacher at Paisley High school from 1979-1998. He shaped so many young lives and became beloved by his students. Opening their minds to the find answers through their own discoveries. Fascinating fact, Rob’s teaching style was based on what he learned during his time with the chimpanzees. When he left teaching, he started a new adventure as an Ecologist for The Nature Conservancy to restore the Sycan Marsh preserve to its 1883 regimes. He retired in 2014 and began his well-deserved retirement.

Outside of work, Rob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and simply being with nature. One of Rob’s many talents and favorite hobby was leatherwork. Creating scabbards, holsters, vests, boots, and everything in-between. Where sports were concerned, he loved playing basketball. Picking up games at the Paisely gym, playing 3 on 3 with family, or coaching. Animals were also prominent in his life, he cared for iguanas, snakes, tarantulas, dogs, cats, and a million other creatures. He was also a licensed wild bird rehabilitator for many years.

Rob was married to Ronne Lindsay, sharing a life of 44 years, and raising two daughters. He was a phenomenal father, always supportive, the biggest cheerleader, interested in everything they did, and most of all he made sure they knew his deep love for them. Rob was never considered a “social butterfly” but when it came to spending time with family, he lit up. Through his entire journey, the time he shared with the family clan (wife, daughters, father, mother, sister, brothers, nieces, nephews, grand nieces & nephews) were memories he always cherished and were the most important to him.

Rob’s departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by his entire family and countless others who loved him deeply. The family appreciates your support during this difficult time and asks, in lieu of a funeral, everyone to take a moment to celebrate Rob by being present, opening yourself up to nature and everything around you, experiencing life as Rob did.

Rob is survived by Ronne Lindsay; daughters Rikki Yancey (Travis), Sabrina Lindsay; siblings Bill Frenzel (Beryl), Dan Lindsay (Sandy), Lani Schroeder (Ted); nieces and nephews Billy, Kari, Tracy, Cabe, Jordan, Joey, Dan, John, Damian, Erica, and Kercia.

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