In Memoriam

Robert Frazee Main, Jr., MSc’73

Robert MainRobert Frazee Main, Jr., 69, of Bend, Oregon, passed away at home on June 6, 2013, with his family at his side. Bob lived the six months following his cancer diagnosis with the same spirit he showed in the rest of his life – as a loving and active participant in his world.

He was born to the late Robert F. and Dorothy Gillmore Main on Sept. 20, 1943, in Portland. Bob graduated from Parkrose High School in 1961. He received a bachelor of science in mathematics from Oregon State University and a master’s in mathematics from UBC. He married Elizabeth Cole Colasuonno on August 25, 1968, three-and-a-half months after their first date.

Bob taught high school math in Fossil, Oregon, before changing careers to water management in 1977. He worked for the Oregon Water Resources Department as the watermaster, first in John Day, and then in Bend, before finishing out his career as the regional manager for the South Central District. After Bob retired in 2001, he continued to enjoy working as a consultant on water resources issues.

Bob was a voracious reader, and curious about countless subjects – the natural world, travel, politics, geology, woodworking, other cultures, mechanics, history, and on and on. Even as a child, his enthusiasm for learning and sharing knowledge inspired others.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman and was happiest when he was out experiencing nature. He enjoyed sailing, bow hunting, hiking, fishing, camping, exploring, and wandering. Bob was always planning future adventures, even while taking delight in whatever activity he was doing currently.

Bob is survived by his wife, Liz, and their children, Karen Girard (Michael), of Portland; Eric Main (Julie), of Kirkland, WA; grandchildren Abby, Eli, and Nathan; and sisters Kathy White (Max); Polli Romey (Mike).

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Deschutes River Conservancy (700 NW Hill St., Bend, OR) of which Bob was a longtime board member, or to the Deschutes Land Trust (210 NW Irving Ave., Suite 102, Bend, OR).