Ringo

Robert Ringo JD ’51

04/10/2017

Robert Ringo JD ’51 passed away on April 5, 2017, at the age of 92.

Born in Spokane, Washington, on August 18, 1924, Bob moved with his family to Portland as a young child. He joined the Army Air Corps as soon as he graduated high school, becoming a commissioned flight officer and fighting in World War II as a bombardier in the 95th Bomb Squadron, 17th Bomb Group. Bob received several medals and honors, and was named Veteran of the Year in 2010.

Following his service, Bob attended the University of Oregon, where he also began his legal education. He transferred to Northwestern School of Law in order to assist his mother, who lived in Portland. Shortly after graduating, he began a law practice in Corvallis while also working part-time as a deputy assistant attorney. Bob had a long and distinguished career as a trial attorney, developing a respected law firm that grew to its current formation of Ringo, Stuber, Ensor, Hadlock & Smith PC. He also served as president of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, was named Oregon Trial Lawyer of the Year, and served on many boards, including the Oregon State Board of Bar Governors and the American Board of Trial Advocates.

An active philanthropist, Bob supported many causes. Closest to his heart was the Good Samaritan Hospital, for which he led the governing and foundation boards and which he helped to provide free mental health care to local veterans.

Bob was a devoted family man and lived life to the fullest. He is survived by four of his five children: Molly, Charlie, Julie, and Mary Ellen. He is preceded in death by his son, Robert Irvin, who died in 2011; his first wife, Kathryn Reese, to whom he was married for 37 years, and who passed in 1989; and his second wife, Jane Crider, to whom he was married for 20 years, and who passed in 2013.