Robert B. MartinakFeb. 21, 1932 - April 6, 2010Surrounded by his family, Robert Martinak died Tuesday, April 6, from complications due to cancer.  He was 78.Born February 21, 1932 in Albany, Ore. to John and Sophie Martinak, Bob spent the majority of his childhood hunting, fishing, and enjoying the Oregon landscape.  This passion for the outdoors characterized Bob all throughout his life, and he proudly passed down these interests to his children and grandchildren.After completing his education at Albany Union High School, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951, achieving the rank of sergeant.  He was stationed in Paris for the majority of his enlistment.Bob was married to Verona Meier, the only love of his life, in 1959, and they had three children: David, Karen, and Debbie.As a testament to his hardworking character, Bob only held two jobs his entire life.  He worked as a meat cutter for the D.E. Nebergall Meat Company from 1954 to 1973, and as an assistant operator in the magnesium plant at Oremet from 1973 to 1993.After retiring, Bob spent his time as a proud patriarch, and as a member of the Eagles Club, American Legion, and VFW.  Those who knew Bob remember him as a straightforward, respectful man who worked diligently, and then had plenty of fun afterward.  Though he appeared rough during first impressions, his knack for storytelling and his obvious soft spot for children revealed a family-oriented jokester, guilty of hoarding chocolate and watching a lot of the Discovery Channel.Good spirits never failed him, even when he was hospitalized on march 18 due to breathing problems and heart trouble that arose from his ongoing fight with cancer. He passed away late on Tuesday night, April 6, in Timberview Care Facility.Though his family wished for more time with Bob, they are grateful for the pain he endured to spend a few more years as Grandpa.Bob is preceded in death by his wife Verona, his parents, his brothers Church and Amos, and his "baby sister" Wilma.  He is survived by his son David of Hillsboro, daughters Karen Delaney of Albany and Debbie Bolman of Harrisburg,  brother Ray, sister Martha, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, dear friends, and many more.Services will be held at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary's Church in Albany, on Saturday April 17.  Donations may be made to Saint Mary's Catholic School or Evergreen Hospice in care of the funeral home.  AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).