Robert R. Carney

Robert knew it was time to dance with Kathleen again when he heard Star Dust being played on October 1. It was their song for 65 years. His love for her enduring; the lyrics endearing.

Robert was born in Northwest Portland to Irish immigrants, Michael and Bridget Carney. He and his twin Richard were the youngest of six children.

Robert attended the University of Portland and received a business degree. Because of WWII, he earned his degree in a unique manner. He started at UP, joined the Navy attended Willamette and finished at Harvard. He was sworn into the US Navy as a Supply Corps Officer and assigned to serve aboard the USS Bush (DD529). The ship earned seven battle stars. Three kamikaze planes hit and sunk the Bush on April 6, 1945. Robert received the Purple Heart.

Following the war, Robert and Richard attended University of Oregon Law School. Both brothers practiced law for 52 years. Bob’s career included: Assistant Attorney General, Assistant District Attorney, Assistant US Attorney and private practice at Dunn Carney.

Bob and Kathleen enjoyed traveling, especially to Ireland to visit family in County Mayo. They cruised to Alaska, Mexico, European capitals and through the Caribbean and Panama Canal. They even visited Lizzy in Indonesia. They attended USS Bush reunions making friends across the country. One of his favorite getaways was to Cannon Beach. It had been their honeymoon destination and he loved watching the waves having Mo’s clam chowder.

Bob was a baseball fan. His favorite teams were the Seattle Mariners and Boston Red Sox. He played ball at Lincoln and at UP. Robert liked roses and often said, “For you a rose in Portland grows.” Bob enjoyed telling jokes; some were funny. “If we’re to get along, you have to laugh at my jokes.”  Sharing NW history brought him joy. “Who was Mt. Hood named for?” Bob appreciated a toast of Irish whiskey in the evening. “Slai’nte! Click! Click!”

Robert is survived by his children Mike, Dan, Jim, Liz and Tom, five grandchildren and two great granddaughters.

In lieu of flowers, Robert requested you honor Kathleen by making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funeral Mass of Celebration will be at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 10:00 am on Saturday October 19, 2019.

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