Obituary of Bob Tidland

Charles Robert "Bob" Tidland Camas industrialist C. R. "Bob" Tidland passed over peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 5, 2013, he was 89. Bob was born October 21, 1923 in the Forest Home residence of his parents Bessie and Ed Tidland, second generation Camasonians and cofounders of the Camas First Baptist Church. Bob was the youngest of four children, three surviving. He was a frail yet driven child, even then endlessly persistent. A life long Camas resident, he ambitiously studied Machine Shop at Clark College in the afternoons, worked in the paper mill on swing shift, all while still attending Camas High School in the mornings. He joined the Navy in the early 1940s, spending three years in the South Pacific and the remainder of his six-year service as a Machinist Mate, running the engine room on a Navy sea-going tug in San Francisco harbor. While on leave, visiting his sister Barbara at then Washington State College, Bob met her roommate Roberta Wilson. They were married in June of 1946 and began their family in 1948, living in San Francisco until his discharge. They returned to Camas to make their home. Bob's father, E. H. Tidland, a blacksmith, machinist, master mechanic and inventor had been involved in the paper mill industry all his life and was well established in that community. After several persuasive meetings with Bob in the late 1940s, they agreed to go into business together to make their invention, a paper mill machine component called an Air Shaft. Bob and Roberta's second son was born in the fall of 1950. Tidland Machine Company opened its doors January 1, 1951. Ted Tidland arrived in 1952. Bob's father passed in 1957 as the new business merged with Camas Welding. It was prosperous post-war times. The company employed around 30 by that time. Business was booming. It became Tidland Corporation in 1967. Tidland purchased the condemned Oak Park School and converted it to enlarge their office space while new buildings were being built. The school house later went to the city and became the Camas Community Center. By 1990, Tidland Corporation had grown from that Camas plant, to 7 plants internationally, employing nearly 200 at the Camas plant alone. After an ongoing bout with poor health, Mr. Tidland opted to sell the company in 1995. A workaholic with many interests, Bob was a true industrialist with an eye for excellence, a joyful heart, and a faithful spirit. In business or at home, he was always busy with his lists, working on projects of all types; digging a basement under his house, clearing land, constructing retaining walls, building a new home and serving others. A trustee with the First Baptist Church and later the Camas Church of the Nazarene, Bob had an uncommon connection with life and nature. He loved working outdoors and caring for his animals; miniature donkeys, alpacas, beef cattle and his dogs. His workshop was his second home. Solitary motorcycle trips and antique automobiles were other favorite pursuits for many years. Everywhere these activities took him, he made friends, here at home, nationally, and internationally through his business dealings. People often express love in different ways. Bob seemed most comfortable in doing so by providing a service. Many can tell stories of his humor and generosity. He was attentive in that way, compassionate, a salt-of-the-earth volunteer caring for his fellow man. Bob achieved much in his life yet, he was not more talented or brilliant than others of his generation. However, he did possess one uncommon quality, an endless persistence in pursuing his dreams. Bob was a humble yet independent man with big dreams. He was well aware of the blessings our Creator bestowed upon him and ever ready to share them. Even in his twilight years, as his health failed, he still would step up and do what favors he could for others. A good neighbor, he was and is still, a blessing to his family, friends, and community. Bob was preceded in transition by his parents; Ed and Bessie Tidland, brother Chester Tidland Mae and sister Barbara Tidland-Gist Elmar. Bob is survived by his wife Roberta, son; Dale Tidland Linda, grandchildren Jayson Tidland Tammy, Sadie Tidland, Max Tidland Elizabeth McCoy; son Tom Tidland Sarah, grandchild Elizabeth Loop Matt Loop; son Ted Tidland Lynn, grandchildren Mandalynn Tidland-Heep Scott, Elaine Cool Chris, Scott Smith Jennifer; and 6 great-grandchildren. 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren A Memorial service will be held at Grace Foursquare Church, 717 SE Everett Rd, Camas, WA 98607, Saturday February 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM. Mr. Tidland will be interned in Camas Cemetery. Straub's Funeral Home in Camas is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or sign the online guest book, visit: www.straubsfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to: C. R. Tidland Memorial, Camas-Washougal Community Chest, P.O. Box 960, Camas, WA 98607, www. http://camaswashougalcommunitychest.org