Bob Dallas
Bob Dallas’ wife Rose corresponded with Fred Elder about Bob and his military service. The following are all Rose’s words. They well describe the commitment, love and resolve that transcend typical relationships.
“Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army Aviation Unit in 1966. He was with the 1st/9th Calvary in Vietnam, flying a UH1-H Huey helicopter. He was a Purple Heart recipient during his tour. Bob served until 1969 as a CW2, piloting rotary and fixed wing aircraft. (Right, Bob as a student at WU.)
“Bob also served in the Oregon National Guard from 1975-1977, flying the OV-1 Mohawk, a twin engine turboprop airplane.
“Bob’s first love was always aviation. He often spoke of how he would train with the controls of an aircraft until he ‘felt like he was wearing it in flight.
“His East High friends may remember him from the wrestling team or the band. Bob was a drummer. He always loved to dance, too. (Left, Bob Dallas, 1960)
“Although Bob is confined to a wheelchair due to Parkinson’s and has dementia now, he always looks up if he hears an aircraft fly over. I play music for him during our time together. We even do a little wheelchair dancing!
“Sadly, Bob’s dementia has progressed to the stage that he does not recall his East High years. I have to show him my wedding ring to remind him we are married. Then I get that wonderful smile that shows he still knows me.”
I Remember Bob from the East Hi band. He was in the high energy enthusiastic drum section . I was sitting a short distance away in the saxophone section . I often envied all the fun those guys were having playing the drums while the rest of us were blowing on our horns. It was a lot of fun, Bob. Thanks, Dan Tontz
Dear Dan, Thank you for your memories of Bob in the drum section. I read several of your posts for him, and he seemed to recognize pictures of you and Mr. Thompson. God has blessed us with years of music, dancing and laughter. Now it is the music that Bob enjoys the most. We play “our” songs and are grateful for the good times.
Regards, Rose Dallas