Retired Pendleton pathologist Dr. Robert M. Connell passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, after a short illness.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa, on April 20, 1928, Bob graduated from the University of Dubuque and the University of Iowa College of Medicine. After an internship at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Wash., he went on to do his residencies at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, and at OHSU in Portland before moving to Pendleton, where he was a founding partner of Interpath Laboratory, Inc. Bob continued to practice medicine until his retirement in 1992, the same year he relocated from Pendleton to Newberg with his wife, Anita, and daughter, Angela.

Bob was a devoted husband and father, and a doting grandfather and great-grandfather as can be attested by those who survive him: his wife, their nine children, seventeen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A leader in his community and in his church, Bob helped found the Blue Mountain Christian Academy in Pendleton. After moving to Newberg, Bob was instrumental in the merger of the Chehalem Valley Academy with the C.S. Lewis Academy and in building GodSong Community Church, where he took particular joy in establishing and overseeing the fellowships library. 

No obituary can do justice to a man as full of life, determination and foresight as Bob Connell. All who knew him were well aware of the characteristics that will be missed with his passing: his wit, intelligence and charm; his vision and tenacity; his deep spiritual conviction and commitment to the Lord. And, of course, his passion for the game of golf.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at GodSong Community Church, 1025 Industrial Parkway, Newberg, Ore. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to C.S. Lewis Academy, Veritas School and GodSong Community Church.