Robert "Bob" Togioka

In Loving Memory of Robert (Bob) Togioka

Bob Togioka passed away on October 16 at the age of 75, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was a devoted husband to Patti, his wife of many years; a loving father to Brandon and Shawna; and a proud grandfather to Ella, Brynn, Joel, and Nolan.

Bob was one of the most humble, selfless, generous, and kind people you could meet. Even as Parkinson’s brought increasing challenges, he remained strong and focused on not being a burden to those around him. The disease took many things from him over the years, but never his fortitude, optimism, or strength. He did not feel sorry for himself, and he never wanted others to pity him. At home, Bob was a steady, reliable presence who made sure his family was safe, cared for, and loved. Having grown up in a traditional Japanese household where praise was rarely spoken openly, he made a point of telling his own children how proud he was of them—no matter what. He built them up, saw the best in them, and wanted nothing more than for them to be happy.

Bob met Patti at Gallaudet University in 1974, where they bonded as two of the few hearing students at a predominantly Deaf university. He liked to joke that he was dating the smartest person in the class so she could help him with his homework and papers. They made their home in Oregon, where both built careers in education, working at the Oregon School for the Deaf and in the Salem-Keizer School District.

Teaching was Bob’s greatest passion and calling. He described it as his purpose and felt lucky to do what he loved every day. He taught for a remarkable 48 years before retiring in 2024. His impact reached far beyond the classroom: he received letters from former students years after they had moved on, and he treasured the excited “Hey, Mr. T!” greetings from students who spotted him around town. On Sundays, while many people lamented the end of the weekend, Bob would say he was excited to begin another great week.

While teaching 4th grade, Bob received the Associated Oregon Industry award highlighting his dedication and profound impact he had on his students at Auburn Elementary. While there, he started a district-wide math competition called ’24 Challenge’ which became an annual tradition that extended long beyond his tenure. In his final year of teaching, Bob received the World Language Achievement Award, a rarely bestowed honor recognizing sustained excellence and dedication in the world language education within Salem-Keizer school district. He received the award with a standing ovation as he left the stage, he turned to the audience and signed ‘I love you’, an expression that encapsulates the genuine love he had for his colleagues, students and profession.

Bob’s love of teaching extended naturally to coaching. He coached high school basketball, football, and track at the Oregon School for the Deaf and middle school football at Walker Middle School. He was proud of his middle school football teams who went undefeated for many years. Bob also helped coach the Oregon School for the Deaf Track and Field team to a state victory, an award that is still commemorated in the halls of the school. He also loved coaching and practicing sports with Brandon and Shawna. Summer evenings often meant tennis at the local community college courts, playing until the sun sank too low to see the balls.

Bob remained a sports fan throughout his final year, cheering on teams in the World Cup and tuning in to Fresno State, his alma mater, and Oregon State, where his children studied. Though Parkinson’s limited the active life he had always cherished, it could not diminish his courage or the love and goodness he gave to others.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Noboru; his mother, Yuriko; and his cat, Chockie. He will be remembered with deep love and gratitude by Patti, Brandon and his wife, Jennifer, Shawna and her husband, Ryan, his grandchildren, former students, colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A Rite of Committal will take place at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery on November 25th at 2:30pm, followed by a Celebration of Life in the Patton Room at Touchmark from 7:00 – 8:30pm. (RSVP Patti) No gifts are needed, but donations to the Community Bible Study: Deaf Program on Bob's behalf are welcome (https://us.communitybiblestudy.org/donate/)