Robert ‘Zack’ Zechentmayer – Aug.11, 1940 – Feb. 27, 2020
Robert, also known as ”Bob” or ”Zack,” Zechentmayer, 79, of Eugene, passed away on Feb. 27, 2020.
Bob was born on Aug. 11, 1940, in what he fondly called ”East LA, Calif.” At 5 years old, he traveled with his parents, Carl and Hilda Zechentmayer, to their bare lot on M Street in Springfield, Ore.
He attended Springfield HIgh School. At the time they moved there, there were few homes. The friends he made as a child he still holds today; they were family.
His last day on Earth, he met with his ”guys breakfast club.” He attended the club since he retired, first on his own two feet, then with a walker and finally by wheelchair. It was truly the highlight of his week.
Bob was married just after high school to Reva Parker, who preceded him in death. He then married his soulmate and best friend, Toni Helvogt Zechentmayer. They celebrated their 30th anniversary on Jan. 6, 2020.
One of his proudest moments was when he adopted his son, Eric Zechentmayer. His first wedding gift was from one of his best friends, Dave, who gave him the finalized adoption papers.
Bob loved to travel, spend time with friends and was an avid antique hunter. He made friends all over the United States and Europe with his interest in Hummel figurines and was the president of the Springfield-Eugene National Chapter for over 10 years.
He traveled to his father’s home in Europe in his younger years, as well as cruised to Mexico and Alaska with friends and family. Bob was quiet, thoughtful and had a great wit and sense of humor.
His brother reminds us that he attended art school in his younger years and was artistic in drawings and carvings.
In high school, he was an outstanding football player. As an adult he loved to ski, which later led him to Bend, Ore., not once but twice in his life. He started Bend Mapping and Blueprinting and Bend Builders Association in his younger years. He also started Data Map, an aerial photo business. He later returned to Eugene and worked at A&K Development until his retirement 10 years ago.
In his later years, he loved to spend time at his cabin in eastern Oregon.
Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Toni; his son, Eric, and wife, Emily; brother, Dick Zechentmayer and wife, Mary Lou; nieces, Deirdre and Marlise and their loving families; sister-in-law, Leslee Brim and husband, Dennis; niece, Jennifer; nephew, James and his family; cousin, Ginny; friends (family) who stood by him in his last few years; you meant so much to him.
His most favorite thing in life, besides family, were his dogs, Oscar and Sparky, who were his constant daily companions and miss him terribly. They let us know whenever he made a move.
Bob requested to have his ashes scattered at the cabin and for no public services. Please say a prayer, raise a glass, or share a story in his honor. Remember the good times.
