Robert Richard Bland

Robert (Bob) Richard Bland, age 88, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 13, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.

Bob was born on April 23,1938, in Brainerd, Minnesota to his mother, Irma, and father, Abraham (Dick). He was raised in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota with his siblings Connie and Mike. Bob was a star basketball player at Pequot Lakes High School where he held the school record for several decades of most points scored in a game (50).

Bob caught the cooking bug at an early age at Breezy Point Resort and went on to cook in the Army. After the Army, Bob moved to Arizona and began working at the Arizona Biltmore where he eventually was the Executive Chef. It was here that he fell in love with his wife of 59 wonderful years, Margaret Halfpenny.

Although Bland was his name, Bob was known for his flavorful soups and sauces. He was named the American Culinary Federation Chef of the Year. He was also very active in the ACF Chef’s Association of Arizona, earning many awards and mentoring young chefs. Later, Bob moved into management and was the General Manager at the Mansion Club (Wrigley Mansion), where he hosted Julia Child on a PBS special. He also curated the menu for Pope John Paul II during his visit to Phoenix, for which Bob received an Apostolic Blessing.

Bob rounded out his career at the Phoenix Country Club, where he was well-liked by his employees for being kind, considerate, and keeping a jovial attitude.

Bob and Margaret raised two successful daughters, Sarah and Jennifer. They shared many happy memories with their dad-taking fun vacations, cheering at their softball games and talking sports, especially about his beloved Suns and Cardinals. Their children each married the loves of their lives: Sarah met Rory, and Jennifer met Maureen. He was so very proud of his talented grandson, Kyle, whom he loved deeply and was his puzzle partner for many years, as well as Kyle’s fiancé Steven, with whom he quickly formed a close bond.

In their later years, Bob and Margaret would spend their summers at their beach house in Oceanside, Oregon, which they shared with Sarah and Rory. He enjoyed walking on the beach, growing a garden, and sitting on his swing. In the winters, they spent their time in Buckeye and Scottsdale, enjoying visits with their niece, Heidi, her husband Keith, and their beautiful daughter, Elle. They also enjoyed many adventures with his brother-in-law, Anthony, and his wife, Tali. He loved talking sports with his brother and visiting the local casinos with his sister, and their spouses, Karen and Ed. He loved all his nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his two daughters, Sarah and Jennifer; Jennifer’s wife, Maureen; his grandson, Kyle, and Kyle’s fiancé, Steven; his brother, Mike, and Mike’s wife, Karen; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Scottsdale, Arizona, at a later date when the family is ready.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Parkinson’s Foundation or the American Heart Association.

He will be forever loved and remembered.

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