Obituary of Robert Oxarart

June 16, 1936 - Sept. 18, 2010 Bob Oxarart died on September 18, 2010, from complications following surgery. Born in Los Angeles to Frank and Lucille Oxarart, Bob graduated from Stanford University. He came from a family of radio and television broadcasters and went on to a nearly 50 year career in the radio industry. He and partner John Tilson founded McKenzie River Broadcasting, where Bob served as VP/GM at KMGE and KKNU stations. Prior to working in Eugene, Bob worked as GM and sales manager at various radio stations in Portland, Seattle, and Los Angeles. After retiring from his work with McKenzie River Broadcasting, Bob served as the Executive Director of the Eugene Area Radio Stations (EARS), the non-profit trade association representing the radio stations in Lane County. Colleagues remember him for his willingness to mentor young people in the industry. Fancying himself as a bon vivant and raconteur, Bob loved travel, gadgets, socializing, and the occasional purchase from QVC. He is survived by his daughters Leslie Gallagher and Kathy Epperson, and his brothers Frank and Bill Oxarart. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held from 2:00-4:00pm, Sunday, Sept. 26 at Shadow Hills Country Club. In honor of Bob's wife Ann, who died of breast cancer in 1997, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the Susan G. Komen Foundation .A memorial reception will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at Shadow Hills Country Club in Eugene for Robert “Bob” Oxarart of Eugene, who died Sept. 18 of heart failure. He was 74.He was born June 16, 1936, of Los Angeles to Frank and Edith Smith Oxarart. He married Ann Gogins in Portland. She died Nov. 23, 1997.He graduated from Stanford University. He served in the U.S. Army. He was a partner in McKenzie River Broadcasting, was executive director for Eugene Area Radio Stations and worked in the radio industry on the West Coast throughout his life.Survivors include two children, Leslie Gallagher of McMinnville and Kathy Epperson of Denver; two brothers, Frank of Florida and Bill of California; and four grandchildren.Arrangements by Musgrove Family Mortuary in Eugene.