Sept. 22, 1922 - Nov. 16, 2008

Robert Richard Zeemin, 86, of Turner died in Stayton on Sunday.

He was born in Longrie, Mich., to John and Mae Zeemin in the home of his grandparents. At 18 he joined the Navy Seabees and served in the Pacific during World War II to protect this nation.

In 1942 he married June Matthews. They later divorced and he married Lynne Hensal in 1972.

As a young entrepreneur he struggled to buy his first logging truck, working from Lees Camp, and grew his company until he was CEO of Zeemin Trucking out of Albany. He was a longtime member of the Salem Elks. He was a proud home remodeler, fisherman and expert pool player.

Robert was a good and honest man. His integrity could not be compromised, and he served as a loving role model to his children and grandchildren. He was at the same time fiercely loyal and gently caring. He was a gambler and risk-taker and the tower of strength for those around him.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lynne Zeemin of Turner, and his aunt Mimi Wilson of Medford. He was Dad to six children, Robert Larry Zeemin and wife Debbie of Tacoma, Wash., Shauna Thomas and husband Mike Roach of Helena, Mont., Gary Zeemin and wife Pam of Albany, Debbie Garrison of Salem, Bill Hensal of Turner, and Carol Hensal of Stayton. He had 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Willamette Memorial Park.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Lung Association and sent in care of Fisher Funeral Home, 306 Washington St. S.W., Albany, OR 97321 (www.fisherfuneralhome.com).