Robert L. Eberhard, the familiar face and voice of Eberhard’s Dairy Products in Central Oregon, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017, at his home in Redmond, ending his fight with cancer.

Bob Eberhard was born May 6, 1935, in Prineville, to Swiss immigrant John Eberhard and his wife, Nelda. Bob was a hard working boy, starting a paper route at 12 years of age and, later in his teens, cleaning offices of US Bank and the telephone company. In 1953, Bob graduated from Redmond Union High School. He then attended Central Oregon Community College, and later transferred to Oregon State University where he graduated in 1958 with a bachelor of science degree with a technical minor in dairy products. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.

Bob met his wife, Kaye, at OSU, and they were married on July 3, 1958, for 57 years until Kaye passed away on March 25, 2016. They had two children: Theodore Lee, who died in April 2011 from ALS, and Holly Lynn Eberhard-Maloney, who survives. Also surviving is grandson, James David (JD) Maloney Jr., and two stepgrandchildren, Connor Flanagan and McKenzie Flanagan.

After graduating from OSU, Bob served in the United States National Guard. His first job upon discharge from the military was with Del Monte in San Francisco. In 1962, Bob went to work for Dictaphone Corporation in Seattle. While living in Bellevue, they adopted their first child, Theodore Lee. In August of 1964, Bob, Kaye, and Ted moved to Redmond to join the family business with his father John Eberhard Sr.

In 1965, the Eberhard family grew with the adoption of their second child, Holly Lynn. During that time, Bob, together with his father and brothers, Jack and Richard, expanded the family business into what it is today. Currently, Eberhard’s Dairy Products is a full-service dairy operation located in Redmond, employing more than 50 people, with distribution throughout the state of Oregon. It is currently operated by third-generation family member Mark Eberhard, Bob’s nephew.

Bob has created a lasting impact and legacy in Redmond, Central Oregon, and statewide with his community service as a member and chairman of the boards of St. Charles Health System, and Central Oregon Community College. In addition, he served as a board member and president of the Redmond Chamber of Commerce and of the Redmond Executives Association, and the boards of High Desert Museum, Redmond Development Commission, OSU Alumni Association and the Beaver Club. Bob was an avid Beaver supporter, rarely missing the Beavers’ home games. He was also a member of the Redmond Presbyterian Church.

In the business world, Bob served on the board of the Oregon Dairy Products Commission, as a board member, and chairman of the board of National Quality Check’d Dairy Products Association. In addition, Bob served on the board of directors of a number of other businesses in which he owned an interest.

Bob is survived by his brother, Richard Eberhard; sister, Mary Louise Barnes; daughter, Holly Lynn Eberhard; grandson, James David (JD) Maloney Jr.; two stepgrandchildren, Connor Flanagan and McKenzie Flanagan; and many nephews and nieces.

The Eberhard family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. William Martin, and the staff at St. Charles Cancer Center, Hospice of Redmond, and Bob’s caregivers who gave him 24-hour a day care and companionship. May God bless richly those who care for those who cannot care for themselves.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Highland Baptist Church, 3100 SW Highland Ave., Redmond, OR 97756, with an ice cream social to follow.

If you wish, the family suggests memorial gifts be sent to: The Dairy Science Facility Oregon State University Foundation, Notation: In Memory of Robert L. Eberhard 850 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97333

Arrangements are entrusted to Redmond Memorial Chapel.

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