Robert L. Thrush (Redding ’60)
Posted: May 19, 2026
Robert was born on January 17, 1940, in Stockton, CA, to Elain and Emery Thrush. He was living in the coastal community of Bandon, OR, when he passed away peacefully at age 86 on March 31, 2026.
Robert grew up in Southwest Oregon, where he was a Boy Scout and enjoyed the outdoors. At Camas Valley HS, he served as student body president, going on to receive a full scholarship to the University of Oregon in 1958. He majored in forestry management and remained an avid Beavers fan throughout his life.
In 1960, he rookied at the Redding base, going on to jump the following season as well.
He joined the US Marine Corps in 1963, serving as an F-4 Phantom jet pilot and flying multiple combat missions in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1967.
On June 15, 1963, Robert married the love of his life, Connie Paulsen. They made their home in Central Point, OR, where Robert worked for Boise Cascade. Later, they built a home in Jacksonville, OR, where they raised their three sons, Todd, Timm, and Troy.
In the late 1980s, the family moved to Bandon to be near the coast and build their dream home. Robert embraced all that coastal life had to offer, fishing, boating, clamming, gardening, and making wine from wild berries.
His greatest passion was flying the airplane he built himself. He took great pride in it and loved sharing that joy by taking friends up to fly. He also faithfully served as an elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Bandon.
Just days before his passing, he enjoyed a beautiful day ocean-fishing with friends—exactly what he loved most.
Robert was survived by his loving wife, Connie, but was preceded in death by all three of his sons.
