Robert Mix

We miss him. Our husband, father, grandfather and friend, Robert Mix, 95, died Sept. 29 in his home in Corvallis, where he had resided for more than 66 years. Born in Pontiac, Mich., to Lester W. Mix and Grace M. Faling, he was one of three children. His father was with the Ford Motor Company and assigned to help develop a new engine in France. One of Robert’s fondest memories was bicycling through a good part of Europe during that time. He returned to Michigan and graduated with his degree in law in 1941. Robert and Lydia Parkhurst were married in 1942. Two daughters, Dia Shuhart and Robin Mix, were born of this union. He had one granddaughter, Helen Jane Shuhart Ellis. The Mix family continues to thrive in Michigan with the five daughters and one son of Robert’s older brother, Ray E. Mix. There are numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. Robert and Phyllis Fontana were joined in love in June 1973 and remain soulmates through this day. Robert began his practice of law in Corvallis in 1946. He had many interests and was committed to community service. He was an organizer and first president of the Corvallis-Oregon State University Music Association; member of the Corvallis City Council; City Attorney — drafted and promoted a new charter that established council-manager government; District Attorney of Benton County; chairman of a committee that promoted and passed a law to fluoridate the Corvallis water supply; one of the founders of the Barn Theater, now Corvallis Community Theater; one of the founders of the Corvallis Arts Center; one of the promoters and the first president of Timberhill Tennis Club; promoted the establishing of Bruce Starker Arts Park and of the Majestic Theatre; and one of the founders and the first president of Opera Theater Corvallis. With all of his other interests, Robert still managed to practice law. He appeared in 1976 in the Supreme Court of the United States as attorney for Corvallis Sand and Gravel Company. He ceased his active practice of law in 1992 to devote full time to composing classical music. Robert composed nine operas; “Anna,” “Christmas Carol,” “Damien” and “Westward” were among his gifts to Corvallis, Portland and Eugene audiences. His quest for a deeper spiritual level was represented in his writings “Deeper Needs,” “L.L.B.,” “The Companions,” “The Little Christianity Book” and “An Alternative Christianity.” Robert recently shared his autobiography, “The Fateful Era 1917 — 2012,” with his family, friends and various discussion groups. Robert was known for his love of and playing of tennis. He was the Detroit city champion when he was 15 years of age, and continued playing until this last year. He won many trophies over the years at the Corvallis, regional and state level, and played (and finished in the top three) in the four national tournaments of the United States Tennis Association each year from his 50s through 90 years of age. He and his doubles partner were ranked No. 1 in the nation in 2007. Long-distance bicycling also was a challenge and a pleasure. Robert and Phyllis enjoyed a 1976 trip on the East Coast and five trips over most of Europe. One trip was combined with covering much of England, part of Scotland and Ireland, with the final week of the Wimbledon Grass Court Championships. A celebration of Robert will take place at his home. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Robert Mix Endowment for the Department of Music at the OSU Foundation, or the South Corvallis Food Bank, 1750 S.W. Third St., Corvallis, OR 97333. “Love never ends.”

Tributes

Robert Mix

July 11, 1917 - September 29, 2012