Michael Robert, of Eugene, born on the 11th of November, Veterans Day, in 1947, died on the 9th of December, 2025, almost a month after his 78th birthday. He leaves behind his beloved family: six younger brothers, two younger sisters, and his older sister, Marilyn Robert, with whom he was inseparable. He is survived as well by numerous nieces and nephews and many grand-nieces and -nephews.

He was born in Hammond, Indiana, and raised in Indianapolis. He taught school in Philadelphia and lived in British Columbia before relocating with his sister to Eugene around 1970.

Michael had a public presence as the head gardener at Hendricks Park for 22 years, starting in 1981. Before that, he had been the chief shop steward for AFSCME’s Eugene workers. Later, he served on the Walama Restoration Project Board of Directors, and as its Secretary. After retiring, he was a regular guide for spring monthly tours at the Hendricks Park rhododendron garden.

Michael served as the Director of District 4 (Oregon) of the American Rhododendron Society, hosting their annual convention here in 2001. For his services in rhododendron cultivation, in 2004 the American Rhododendron Society and the Royal Horticultural Society gave his name to a rhododendron hybrid: the Rhododendron Michael Robert. Later, he collaborated with Oregon botanists on pamphlets for the Native Plant Society of Oregon, about gardening with native plants. An accomplished photographer, his work appears in the city’s Hendricks Park Forest Management Plan (2001).

In both professional and personal life, Michael showed his dedication to young people by providing summer youth employment at Hendricks Park, and later by volunteering at and donating to Eugene’s Hosea Youth Services. He volunteered at the Egan Warming Centers. He created and provided the funding for the Michael Robert Family Scholarship, assisting his numerous young relatives to higher education.

Michael was a warm and welcoming presence to the many who knew him: friends, family, and professional associates. He radiated kindness and acceptance. He will be missed.