Robert (Bob) Paul Polich, 102, passed peacefully in his sleep at home in his bedroom, surrounded by his family on September 23, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and an incredible, selfless provider for his family. Born in Portland, Oregon, Dad grew up in Northwest Portland in the Slabtown Croatian community, where his parents had settled after immigrating from the island of Šolta and the village of Brštanovo in Croatia.

Dad graduated from St. Patrick’s Grade School, Lincoln High School, and attended Oregon State University. In 1943, he was drafted into the United States Army and served with the 84th Infantry Division, 327th Field Artillery Battalion, the “Railsplitters.” He saw combat in three major European campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge. When asked why he served in World War II, Dad simply said, “We had a job to do and we did it.”

After returning home from war, Dad attended University of Portland where he continued to play hockey and baseball as he did at Lincoln High School, and he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and a Master’s degree in Education. Dad married our mom, Yvonne (Eva), on January 1, 1949. They celebrated 73 years of marriage together. Dad began a 30-year career in elementary education in Clackamas County, Oregon, later teaching at McKay Elementary School and retiring from Bridlemile Elementary School at the age of 58.

Even after retirement, Dad continued to work in sports, which he loved. He was the timekeeper for the Portland Buckaroos, the Portland Trail Blazers for 25 years, and sold tickets at Portland Meadows Horse Racing, and Gresham Greyhound Dog Racing. He was an avid golfer and proudly recorded one hole-in-one. He and Mom took 25 cruises, loved attending dances with friends, and traveled extensively. They made many trips to Croatia and Europe including 8 trips while in their 90’s.

Dad and Mom lived in Portland for 51 years before moving to San Diego in 2000. After 13 years in San Diego, they moved to Richmond, Virginia, in 2013. In November 2024, Dad moved to Denver to live with his son, Bob and daughter-in-law, MaryAnne, where he spent his final years. Dad was preceded in death by mom, Yvonne (Eva) and is survived by his sons, Ed and Bob (MaryAnne), and his granddaughters, Julia-Grace and Emma-Claire.

Dad truly lived 102 remarkable years. His life reflected a generation shaped by duty and service, by family, faith, friendship, education, travel, sports, and an enduring love of life. Dad’s Catholic funeral mass is on Wed October 14 in Denver at Horan and McConaty. Burial of his cremated remains will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Portland.

In Dad’s honor, you may make donations online to support the University of Portland Baseball program through the St. Patrick’s Slabtown Endowed Scholarship,(Giving.UP.edu) or to The Friends of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.(https://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org/ways-to-give).