Tribute to Bob Melson

Bob can always be counted on for a smile, a laugh, and dedication to his family and profession. He has been there for WAHPERD and for many individuals through thick and thin. He has been the heart state coordinator (JRFH) for 28 years and is the only original state coordinator left! He implemented the Roger C. Wiley Scholarship at WAHPERD, has given years of service as Executive Director not only for WAHPERD but for NWD and Oregon as well. Bob has traveled and presented to every state in America, as well as all provinces in Canada, Japan, Europe, Australia, Fiji, and Costa Rica. He is a lifetime member of WAHPERD and AAHPERD and has served on numerous WAHPERD/NWD/AAHPERD committees. Bob has been instrumental in developing education materials for the JRFH programs. He gathered his resources and Authored Rope Skipping For Fun and Fitness. He was the Honor Award recipient for NWD (1989) and AAHPERD (2006), teacher of the year for Issaquah S.D. 1975 and Lake Washington PE teacher and program coordinator 1985-1990.

An amazing Husband, Father and Grandfather, Bob stays active with snowmobiling, side car motorcycle rides, RV camping trips with friends and family and his love for the outdoors. He always puts his family first; Wife Nancy, Children Ryan, Hallie, Nate and Sadie, Grandchildren Zach, Noalani and Danica with two more on the way.

Above is just a glimpse of the things Bob has accomplished and the time he has given to our profession. He is truly a WAHPERD icon. Bob is retiring in June and passing the baton as Executive Director. Please join me in dedicating our 63rd WAHPERD conference to Bob Melson.

Sing a long! Here are the words to the jingle - tune is Jolly ol' St. Nicholas click here for the music

Jolly ol' Bobbie Jack
We can not delay
We want to tell all the souls
what we're going to say
Your retirement is coming soon;
now you dear dear friend
We would like to celebrate
we're your biggest fans!

Hotdogs had a committed coach,
SAM had a chair
Oregon had a little lead
Northwest had some care
Now Bob's done a lot of work
it'll be hard to fill his shoes
But we wish him the very best
to a guy we hate to lose.

Renee Colleran
President &
Hallie Free
Daughter