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Bob Harrington, a beloved partner, dog father, brother, uncle, and a cherished friend and colleague to many, died on the slopes of Mt. Bachelor on March 5, 2024. He was 58.

A longtime Bend resident, Bob was a dedicated nurse who spent his entire 29-year nursing career with the St. Charles Health System and contributed to the care of countless lives across Central Oregon. He was accomplished at many outdoor pursuits, skilled at woodworking, and someone who found great joy in bringing his guitar and voice to life with fellow musicians. Those who he connected with will remember him for his gentleness, compassion and smile.

Born Robert Douglas Harrington, Bob started life in Portland with his parents and sisters Debbie (now Hatch) and Cindy (now Curran), both of whom also relocated to Bend. He graduated from Beaverton High School in 1983. After attending the University of Oregon to earn a bachelor’s degree in recreation management in 1987, and feeling the call of the outdoors more and more, he moved to Telluride with partner Dana Strome (his spouse of many years, though they later parted), and then to Central Oregon in 1992. Bob worked initially as a raft guide, house painter and ski tech. Along the way, he was an active and involved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Bob was inspired on a river trip — whitewater boating was one of his many passions — by two fellow tripmates, nurses, to become a registered nurse. In 1995, he earned his associate degree in nursing from Central Oregon Community College.

Known for his attention to detail and calm, friendly demeanor, Bob held a number of RN posts in different departments over the years: medical/surgical; intermediate care unit, including as a charge nurse; intensive care unit; emergency department for 13 years; vascular access; and was working in radiology at the time of his passing. Two of his nieces, Sarah and Grace, followed him into the field of nursing, both now employed at St. Charles.

Among a life teeming with travel and exploration, Bob cycled across Europe, rowed the Grand Canyon, trekked in Nepal, ski-toured the Italian Alps, surfed in Mexico and backcountry-skied the Selkirks and the Wallowas. He logged many miles on the rivers, singletrack and Nordic trails across the West, flyfishing here and there. He was a reliable, capable and entertaining adventure partner. Those who traveled with him ate well and laughed hard.

Bob died in the mountains, in a place he loved, on a beautiful day.

In addition to his life partner, Lynne Herbert, and their beloved pooch, Daphne, he will be greatly missed and remembered by his family, his friends and a community that was elevated by his presence.

A celebration of Bob Harrington’s life will be held at Hollinshead Barn in Bend on Saturday, June 1, at 1 p.m. After the service, there will be time to connect with others and join in a community jam. Musicians of all levels are encouraged.

The Bob Harrington Memorial Fund has been established to support musical education through SFF Presents (formerly the Sisters Folk Festival), a program that supported Bob and his inspiration and growth as a musician. Donations in his honor can be made at .