Robert "Bob" Surplus

Robert “Bob” Surplus, 83, died November 19, 2021, after a short illness. Bob was a graduate of Madras Union High School and a long-time resident of Powell Butte and the greater Central Oregon area. Born to the late Robert and Jewell (Rash) Surplus in Southgate, California on April 6, 1938, he spent his childhood between California and Oregon before permanently residing in Oregon. He began his rodeo career as a teenager and continued through his 30s. He was a top bareback bronc and bull rider in the northwest where he rode with the NRA and RCA. At the age of 23, Mr. Surplus enlisted in the military where he served as a heavy equipment operator.

On July 22, 1966, Bob married Georgia (Elliott) at the Church of Christ in Prineville, Oregon. Throughout his lifetime, his church and faith were extraordinarily important to him and he served as an elder with the Church of Christ in Redmond, Oregon for many years. At his core, he was a trader and an artist. Trading leather, silver, cars, and horses supported his family. He also worked for a local trucking company delivering freight in Central Oregon. For his art, he was a talented musician with a passion for playing the steel guitar, but he also played guitar and harmonica. In his 40s he began wood carving. He produced several impressive pieces - some of which are proudly displayed in the family home while others were purchased by people he knew. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Evelyn, and sister Marilyn and her husband Ray Scott. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Georgia Surplus; his brother Ron and his wife, Tresi; his three children, Deena Joseph, Darla Kennedy, Clint Surplus and his wife Shawnele; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and the beloved family dog, Biscuit.

Bob had a kind and generous spirit, always placing the needs of others above his own. He loved his family dearly.  He leaves a legacy of faith, family, hard work, humor, honesty, and a love of the western lifestyle.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 25, 2022, at 1:30 pm at the Church of Christ church in Prineville at 1095 NE Third St.

"God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."  (Revelation 21:4)

 

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