Michael Joseph Robert

Michael Joseph Robert, 78, of Eugene, Oregon, passed into eternal life on December 9, 2025. Michael was born in Hammond, Indiana to Martin and Helen Robert on November 11, 1947. He was the second of ten children. The family moved to Indianapolis where Michael attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School and graduated high school from Bishop Brute’ Latin School. During the summers Michael was a camp counselor at CYO camp Rancho Framasa. He continued his education at St. Meinrad Seminary, Indiana University and Temple University where he received his degree in education. Michael then became a teacher in Philadelphia, focusing on children with disabilities.

Michael and his sister Marilyn moved to British Columbia and then Eugene, Oregon in 1970, where they made their home. In 1981 Michael became head gardener at Hendricks Park in Eugene and remained there for the next 22 years. After retiring, he was a guide for seasonal monthly tours at the Hendricks Park Rhododendron Garden. He served on several boards including as Director of District 4 (Oregon) of the American Horticultural Society, receiving recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society giving his name to a rhododendron hybrid: the Rhododendron Michael Robert. He collaborated with botanists on pamphlets about gardening with native plants for the Native Plant Society of Oregon. An accomplished photographer, his work appears in the city’s Hendricks Park Forest Management Plan (2001).

Michael enjoyed traveling and visiting his brothers, sisters and their extended families scattered across the country. He visited many botanical gardens on his travels and enjoyed tending his own large garden. Michael especially enjoyed trips home to Indiana, visiting with friends and family, including reunions with his Latin School classmates from high school.

Michael was an excellent cook and hosted annual Thanksgiving dinners for his family and friends. He was also a fan of University of Oregon sports, especially football, and of Justin Herbert and the LA Chargers.

Beginning in 1984, the Robert family gathers for a reunion every four years at the YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch in Colorado. Michael enjoyed being the Master of Ceremony for the Singalong & Skit Night, much to the delight of the entire family!

In both his professional and personal life, Michael showed his dedication to young people by providing summer youth employment at Hendricks Park, and later in his volunteer capacity and financial support to Eugene’s Hosea Youth Services. He also offered his volunteer support to the Egan Warming Centers. Michael also created and provided funding for the Michael Robert Scholarship, assisting his numerous young relatives in their higher education goals.

Michael and his warm smile will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He leaves behind his beloved family: six younger brothers, Joe (Linda) Robert, Marty (Debbie) Robert, John (Julie) Robert, Jerry (Laura) Robert, Tom (Rosane) Robert, Tim (Susan) Robert; two younger sisters, Jeannine (Dennis) Higashi, Kathy (Dan) Sprau, and his older sister Marilyn Robert (Larry Koenigsberg) ,from whom he was inseparable. He is survived as well by numerous nieces and nephews and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

The family wishes to thank everyone who supported, cared for and prayed for Michael, especially in his final weeks.

A visitation will be held for Michael on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00am at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Indianapolis, 5692 Central Ave., 46220, immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial.

Donations can be made in memory of Michael to:

Hosea Youth Services, 834 Monroe St., Eugene, Oregon 97402 or at www.hoseayouth.org