Surnames: Moore, Payne, Blair Robert Vincent Moore, 86, a resident of The Dalles, died Friday, December 28, 2001 at the Oregon Veterans Home (The Dalles). He was born July 20, 1915 in Portland to Robert Elson and Jessie Almeda (Payne) Moore and grew up in Fossil (Oregon). He joined the U.S. Army in October 1941 and served with the 79th Fighter group of the 83rd Fighter Squadron in the air offensive in Europe. He saw action at Normandy; throughout northern France, in the Ardennes and the Rhineland in central Europe. Following his discharge in 1945 he returned to Oregon and began working as a heavy equipment operator for Local 701 of the International Brotherhood of Operating Engineers and continued as a member of that local for over 50 years. He worked on many of the hydroelectric projects along the Columbia River in addition to many other highway and building projects. He retired as a heavy equipment mechanic. He married Mildred J. Blair in Stevenson, Washington on December 4, 1969; she preceded him in death in 1995. During their married life they both enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting. He was a long-time member of the National Rifle Association, and an active supporter of the local Salvation Army post, the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, the American Red Cross, and several other charities. In addition to his wife and his parents, he was preceded by a sister, Violet. In accordance with his wishes no services will be held. Disposition was by cremation. Arrangements were by Columbia Cremation & Burial. The Dalles Chronicle January 2, 2002 Written permission to reprint obituary given by The Dalles Chronicle, The Dalles, Oregon. Copied and submitted by Earline Wasser