Bob Smith (Oregon politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bob Smith
Chair of the House Agriculture Committee
In office January 3, 1997 – January 3, 1999
Preceded by	Pat Roberts
Succeeded by	Larry Combest
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oregon's 2nd district
In office January 3, 1997 – January 3, 1999
Preceded by	Wes Cooley
Succeeded by	Greg Walden
In office January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1995
Preceded by	Denny Smith
Succeeded by	Wes Cooley
Member of the Oregon Senate from the 30th district
In office 1973–1981
Succeeded by	Gene Timms
52nd Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives
In office 1969–1973
Preceded by	F. F. Montgomery
Succeeded by	Richard O. Eymann
Member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 26th district
In office 1961–1973
Preceded by	Clinton P. Haight, Jr.
Succeeded by	Denny Jones
Personal details
Born	(1931-06-16)June 16, 1931 Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Died	September 21, 2020(2020-09-21) (aged 89) Medford, Oregon, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Kaye Elizabeth Tomlinson ​ (m. 1966)​
Education	Willamette University (BS)

Robert Freeman Smith (born June 16, 1931 – died September 21, 2020), often called Bob Smith, was an American politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. Bob Smith represented the state of Oregon in the United States House of Representatives. He served there from 1983 to 1995 and again from 1997 to 1999.

Early Life and Education

Bob Smith was born in Portland, Oregon. He grew up in a town called Burns, Oregon. His father, Benjamin F. Smith, was a doctor.

Bob went to Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. He graduated in 1953 with a special degree in agriculture. After college, he worked as a rancher. He continued this work until he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1960.

Political Career Highlights

Bob Smith with Vice President George H. W. Bush in 1988.

Bob Smith served in the Oregon state government for many years.

Serving in Oregon's State Government

He was a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from 1961 to 1973. During this time, he became the Speaker of the House. This is a very important leadership role. He was Speaker for the 1969 and 1971 sessions.

After that, he served in the Oregon Senate from 1973 to 1981. He also led the minority party in the Senate from 1978 to 1982. From 1965 to 1969, Bob Smith was the president of the Oregon Public Land Commission. This group helps manage public lands in Oregon.

Representing Oregon in Congress

In 1982, Bob Smith was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Oregon's 2nd congressional district. He served in Congress until 1995.

After a short break, he returned to Congress in 1997. The person who had taken his place, Wes Cooley, had some issues. So, Bob Smith was asked to come out of retirement and serve again.

When he returned, he was chosen to be the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. This committee deals with laws about farming and food. He served one more term before retiring from politics for good.

Personal Life

On February 19, 1966, Bob Smith married Kaye Elizabeth Tomlinson. Their wedding was in Salem, Oregon. Kaye's father worked as a clerk for Marion County, Oregon. By 1971, Bob and Kaye had two sons and one daughter.

Death

Bob Smith passed away on September 21, 2020. He was 89 years old and died in Medford, Oregon.