Service. Innovation. Integrity.

Our Founder

Robert G. Harrison was born in Portland, Oregon in 1925. Bob joined the Naval Air Corps and was a member of the V-T88 squadron. He flew 114 documented combat missions during WWII for which he was awarded numerous medals, including the Air Medal, the Bronze and Gold Stars and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

Upon his return from the war, he received a B.S. in Business Administration at the University of Oregon and added graduate studies in political science. While at the U of O, he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, eventually serving as its President. During this time, he met and married fellow student Dixie Mae Haugen and they settled in Eugene where their home was always open to family and friends.

Following work with Crown Zellerbach, Bob acquired the Willamette Valley Paper Company in 1952 with a partner, then subsequently became sole owner, renaming it The Willamette Valley Company. He would go on to serve as Chairman of the Board until his death. The love of his business life was shepherding the development of The Willamette Valley Company and providing for the employees and their families. Throughout his life Bob enjoyed many other business interests. He was Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Natural Resources, a publicly traded Fortune 500 company. Bob also served as Chairman of the Board of Diamond Wood Products. Other businesses included Eclectic Products, Inc. (maker of GOOP adhesives, including E6000 and Shoe Goo) and Peterson Arne.

Though fiercely competitive in his love of business, Bob was even more passionate about relationships, especially with his family. He enjoyed helping people and seeing them succeed. His interest in people created many long-lasting, impactful relationships locally and around the world.

Every fall, Bob looked forward to pheasant, quail and duck hunting. He was an avid supporter of the University of Oregon and especially loved attending football and basketball games. He served as President of the Oregon Chapter of Young Presidents Organization and of the local YMCA. He also served on numerous advisory boards, including the University of Oregon Business School, Lane Community College and Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation, from which he received in 2010 the Tykeson Lifetime Achievement Award.