Bob DeArmond was a philanthropist at heart—his passion was to give back to his community and champion initiatives that uplifted others. Along with Leona, his wife of 65 years, the DeArmonds were a driving force for good in the Rogue Valley. Their belief in the power of education was profound, and they dedicated themselves to creating opportunities for young people to succeed.

The DeArmond legacy extends from Jackson County through the Willamette Valley and to Tillamook, where their generosity benefited countless Oregonians. Today, the DeArmond Foundation continues what Bob and Leona started, funding scholarships for students enrolled in SOU’s Innovation and Leadership (INL) Program.

The INL degree is a multidisciplinary bachelor’s program for working professionals that can be completed in-person or online. Its applied approach encourages practical learning and dives deep into workplace challenges, with courses spanning business, communication, emerging media, and psychology.

“Bob believed in the power of education to transform lives. He was particularly passionate about supporting young people through scholarships and creating new opportunities for future generations to thrive. The innovative approach of the INL program aligned perfectly with his desire to help those in need, creating a pathway for students to build productive and fulfilling lives,” said Peggy Jahnke, a longtime colleague and friend.

The DeArmonds made their first home in Rogue River, where Bob, his brother, and father formed DeArmond Brothers Lumber Co. In 1959, that mill was sold and the couple moved to Coeur d’Alene, where they acquired another lumber company. A merger of several smaller companies created Idaho Forest Industries in 1969, where Bob served as chairman of the board until his retirement in 1995. Bob and Leona moved to Medford in 1987 where Bob managed Double Dee Lumber Company. Leona died in 2017, and Bob died in 2021.

Bob’s professional life was undeniably shaped by the lumber industry, and the motivations behind the DeArmond’s philanthropic endeavors were multifaceted. Leona’s influence was undeniable, according to Mike DeArmond, a cousin and trustee of the Founda- tion. “Leona was a major philanthropist. I think that influenced Bob’s decision to give back,” he said.

Bob served on the boards of schools in Coeur d’Alene, Rogue River, and Medford, and this deepened his conviction about the importance of education. This philosophy is at the core of the DeArmond Foundation’s mission. According to Mike, the DeArmond’s personal values emphasized educating children so they could become better citizens; they were people of determination and compassion. “Bob was always working and always thinking about the next project, but he also had a soft spot for people in need. He believed everyone deserved a chance to succeed.”