In just four years, this retired Oregon pharmacist has become a Planning & Zoning Commissioner and OV Historical Society president—proving fresh eyes can make all the difference.
When Bob Kellar walked into his first Planning & Zoning Commission meeting in January 2024, he brought more than just good intentions. Armed with four decades of pharmacy experience, a knack for community building, and fresh eyes from just three years in Oro Valley, he asked questions that longtime residents had stopped asking: “Why do we do it this way? What’s the history behind this decision?”
Those questions have become Bob’s signature approach as both a Planning & Zoning Commissioner and president of the Oro Valley Historical Society—roles that might seem unrelated but share a common thread of understanding how the past shapes the future.
From Oregon Rain to Arizona Sunshine
Bob’s journey to Oro Valley began in the Pacific Northwest, where gray skies dominated his four decades as a pharmacist. After graduating from Oregon State University with a degree in pharmacy in 1977, he built a diverse career that took him from hospital settings to pharmaceutical sales, and eventually to owning a thriving pharmacy and medical supply business in Vancouver, Washington.
“I never dreamed I’d be an owner,” Bob reflected. “But once I took the dare, I discovered how rewarding it was to serve people directly and make decisions that mattered.”
As a pioneer in pharmacy immunization programs, Bob helped introduce in-pharmacy flu shots to Washington State in the 1990s—a service now taken for granted but revolutionary at the time. He estimates he vaccinated over 20,000 people during his career, using those brief appointments to forge real community connections. “Each vaccination was a chance to check in with someone, to be part of their health story,” he said.
Finding Home in the Desert
Bob Kellar
Bob and his wife, Tammy, moved to Oro Valley in 2020, a decision that wasn’t made randomly. Tammy’s father had grown up in Tucson, and family visits over the years had revealed the region’s appeal. “I was tired of gray skies,” Bob admitted. “Oro Valley’s sunshine, outdoor access, and thoughtful planning immediately caught our attention.”
The town’s reputation for safety also played a role. Oro Valley consistently ranks among Arizona’s safest cities, with violent crime rates 91% lower than the national average. “I want a safe community,” Bob noted, “and that gives you peace of mind to get involved.”
Diving Into Local Life
Rather than ease into retirement, Bob jumped into Oro Valley’s civic life. He attended the town’s Citizen Academy, joined the Historical Society after hearing a library presentation, and quickly volunteered for multiple projects. His appointment to the Planning & Zoning Commission in January 2024 felt natural—a way to help shape the community he’d grown to love.
“Bob brings a fresh perspective,” explains a fellow commissioner. “He asks the practical questions that help us think through the real impacts of our decisions.”
Modernizing History
Bob Kellar, President of the Oro Valley Historical Society.
As president of the Historical Society, Bob is leading efforts to bring Oro Valley’s past into the digital age. Steam Pump Ranch, Oro Valley’s only National Register of Historic Places site, serves as the organization’s headquarters and houses the Pusch House Museum, which operates Saturdays from September through April.
Bob has prioritized three major initiatives: digitizing the Society’s archives, securing grants for new cataloging software, and installing Wi-Fi and a functional workspace at the museum. “We want to make our collections accessible, visible, and part of daily community life,” he explained.
The Society’s most visible recent project is a series of large outdoor historical signs installed around Steam Pump Ranch, which operated continuously as a working ranch from 1874 to 2008. These signs support self-guided tours, helping visitors understand the site’s significance, and were made possible by a generous grant from the Oro Valley Chamber Foundation.
“People often tell us they’ve driven past Steam Pump Ranch for years without knowing what it was,” Bob said. “We want to change that—to help people understand that this isn’t just preserved buildings, but the heart of Oro Valley’s heritage.”
Connecting Past and Future
Bob’s dual roles in planning and history aren’t coincidental. Both involve understanding how communities evolve while preserving what matters most. “In pharmacy, you’re always balancing innovation with proven treatments,” he explained. “It’s similar here—we need growth and change, but we can’t lose sight of what makes Oro Valley special.”
His work exemplifies what colleague and Historical Society secretary Devon Sloan calls “History loves company”—the idea that preserving the past is a community effort requiring fresh perspectives and diverse skills.
Building Family Roots
Though relatively new to Oro Valley, Bob has built deep local connections. Two of his children live in Arizona, and his adopted daughter is pursuing a career in esthetics in Tucson. He regularly walks the extensive trail network at Naranja Park’s 213 acres and appreciates the town’s investment in recreation and thoughtful development.
“Oro Valley manages growth without losing its character,” he observed. “That balance doesn’t happen by accident—it takes engaged residents and careful planning.”
Looking Forward
When asked what motivates his continued involvement, Bob returns to the phrase that guides the Historical Society’s work: “History loves company.” For him, that captures what community engagement is really about—curiosity, connection, and shared responsibility for both preserving the past and shaping the future.
“Oro Valley has a fascinating history and a bright future,” he said. “But that future depends on people getting involved, giving back, and learning from those who came before. That’s how we all truly belong.”
Learn More
Visit ovhistory.org to schedule a private tour of Steam Pump Ranch, explore volunteer opportunities, or dive into Oro Valley’s rich history. The Pusch House Museum is open on Saturdays from 9 AM to noon, from September through April.
Planning & Zoning Commission meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 PM in the Council Chambers. Meeting schedules and agendas are available at orovalleyaz.gov.
To nominate someone for our Featured Citizen series, email us at editor@iloveov.com.
