Robert "Bobby" Friedlander was a kindhearted husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend. He passed away peacefully on April 16th, 2021, after battling Parkinson's Disease for many years.
He was born to Albert and Francisca Friedlander on August 27th, 1938. He was the eldest son to his father, a Philippine Brig. General & WWII Veteran and to his mother, a poised and talented pianist.
At a young age, he was known as an adventurer and a star athlete. Known for being the fastest runner in cross country long-distance running, a disciplined swimmer, a fun basketball player, and a first-rate tennis player. In his alma mater, Ateneo de Manila University he still possesses the 3000-meter record for fastest runner plus a 5000- meter championship medal, and until this day his countless trophies are displayed in his home in West Seattle.
After graduating from Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Business Administration and later on an MBA Degree, Bobby started his career at 22 as a Product Manager in DRB Marketing. From there he moved up the corporate ladder and held positions in different companies as Marketing Manager, Director of Sales, and later on President.
He met his wife, Hope in 1961 and after a night of dancing in 1962, they fell in love. It was a whirlwind romance and by 1964 they were married. Together, they had two daughters, Anna- Marie and Amber.
Bobby had a magnetic personality and everyone had such admiration for him. He loved spending time with his friends exchanging funny stories and singing Frank Sinatra hits. Crowds would gather around him and his wife, every time he led her to dance to the Boogie. His close-knit friends looked up to him and listened to him. Bobby was known as a dynamic force with a bright smile, a piece of advice in hand, and empathy like no other.
Bobby had a knack for helping people. When he moved to the US in 1999, he knew he wanted a role that would make an impact and aid people around him. So, he joined a non-profit agency called the Pacific Asian Empowerment Program as a Director. This program was fulfilling for him as it focused on helping refugees and senior citizens in the Asian Pacific Islander community. Like the over-achieving winner that he was, he made sure he served these communities with at least 35,000 hot meals a year. He later retired in 2013 and he was such a force to be reckoned with in the community that Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn declared June 23rd of that year, “Bobby Friedlander Day”.
As one can see, Bobby lived life like the star athlete that he was, he would like to do things in an extraordinary way and always that extra winning mile. He lived to the fullest and loved to the fullest as his wife and his two daughters could attest with the endless flowers for Valentine’s Day and never-ending carousel rides. His grandson, Daniel was spoiled with his piggyback rides and laughing fits. His siblings would all avouch his generosity. The community would all remember his genuine care.
Even in his last years of battling Parkinson’s Disease, he still made sure he took the strides in an extraordinary way, still dancing and singing - celebrating life and the love that he has for the people around him.
He is survived by his better half Hope, daughters Anna Marie and Amber, son-in-law Candido and grandson, Daniel.
A funeral service is scheduled for 9:30 AM on April 27, 2021, at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home in West Seattle. For Bobby lived in those extraordinary strides, come celebrate his life with us.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18