Mr. Robert Bob J. Bakewell

Mr. Robert J. Bakewell was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Bob always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Bob was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.      Bob was born on February 3, 1943 at Monongahela Hospital in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. His parents were John Duval and Geraldine Elaine Bakewell. Bob was raised in Monongahela, Pennslyvania. Always able to express himself well, Bob possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Bob was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Bob was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Bob was raised with two sisters. He had one step-sister, Joyce Meeks and one half-sister, Leann Delso. Bob had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.      As a young child, Bob showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Bob enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in football and track in High School. He was an Eagle Scout. Bob's memorable achievements included Chior, the year that they made it to the National Finals in Washington DC.      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Bob was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Monongahela High School in 1961. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Home Economics. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was his Kindergarten Teacher.      When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Bob. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. He earned his AA from Santa Ana City College, CA and his BDE from Cal State Long Beach, CA. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Masters of Education from Portland University, OR. His favorite courses were High Performace Auto Class at Santa Ana City College. Student Body Class President and Man of the Year.      Friends and acquaintances found Bob an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Bob was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Butch Davis and his cousin, Poonie. Later in life, he became friends with Gary Tabor and Fred Donaldson.      On August 10, 1963 Bob exchanged wedding vows with Flora Lucille Willis Smith at the El Torro Marine Corp. Base Chaple of California. Bob was attentive to Lucille's feelings, and he charmed Lucille and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Bob was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.      Very much like a kid himself, Bob identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Bob was blessed with three children, one daughter, Denise and two sons, John and Rob. They were also blessed with nine grandchildren, Brandy, Amanda, Jessica, Dougals, Emma, Grace, Aubry, Audrey, and Wren.      Bob was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Bob’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Bob was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Bob could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was Teacher. He was employed for 4 years at Santa Ana City College, CA; 5 years at Olympia Techincal C. C.,WA; and 24 years at Auburn High School, WA.      Bob was an US Marine. Bob was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He was in the MCRD Parris Island, SC; 3rd Marine Division (MRDV) 364 Marine Airwing El Torro Marine Air Base; USS Iwo Jima, during the Cuban Missle Crisis, 4th MRDV 364 MAW--1962 Cuban Blockade, 3rd MRDV Combat regiment, DaNang, Vietnam--1963-1964. Bob saw action during the Cuban Missle Crisis, Cuban Blockade, and in Vietman. He achieved the rank of LCPO. He received several awards including a Navy Commendation w/Bronze Star; Vietnam Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.      Bob enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were collection "O" Scale Trains. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.      Because he liked to take risks, Bob was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Bob played football and ran track. Bob was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Football and Nascar.      Bob was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Bob worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. In high school, Bob was a member of the Chior. In college, Bob joined the Assoc. Student Body (ASB), very active in the High Performance Auto Club & later became the instructor for that same club. Throughout his later years, Bob was an active member of the Marine Corp League, VICA, Council for Pop Warner Football, and Coached Little League Baseball.      Bob held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member of the Olympia church of Christ for 31 years.      Travel and vacations were experiences that Bob truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Yellowstone National Park, Cruise to Alaska, and the Grand Canyon.      Bob was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Bob’s favorites was Nipper, a Terrier dog. They were best friends for 3 years. His family was rounded out by his Bitsy, the dog.      When Bob’s retirement finally came in 2005, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. In retirement, he found new pleasure in staying active in church activities.      Bob passed away on December 10, 2009 at at home, Olympia, WA. Bob fought the good fight against cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lucille; his children Ken/Denise Best, John/Danette Bakewell, Rob/Miriam Bakewell; and his grandchildren Wade/Brandy Hellemn, Neil/Amanda Robinson, Jessica Best, Douglas Best, Emma Bakewell, Grace Bakewell, Aubry Bakewell, Audrey Bakewell, and Wren Bakewell. Services were held at the church of Chrst, Olympia, WA. Bob was laid to rest in Mills & Mills Memorial Park, WA.      Bob was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Bob had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Mr. Robert J. Bakewell.