The highlights of Robert’s early life were the summers he spent at his uncle’s wheat ranch in Waterville, Washington. He graduated from Yakima High in the class of 1943 1/2. Following graduation Robert enlisted in the United States Navy where he was stationed in Minot, ND. While training there as a Navy pilot, the war ended and he was honorably discharged.
A few years later while in the hospital, Robert met a beautiful red-headed nurse named Mary Lou King. They married in 1952 and together raised seven children.
Robert lived the American Dream. He founded and operated Chinook Sporting Goods, retiring in 1993, was an avid fisherman and hunter, maintained (with Mary Lou’s help) his apple orchard on Naches Heights, remained a devout Catholic his entire life, and was proud to be an American. Dad was truly “salt of the earth.”
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou, his three sons, Dicky, Jim, and Mike, and his beloved childhood friend, Gerald Frandle. He is survived by his four daughters, Margaret Tangeman, Joan Vargas, Mary Cook, Patty Myre, and twelve grandchildren: Jim & Laura Tangeman, David, Andrew, Jeffrey, & Tommy Vargas, Max, Nick, & Jack Picatti, Ryan Axtel, and Megan & Matthew Myre.
There will be a viewing at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Saturday, August 4 from noon until to 5 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 6, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul Cathedral. A committal service will follow at Calvary Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LaSalle high School in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.
Our family would like to thank the loving staff at Summitview Health Care Center that took such amazing care of both our parents.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be share at www.keithandkeith.com.
