Robert Yoshitomo Kono

Bob was the third child born to Arthur and Gladys Kono in Honolulu, Hawaii on December 24, 1945.

He was raised in Honouliuli and boarded and graduated from Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu in 1963. He attended the University of Washington and graduated with a B.S. in mechanical engineering in 1967. He worked at Boeing during his college years.

He was drafted into the Army in 1970. After his discharge in 1972, he resumed his employment with Boeing, retiring in 2010.

Bob married Katherine “Pat” Tatum in 1980. They moved to Oso in 1988. With Pat’s vision and instruction, Bob worked tirelessly with Pat creating beautiful gardens on their property.

Bob belonged to the Puget Sound HOG Chapter#4767 and enjoyed being road captain in 2012-2013 and planning every detail of the rides, which suited his OCD personality.

Bob is survived by his sisters Phyllis (Rick) Maietta of Williamsport, PA and Geri Kono of Alpharetta, GA, nieces Becky Lachenmayer, Maile Kono-Wells, Joanne Maietta, and nephew David Maietta. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his older brother Dennis in 1986, wife Pat Tatum in 2007, and companion Annette Kawabe Ward in September 2025.

A memorial service will be held at Weller Funeral Home on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:00 am. Donations, if so desired, may be made to Oso Fire Dept. 21824 SR 530 NE Arlington, WA 98223 or Old Dog Haven, P.O. Box 1409, Oak Harbor, WA 98277-1409.