Robert Ray Withrow

Robert Withrow, a devoted brother, Navy veteran, Boeing retiree, and quiet adventurer, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of humility, service, and quiet curiosity about the world around him.

Born and raised in Seattle, Robert graduated from Cleveland High School in 1964. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country with dedication for two years. During his time aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, an aircraft carrier, Robert received recognition for assisting in fighting a fire—an event quietly tucked away in a newspaper clipping later found among his belongings. True to his nature, he never made much of it, but it was a testament to his quiet courage.

Following his military service, Robert began what would become a 30-year career at Boeing, contributing his talents to one of the most important industries in the region. He retired with a quiet sense of accomplishment—never one to seek the spotlight, but always showing up, doing his part, and doing it well.

Robert was a gentle, reserved man, almost shy, but always kind and friendly. He was not someone who sought attention or accolades; he was the kind of person who was easy to be around—steadfast, thoughtful, and grounded.

At one time, Robert was an avid bicycle rider, so dedicated that he participated in the Seattle to Portland (STP) biking event—a 207-mile journey completed over two days. This passion for quiet endurance mirrored the way he approached much of life: with patience, perseverance, and quiet determination.

In his later years, Robert turned his quiet strength toward helping others, often through humanitarian travel. Though he rarely spoke of it, Robert volunteered around the world—helping to prepare meals, build structures, and distribute Bibles. One of the few efforts he did mention was traveling to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to assist in the recovery efforts. It later became clear that his many trips to the Cook Islands were more than vacations—they were acts of quiet service. His presence there wasn’t just welcomed, but valued, as he quietly worked to support local communities with humility and compassion.

One of Robert’s greatest joys was visiting the Cook Islands, a place he returned to nearly every year. He often shared stories about his time there, including one remarkable moment when, while dining alone at a local restaurant, he was approached by the island's Police Chief, who recognized him by name. He had become such a familiar and welcome presence on the islands that even local officials took note of this quiet traveler from Seattle.

His character was perhaps best illustrated in a story shared by a longtime friend and former Boeing colleague, Otto. The two met while working in separate departments at Boeing during a time when collaboration between their teams was needed. When Otto visited Robert’s department, he found that lingering tensions had created an environment where few were willing to engage with him. Robert, however, stood apart—choosing to speak with Otto when others would not. His willingness to reach out, cooperate, and treat someone from an “unpopular” department with fairness and respect spoke volumes about who he was. It was the beginning of a lasting friendship and a clear reflection of Robert’s quiet integrity and open-heartedness.

Those who knew Robert will remember his dry wit and the twinkle in his eye when telling a story. One such story, fondly remembered by his family, was about a childhood “campout” in the front yard with his sibling. They fashioned a tent from old sheets draped over a clothesline and fell asleep under the stars. The next morning, their mother informed them that the house next door had caught fire during the night, sirens and all—yet Rob had slept through the entire event, a story he liked to retell with a smile, proudly noting his status as a sound sleeper.

Robert Withrow lived a life marked not by noise or flash, but by quiet strength, consistency, and a gentle curiosity about the world. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him and loved him for the man he was—unassuming, loyal, and quietly extraordinary.

He is survived by loved ones who will carry forward his stories and memory with deep affection.