Robert "Bob" Max Mather

Bob Mather – The Mayor of “Two-Five Street” passed away peacefully after several days of meaningful goodbyes, surrounded by love and friends.

Born to Hellen and Max Mather November 23, 1939, in Spokane Washington, Bob and brother Bill were joined later by Dick. The Mathers moved to 25th Ave in Spokane in 1947. After graduating from Lewis & Clark HS in 1957, Bob served in the United States Army as a wheeled vehicle mechanic, where he “turned a lot of wrenches”. After his years of service, he took his love of cars and wrenches to many jobs he held over his career. One of his favorites was the Bosch Service Station & parking lot, where he worked for fifteen years until retirement in 2008. He remembered it as the best job he ever had. “They were just like family.”

Bob was known for his booming voice, big personality, unwavering confidence, and deep laughter. This laughter was often accompanied by a knee slap, double hand wave, or affectionate shoulder grab. Bob’s recall of his life’s events was uncanny and often would draw an audience on his porch to tell stories, the laughter echoing down the block in both directions. His gruff, opinionated, and unfiltered outer shell was easily cracked. Underneath was one of the most endearing and loving souls who formed lasting relationships. These special connections followed Bob wherever he went, whether the Bosch parking lot, 25th Ave, Touchmark, Sacred Heart, or Holy Family. Bob showed his love through service. In the years after his retirement, one would often find him repairing his friend’s mowers while berating them for not performing proper maintenance. This love often took the form of trespassing to mow a neighbor’s lawn, edging sidewalks, lawnmower tune-ups, raking leaves, snow blowing or putting away every garbage can on the block.

Bob had a heart attack in 2005. His doctor said, “The first time I saw this guy he was dead!” After recovery, Bob seemed to embrace the gift he had been given and increased in love, and gratitude. He was often heard saying “Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!” He was not too proud to be helped, which made space for some of his deepest relationships.

He was the fixture on “Two-Five Street” where he was known as the Mayor. Many of his best friends were the families who came and went on his block over the 75 years in his home. Bob genuinely cared about some of them. He loved the rest.

Preceded in death by his parents Max and Hellen Mather, brother Bill, sister-in-law Patti, niece Vicki and partner of 25 years Sharron Farup (2007). He is survived by his brother Dick and nephews.

In honor of Bob, please service your lawn mowers!

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday June 18th at Touchmark Four Season’s outdoor patio at 11:30 am. A private graveside service will follow at Fairmount Memorial.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HazenJaegerValley.com for the Mather family.