Robert Joseph Moreland Jr.

Robert Joseph Moreland Jr., Bobby, Bob, Dad was born to Joe and Marie Moreland on May 14 1936 in Seattle WA. The family moved to the Puyallup area in 1944. The family home, known as the holly ranch, was located on South Hill and is now occupied by the Target store. Bob attended St. Leo’s and Bellermine Prep in Tacoma. During his high school years he was occupied in several pursuits, the ranch, ROTC and Moreland Motors.From all accounts life at the ranch was quite an adventure. One particular story involved sister Jean and brother Bill. It had snowed and Meridian road was closed to traffic. Bob, with all his mad skills, fashioned a toboggan from a piece of sheet metal. Jean recalls sledding quite a distance down to Puyallup. However the long trek back by foot shortened subsequent trips. Bill remembers that the metal edges of the sled were razor sharp, thus any sudden stops or jar risked the loss of a limb. Only Bob could transform a snow day into a game of “you bet your life”. In October 1956, a young attractive blond lady began work at Moreland Ford. She piqued the interest of a certain young man. Bob and Darlene’s first date was October 25 of that year. Punky(Darlene) and Robi(bob) were married October 25,1958. Their “en seret te” lasted 55 years. During the early married years Bob’s career moved from the National Guard to Moreland Ford. He eventually landed at Pacific Northwest Bell. It was here he picked up the nickname of “Spanky”. After 18 years he retired.Bob and Darlene were blessed with 4 children. Bob III, Jim, John and Lisa.Little Bob married Debbie and had 4 children. Kali, Ali, Bobby and Riley.Jim had a daughter named Toni.John married a lass named Katrina.Lisa married Jim Soive and had 2 children J.J. and Chloe. Retirement afforded time, and time afforded pastimes, hobbies and above all else TINKERING. His days were filled with endless woodworking and burn piles, interspersed with monumental tractor work. He loved being outdoors and nature. His nights were filled with web surfing, FOX News and watching war movies. It is privately believed that he “exhausted” two copies of “Band of Brothers”.On a side note, Bob did seem to have an obsession with septic tanks and all sewer related systems. The Meridian house had a poor system and any large gathering overwhelmed it’s capacity. For many years young Bob and Jim lived under the illusion that clearing the main septic line was a critical part of every Holiday Festivity.Probably Bob’s greatest attribute was his deep unshakable faith in God and the Catholic Church. He was very involved in the Knights of Columbus and was Grand Knight for two terms. His legacy will be remembered by a full life and his refusal to not waste a single day. Our family have no doubts that his very existence is that of a “personal legend”.

Albert Einstein once said,

“…future generations will scarce believe that such a man, in flesh and blood, walked upon this Earth…”

Thank You Dad , We Love You