Robert H. Schultz

Robert (Bob) was born on February 5th, 1931 to Harold and Margaret Schultz at St. Elizabeth hospital in Yakima, WA. He graduated from Yakima High in 1949. While at Yakima High Bob lettered in track as a sprinter, and as a downhill racer on the ski team.

In 1946, Bob achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, as well as being tapped for the highest honor in scouting, which is the Order of the Arrow. He also had the honor of being chosen as one of three scouts to represent Washington State at the Boy Scout Jamboree in Moison, France.

In June of 1950, after the outbreak of the Korean War he enlisted in the US Army as a private. He was selected to attend the Leadership School at Fort Jackson South Carolina. He then applied for Armor OCS in June of 1952. Bob graduated 4th in his class as a Second Lt. Armor Infantry at Fort Knox, Kentucky. On June 15th, 1952 Bob married his high school sweetheart, and love of his life, Barbara Nelson. As of June 15th this year, they celebrated 60 years of marriage. After their marriage Bob finished out his military service as a Tank Gunnery instructor at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

In September, 1954 Bob and Barbara returned to Yakima where he began working with his father at Schultz Furniture Store. Bob’s first born son arrived on February 5th 1954. Ironically, Craig’s first born daughter Renee was also born on February 5th. The Yakima Herald Republic wrote an article in their paper on such an unusual occurrence in having 3 generations of firstborns sharing the same birth date. Bob and Barbara’s second son, Rod arrived on December 18th, 1956, and third son, Tyler followed on June 5th, 1958.

In 1959, Bob received his private pilot license. In 1963 he received his commercial pilot license, along with an instrument rating, and a sea plane rating. Flying remained one of his greatest passions throughout his life. In 2007 he was awarded the AOPA 50 Year certificate. In 1959 Bob and Barbara took their first boating trip to Alaska. They spent the next 50 years boating and fishing in Canada and Alaska. He knew the waters of Alaska like the back of his hand. Bob created memories of a lifetime for many of his friends when he would invite them to Alaska for a trip full of salmon and halibut fishing.

In 1976 Bob was asked to serve on the Board of Seattle First National Bank. He served as a member of their board for 26 years. He also served on the boards of Yakima Chamber of Commerce, Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, Yakima Greenway, The United Way, Boy Scouts of America, YVMH Foundation, Seattle Museum of Flight, The Northwest Forum, National YMCA and the Yakima YMCA Board of Trustees. Bob was a 43 year member of the Yakima Rotary Club.

In 1975 after Schultz Furniture burned to the ground he kept all the employees employed while building a new store at 5th and Yakima Avenue. The store was family operated until 2001 when it was leased to Yakima Regional Hospital. Bob was a successful business man in many arenas, and owned and operated many other properties, including Westwood West Golf Course which still remains open today. Bob was a highly skilled photographer. He delighted in sharing his photographs of his friends. Many are the homes in Yakima which have a photo hanging on their wall taken by Robert Schultz.

Bob loved people, which is shown in the diversity of his friends. He could hold a conversation with some of the brightest minds in banking, yet equally enjoyed talking with a fisherman or wood carver in Alaska. But most of all, he cared for and loved his wife Barbara and their three boys, Craig, Rod and Tyler, and their wonderful grandchildren. He had a very special relationship with his sister Margaret and her family. Bob leaves behind his beloved wife Barbara, and dog Leica, sons Craig, Roderick, (wife Jennifer), Tyler and (wife Jill), all of Yakima. Grandchildren, Renee Roline (husband David), Ryan, Ciara, Christopher, Chasen and Nicole Schultz. Bob is also survived by his beloved sister, Margaret Mashburn, and Brother in Law, Bill Mashburn, and their two daughters Jean Spalti, and Karen Mashburn, as well nephew Chuck Babcock and niece Becky Bailey.

The family would like to acknowledge the great care and support that was given by all the doctors and healthcare providers during this difficult time. A private family memorial will be held per Robert’s stated wishes. In lieu of flowers the family requests remembrances to be given to Yakima YMCA and Yakima Memorial Hospital Hospice in care of Keith and Keith Funeral Home, 902 West Yakima Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902.

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