Robert William Boneham

1961 - 2014

Robert (Bob) Boneham passed away peacefully, at home in Chehalis, Washington, on October 16, 2014, at the age of 53.

Bob was born in Bellevue, Washington, on September 28, 1961, to Roger Wendel Boneham and Ruth Keller Boneham. He was born the fifth of six children.

He spent his entire childhood in Lake Hills, a Bellevue suburb, and received his primary and secondary education in the Bellevue School District. Bob graduated from Sammamish High School, Bellevue, WA, in 1979.

During his childhood, Bob especially enjoyed family outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, hunting, and swimming. As a boy and teenager, Bob enjoyed competitive team sports including soccer, football and softball.

Bob's family is proud that he, as well as his two brothers, each earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

In 1983, Robert received his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice at Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA.

Following college graduation, Bob enlisted in the Marines, and served as a Military Policeman. In 1988, Bob received an Honorable Discharge as a Corporal. After discharge, Robert served in the Marine Reserves, and was recalled to active duty in 1991 during the Desert Storm conflict.

After the Marines, he worked briefly for The Boeing Co. Bob found his calling when he began working toward the rehabilitation of troubled youth. Bob acted as Counselor for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) at these juvenile rehabilitation institutions: Echo Glen Children's Center, Maple Lane School (closed), and Green Hill School.

As an adult, Bob enjoyed hunting, boating, and 4-wheeling.

Robert is survived by his son, Zebulon Robert Montana Boneham, age 16, who attends North Christian High School. Bob predeceases his parents, Roger and Ruth Boneham, two brothers: Roger C. and David W. and three sisters: Deborah Ruth Nicklett, Linda Boneham Hagedorn, and Janice Kellie Urban. He also leaves behind six nieces and three nephews, as well as six great-nieces/nephews, and is godfather to several of his sibling's children.

We will all miss his strong presence, sparkling wit, love of family, generosity and easy-going charm.

Committal will be at Tahoma National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 30th. After the military service, there will be a memorial service in Bob's honor at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Sunset Hills, Bellevue, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, kindly support DAV(Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service.

www.dav.org

Arrangements under the direction of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Bellevue, WA.