Robert Leroy Doty

Robert “Bob” L. Doty, 88, of Mercer Island, Washington, passed away on February 15, 2021. He was in the comfort of his longtime home with his wife and beloved dog Lucy. Bob was born to parents Lloyd and Leora Doty in 1932 in Seattle, Washington. He graduated from West Seattle High School and went on to college at the University of Washington where he continued his hard work, finishing his education as a graduate of the University of Washington School of Dentistry. During college he met and fell in love with Joan Susan “Susie” Doty, the love of his life. They married in 1957 and started their family together, eventually raising four boys, numerous pets, and celebrating over 64 years together. After graduating dental school, he started his career in The Cobb building in downtown Seattle. Currently on the National Register of Historic Places, The Cobb building was the west coast’s first building designed for physicians and dentists. A few year later he moved his practice to Mercer Island where he continued to practice general dentistry until 2019 when he retired. His office, patients, and staff were dear to his heart. His passion for dentistry and love for his patients led to a special and memorable career spanning over 60-years in the community with generations of patients. Growing up, Bob’s family and friends instilled the value of hard work and the zest for life. Bob took hold and never looked back. He worked hard getting into and putting himself through college. At the U.W. he played basketball and rowed crew with passion. As life unfolded after college, he and his family enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing with a deep love for Sun Valley, hiking on Mt. Rainier, tennis and swimming, extensive boating and fishing in the San Juan Islands and Desolation Sound, scuba diving, traveling with family and friends, and even raising salmon at home on Mercer Island. He was a husband, a father, a friend. A little league coach, a student of his profession, a mentor, a well-respected dentist and member of the community, a respected member of the Seattle Yacht Club enjoying activities with family and friends, and a sports enthusiast. He was a kind and giving person who was generous to a fault. An honest and hardworking man who put his family, work, and the people in his life above all else, doing his best for everyone. Being an avid boater, he was truly the Captain of his ship whether on the water, at home, or in the office. He was a special person with a deep love for his family, friends and the joy of life. Bob is survived by his wife Susie; son’s Tim, Bobby (Emily), Mark and Chris (Jennifer); grandchildren Hannah, Marcus, JD and Ashley and a host of other family and friends. He would appreciate anyone so moved to make a donation to the University of Washington Dental School, or any charity of your choice.