Family beside him, family which only moments before his passing were following his directions regarding some chores that needed doing. A small handful, representing dozens of other loved ones –who will never forget him and who hope to recognize a bit of Bob in themselves.
All of us are so grateful for his generosity in making the laborious and exhausting journey back home so that one and all could spend time and and thank him for what he gave us and what he meant to us. Amazingly, as we individually shared our love and appreciation he gave each of us that same gift in return.
Bob was something of a stealth patriarch in that he led by example rather than by edict. Asking him about his military service during WWII in the Coast Guard he said, “that’s just what we did, everybody did their share”. He could laugh and joke about nearly anything, but he expected people to do, and be their best. When things went wrong he expected us to examine our behavior and shape up. He didn’t expect any of us to be perfect, he just thought that we should never stop trying to be better and help one another out.
When you use the word “family” in regards to Bob it’s very important to remember that “blood” did not come close to limiting those who Bob considered, or who considered themselves, part of the family.
His Alaska family—folks he worked with, and for, in the salmon fishing industry for many, many years remain close, and willing to travel hundreds of miles to attend what is the event of the summer—technically it’s to celebrate Bob’s Birthday—but in truth we call it the pig roast party and nobody cares about cake.
The highly anticipated pig roast-- hosted by David and Barbara Longfellow at their wonderful Stanwood home includes Bob’s kids, grand and great grand kids, in-laws- a few out-laws and is an all day summer tradition. Dave, his son-in-law and dearest of friends, gave Bob some badly needed respite from all the female energy in the family and reminded him of some of life’s happiest times.
During the parties, Bob always expected an update on how things were going, who was having a baby and what someone’s kid was doing now. And he remembered what people told him, and spoke of milestones and accomplishments as though they were the most wonderful thing he had heard and just what he expected.
His address books are filled with names and numbers of people who may not have known the other people in the same book, but felt that however you got there, you were one of the lucky ones if you were important to Bob.
He and Charlotte -- his wife of 53 years before her death of Alzheimer’s Disease in 1997 both experienced adversity in their childhoods. Bob said that he thought that his marriage and family were so successful was that he and Charlotte had both seen what they didn’t want and were young enough to think that they could do it better together. He also said that they grew up at the same time their kids did.
We all lamented that he and Charlotte didn’t get to live out their plans to travel and just have fun together once they both retired.
The upside to marrying and having children early was supposed to be that they would have plenty of time and good health to share during retirement. Charlotte’s early on-set Alzheimer’s disease put an abrupt end to that route. Rather than complaining or feeling sorry for himself Bob continued with the things that he knew how best to do. He loved and cared for his wife caring for her at home as long as he safely could. He visited her everyday in the nursing facility she lived in. He never left her without combing her hair and making sure she had her lipstick on. He loved and cared for his children and grandchildren. He said, when asked if he should have made other choices he said, ”it was worth every minute.”
His passing, like nearly every other important event of his life, was done “his way” with a nod to Sinatra.
He stayed in AZ doing his daily swimming, biking and card playing activities, as well as keeping up with friends and neighbors of Los Collinas, where he’d been at least a part time resident since 1985 --until last week when he informed his AZ friends that “my kids want me home.” And they did. Bob’s sole regret in leaving AZ was having to leave his dear friend and caregiver Char, who so magnificently looked after him in tough times during the past year. Char sassed him, kept his mind nimble, got him to VA appointments and helped him stay the course. She will always have the respect and admiration of the family for all she gave.
Robert is proceeded in death by his parents: Henry and Lillian Krapp, his sister Trudy, and his beloved wife Charlotte Krapp (Albrightsen). Bob, also know as “Daddy” to his four beloved daughter’s, Barbara Longfellow (David), Charlene Nelson-Carter (Frank), Teri Austin (John) and Debbie Bonn (Keith), Grandpa to eight grandchildren, 15 great grands/great-greats.
You will all have your favorite Bob moment or story. We hope you will treasure it, pass it on, and remember a good, decent man who loved as was loved.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 18th, 1pm at Floral Hills in Lynnwood Washington. Grave side ceremony and reception will follow the chapel service.
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