Robert Isadore Cane

Robert I. Cane (Bob) passed away Thursday April 20, 2017 with his loving family at his side, at the age of 102. Bob was born in Shanghai, China on Sept. 7, 1914 to Sophie and Israel Cane. He grew up in Shanghai until the age of 11, when he and his family moved to Los Angeles, CA. Bob proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard from April, 1938 to April, 1941, reenlisting shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor from December, 1941 to September, 1945, as a Quartermaster First Class. Bob met Lou Handley in 1948 in West Seattle at a beach party, and the two were united in marriage on August 13, 1949. They remained happily married for 67 years. After the war, Bob graduated from Business College and was an accountant for the City of Los Angeles, where their two boys Mike and Greg were born. Upon retirement, Bob and Lou owned and operated a motel in Ocean City, WA, which they ran for many years. Another move brought them to Port Townsend, and finally to Oak Harbor, where they have resided for the past 18 years.

Bob was an avid coin and stamp collector in his earlier days; he also loved to garden and won awards for his dahlias and rhododendrons at county fairs. He and Lou shared a love of travel and once drove all over the country in their Dolphin motor home. They also went on countless cruises to exotic places around the world. They cruised well into Bob’s 90’s and were always dreaming about the next cruise. He was an extraordinary person, a quiet leader of his family, always ready with a smile, and a gentle demeanor. He dearly loved his family, which was the most important thing in the world to him. Even in his last days when his body was not cooperating with him, he never lost his innate kindness and sense of humor.

Survivors include sons Mike (Sheila) of Cheney, WA; Greg (Bobbie) of Oak Harbor, WA; two granddaughters, Emily Richter (Andrew) of Roseville, CA and Arianna Cane of Sedro Woolley, WA; his special nephew and niece Jere Rosemeyer of Eugene, OR and Pat Gordon of Camano Island; plus numerous other nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and five sisters.

Bob’s family would like to thank the Regency on Whidbey and Hospice of Island County for their kindness and caring during his last days. The funeral will be on Saturday, April 29 at 1:00 p.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor, with Pastor David Lura officiating. The family suggests memorial donations be sent to Bob’s favorite charity, the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Arrangements under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor, WA.