Robert James Enloe

We sadly announce that Bob passed away on February 17, 2025, at 76 years old. He was born to Bobby and Elsie Enloe on October 12, 1948, in Seattle, Washington, as the younger twin after his sister Dianne. He was blessed to spend his final days in Mexico, a happy place filled with sunshine, swimming pools and great conversation with those around him.

Bobby, as many friends and family called him, grew up in Ballard and a ride through the area was always filled with stories of the homes he lived in and memories of growing up. He spent many hours at the Loyal Heights playfields engaged with friends in his favorite sports of baseball, football and basketball. He graduated from Ballard High School in 1966.

Following High School, Bob enlisted in the Navy in 1967. After training in Pensacola Florida, he was sent to Da Nang Air Base in Vietnam. In 1970 he flew as a Communications Technician Seaman with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron in an active combat area. His commitment to duty exemplified the highest standards of the US Naval Service. Bob returned home upon the death of his mother in July of 1970 and received an honorable discharge.

Upon returning home from the service, he lived in Ballard and began working in the restaurant industry. There was a cute blonde girl that lived across the street from him, and it was her black poodle that opened the door to them meeting. Bob and Marilyn married on December 16, 1972, a year after they met. Bob often proudly mentioned their 52 years together in conversations, even fitting it in at the grocery check-out. They had a great life together, with family, friends and travels - especially to Mexico, and Marilyn even put up with his love of collecting or as he called it “accumulating stuff.”

As a spouse, a prerequisite was to love McKee’s Beach! Not to disappoint, he became passionate about the family cabin and followed in the footsteps of his father-in-law and brothers-in-law to learn the ropes of launching boats, mowing the lawn and of course catching and cooking crab and digging clams.

In his early career, Bob worked in many Ballard restaurants, particularly on Shilshole, gaining experience in the trade. As a quick learner, he moved into management and transitioned to traveling the country to supervise opening new locations for Red Robin. Over the years, his most rewarding career was with Hood River Distillers as a Sales Manager. When Bob retired, he had to keep busy, and he jumped in with both feet to open Bob’s Lake City Liquors where he spent 10 years sharing his expertise of all things related to spirits, especially his extensive knowledge of tequila.

Bob's passion for sports was evident in his support for Brent and Amy in baseball and gymnastics, as he attended every game and meet. His love of baseball led him to coach Little League for many years, where he bonded with Brent over their shared enthusiasm. He took great pleasure in guiding young players in skills, sportsmanship, dedication, and teamwork, and he followed the accomplishments of these young athletes as they grew. Most recently, he was thrilled to watch his grandson Zachary play football, especially at his childhood field Loyal Heights.

When Bob truly retired, he dedicated more time to activities at Luther Memorial Church. He was often seen setting up for events, mowing the lawn, or stocking the community pantry. His favorite moments were Sunday mornings at a table in the Narthex with the “Men’s Group” discussing sports, a bit of politics, and of course, his expertise in the liquor business. He cherished these conversations.

He is survived by spouse Marilyn; twin sister Dianne (Doug) and family; daughter Amy (Jeff); and son Brent (Hannah). He was a loved grandpa of 5 grandchildren: Zach, Aubrey, Elsie, Ivy and Goldie. Many other family members have shared in his life.

He made many longtime friends over the years and enjoyed telling stories, as he easily engaged in conversations with anyone he met. We are deeply thankful for the outpouring of support and shared memories of Bob's life.

We will honor his memory at a service on March 22nd at 12:00p.m. at Luther Memorial Church, 13047 Greenwood Ave N., Seattle, WA 98133 followed by a reception.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Luther Memorial Community Free Pantry that provides shelf stable foods for those in need.