Robert "Bob" Nils Ottoson

Robert "Bob" Nils Ottoson was born on the 16th of February 1936, the second child of Charles Robert Ottoson and Florence Hooper. Bob had three sisters, one older, MaryEllen, and two younger, Carol and Kris. As a child he listened to the radio with his family for news of the day, and in 1941, it was mostly about WW2. One day, he was playing with matches in an upstairs bedroom when the curtain caught on fire. He ran down the stairs insisting that it was the Germans attacking!

Bob grew up in Alderwood and loved the farm life and animals that surrounded him – cows, chickens and most of all, his horse. He joined Pegasus Riding Club and wore a turquoise vest as a proud member. There were tough times too, however. He contracted diphtheria and temporarily had to have a tracheotomy in place so he could breathe. When his parents decided to move to the city, Bob was not happy about it. They moved into a house with a retail shop attached for his father’s ornamental iron shop & showroom. Bob spent countless hours hammering iron for the many garden gates, fireplace screens and home décor in some of the most beautiful homes and churches in Seattle. He attended Lincoln High School and that was when he first met Ines Gustafson at a Ballard High School dance. They dated for some time but took their own paths after Ines’ graduation. While Bob’s first job was assisting his father in the shop, he later worked at William O. McKay Ford in downtown Seattle. A few years later, Bob and Ines reunited but this time, Lisa and Mark, ages 2 and 1, came as part of the package. He was devoted to Ines and they married in 1965 and he adopted the children as his own. God had a plan. Bob worked welding at Pacific Car and Foundry, but sought a better role so made a stop in Auburn and met Frank Shaughnessy, owner of a local heavy equipment moving company. He got the job, and there, he had autonomy and worked well with the structural engineers interpreting blueprints. Bob was a wonderful husband, friend and father and wanted us to have the same farm-like childhood that he so enjoyed. So… in 1969, he bought the property in Graham and later told Ines about it. Eventually she warmed up to living in the country and now says “It was the best decision he ever made without me.” He loved and indulged his children -- Lisa with a Welsh pony at age 7, and Mark with his first motorcycle at age 9. Snow skiing, inner tubing, camping, waterskiing, sending Lisa & Mark to private Lutheran elementary

school, confirmation, and supported them through graduation from Pacific Lutheran University was showing his love. However, the most important gift he gave his children was the security of a consistent, reliable and steadfast presence as a loving father and role model. He walked the talk in every aspect of his life and demonstrated integrity in everything he did.

He was also a devoted son and would drive from Auburn to north Seattle weekly to visit his mother, Florence, when she was in assisted living and nursing care the last several years of her life. In her last months, someone asked him, “Why do you do it? She doesn’t even know you are here.” He responded, “But, I know.” That encapsulates his character.

Family was also the benefactor of his talents as he created and installed fire-screens for several relatives over the years. Shaughnessy & Co. was a successful organization and was eventually bought by Crowley Maritime. Bob retired from Crowley and together with Ines, enjoyed their home, the San Juan Islands, Semiahmoo Resort, cruises to Alaska, to Mexico (with dear friends Carolyn & Wayne Kenoyer) and the Caribbean Islands (with dear friends Sharon and Dick Ericson). Friendship meant more to him that you might know from his reserved Swedish demeaner, but he valued it deeply. Though generally stoic, when he did speak, it mattered.

Bob also loved his home projects -- from planting trees and rhododendrons to building several trailers and structures on the property. He also used his iron-working skills to help out neighboring dairy farmers and friends with numerous equipment repairs. While he did not see himself as a huge success or well accomplished man, those that knew him best know that he strived for the things that really mattered,… his faith, being baptized again late in life, family, love and devotion shared with his life partner in Ines, (married over 60 years) and the respect and adoration of his children, family and friends.

Rest in peace, until we meet again. ∞