Robert Fleeman

Originally from Santa Monica, California, Bob was born July 22,1948.

Bob moved and worked many places in his younger years, settling in Santa Clara, California where he worked for Rolm Corporation as a Technician and Health and Safety Officer.

It was there he met the love of his life Marie in 1985. Their courtship began 5 years before they married, which Bob had stated " I'm going to marry you though not till my daughter turns 18". Sure enough, on his daughter's 18th birthday, he proposed.

He was a man of his word for sure.

On June 2,1990, Bob and Marie married in a beautiful backyard ceremony surrounded by family and close friends.

In 1991, changes in Rolm Corp. of relocation to other states or employee buy out, the couple decided to take the buy out and start their own company. They moved to Olympia and did just that. They opened

American Homes of Olympia , General Contracting. Determined to have an adventure while starting a new business in a new state, they did it out of their truck and camper in a campground, until they found the home of their dreams. In 1992, they found that home and settled there for the remainder of Bob's life.

After many years of owning a successful business, the couple decided that 9-5 hours would better benefit their lives. Bob retired in 2014. He was a jack of many trades and loved to work with his hands. He loved his yard and he took great pride in it. He was a car buff, working on and restoring them. He loved car shows, music and yes, the casinos!

Now, over their 30 years together, they had a lifetime of fun and adventures, One of which was a vacation to Alaska where a man wanted to buy Marie and Daughter Sheila, as 'women were scarce in back woods Alaska'. Of course Bob and his joking personality thought sure, I'll sell you the women, although he had a plan. He'd get the money and then save the women. True Story. Of course he didn't sell them, but his little joke was "I could've been wealthy". HaHa!

Anyone who knew Bob knew he as a practical joker, and that life was too short to be too serious. At the dentist, Marie would have to warn staff of his intentions, as he would wear his crazy, Dracula teeth and greet them stating "I'm ready!" Or doctor appts, while filling out paperwork, they'd ask who to call in case of emergency and he'd say "911 duh!".

During Covid-19 and being cooped up, him and Marie never had a moment without laughter, making the best of the situation in the world, and his hair looked GREAT. He was so proud of his hair, that was once jet black, to a now beautiful silver. Yes, he loved his hair.

Now that everyone has an idea of the jokester, there also was the other side of Bob. The side only those dear to his heart ever saw. The side of pure love to those whose lives touched him; his wife, his kids, his grandkids, in-laws and deepest dearest of friends. Mark, his boat buddy, his brother though not through blood.

Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Marie. Children-Son, Bobby (Deann), Daughter, Sheila and Step-Daughter Rose. Grandchildren-Kaylee, Billy, Levi, Sarah, Tabitha, Hannah and Sammy. Sisters- Liz and Zelda. Brother-in-laws- Johnnie, Ken, Allen and David (Soupbone).

We, the family, would like to thank the McLane Black Lake Fire Department and the Thurston County Sheriff Department for all of your hard work during our family's most difficult time on Easter Sunday.

And again, Bob would have been so proud to hear from the fire/medic that stated 'how beautiful his hair was'.

Cremation will take place per Bob's wishes and due to Covid-19, there will be a Celebration of Life at a later date, for family and friends to share their wonderful stories of Bob's life.

He will always be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.