Robert B. Dwinell

Robert B. Dwinell has joined his brothers, sister and parents, earning his reward on July 25th, 2012 after 88 years. Another loss from one of the "Greatest Generation". He was born to Roy B. Dwinell and Sadie (Jones) Dwinell on March 16, 1924 in Outlook, Washington and moving to Yakima shortly thereafter. At 6'2 in the eighth grade Bob became an excellent athlete and was part of several championship teams at Yakima High and American Legion Baseball. After High School Bob followed his brothers in military service to our country, joining the Army Air Force. A childhood auto accident prevented him from becoming a pilot, and he soon became assigned to Detached Services that toured bases playing baseball. As a pitcher, Bob threw seven scoreless innings against a team that included Pee Wee Reece, the DiMaggio brothers and most of the New York Yankees who would win the World Series the following year, (1946). He continued athletics for many years after the service, coaching youth sports and playing basketball, including games against the Harlem Globetrotters.

Bob returned to Yakima, where he declined a professional baseball contract to join his father in the insurance business and to marry Beverly C. Miller. Soon they had two sons, Jon B. Dwinell and James M. Dwinell. Their dedicated relationship lasted 51 years until Be's death in September of 1998. Over these years Bob developed his life as a caregiver as Be was never very well. His compassion carried over to his brother Don, who was in declining health for twelve years, and to his mother, Sadie, and his mother-in-law Erma during their declining years.

Bob's caring was the hallmark of his distinguished 41 year career as an agent For State Farm Insurance. He made many friends and accumulated numerous awards and achievements.

One segment of his life included joining a group that founded Yakima Meadows Turf Club and horse racing in the Yakima Valley. Evolving from a gentleman farmer, he raised several Stakes winning thoroughbreds. He was always involved in some form of Community events or fund raisers.

In 1999 Bob married Dorothy (Traub) Price and they had eight happy years together before “Dottie's” death in 2008. Bob enjoyed his new family, Paige Shand & Bob Price. He deeply apprieciated Bob Price’s steady presence and the time shared.

Other than his sons, Jon (Mary) Dwinell and Jim (Sally) Dwinell, Bob is survived by his sister-in¬law Barbara "Bobbie" Dwinell, four grandchildren; Jace (Tasha) Dwinell, Dara (Billy) Cannon, Nathan (Nicole) Dwinell, and Diana (Sean) McDonald, also six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Don and Ross Dwinell, his sister Maxine Redig both wives, and his great grandson, Rayce Cannon.

A true representative of the 'Greatest Generation" and never without a story, Bob will be deeply missed but long remembered for his many accomplishments, and his compassion, by his family and by special friend Lelia Griffith.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to the Yakima YMCA c/o Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902.

A Memorial Service will be Friday, August 3, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Chapel. To share a memory of Robert visit, www.keithandkeith.com