On Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007, Robert D. Washburn (67) together with his wife, Karen T. Washburn (66), passed from this life to the next, leaving behind many friends and family who will miss them dearly.
Bob was born in Boise and raised in Nampa, Idaho, where he excelled in high school football and track.
Karen was born in Smithfield, Utah and raised in Nampa, where she became an accomplished pianist and later learned to play the organ.
They both graduated from Nampa High School; Bob in 1958 and Karen in 1959. They married in 1960 and later moved to Logan, Utah, where Bob graduated from Utah State University in Civil Engineering. In 1969 they moved to Mount Vernon, Wash., where Bob worked for Texaco and Karen attended Skagit Valley College. They moved to Arlington, Wash., in 1973.
Bob worked for Summit Timber in Darrington, Wash., and later started his own engineering business. Karen was a devoted homemaker but most recently worked for the Marysville Post Office for five years. She retired earlier this year to care for Bob throughout his extended illness.
Bob and Karen were active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Arlington 2nd Ward. Their religion was very dear to them and they gave countless hours of service on behalf of others. Although they both served in various positions in their church, Karen especially enjoyed playing the organ for church services and Bob served for a time as Bishop of the local congregation. In addition to spending time with his family, Bob enjoyed reading, hunting, sports and especially coaching youth sports. Karen also enjoyed time with her family, playing and teaching piano and organ, sewing, reading, sports and watching local sports teams.
In addition to their many friends, Bob and Karen are survived by their children, Melanie (Brent) Sheffield of Santa Clara, Utah; LeAnn Adams of Anacortes, Wash.; Genie (Robert) Ruiz of Provo, Utah; Kyle Washburn of Marysville, Wash.; and Erin (Aaron) Goodman of Tucson, Ariz. They are also survived by 13 grandchildren: Jill, Scott, Corrie, Gary, Kimberly, Eric, Missy, Megan, Shaun, Justin, Tyler, Adam and Logan, as well as three great-granddaughters: Talia, Tess and Tatum.
Bob is survived by two brothers and two sisters, Jay (Ana) Jenkins of Everett, Wash.; Jimmy Jenkins of San Jose, Calif.; Joyce Hunter of San Francisco, Calif.; and Marie Jenkins of La Jolla, Calif.
Karen was preceded in death by her only sibling, Val Toolson.
Bob and Karen both took much pride in their family. They rarely missed an event where their children participated. Hours were spent traveling to and supporting their children in various sporting events in and out of state. They showed great concern for the welfare of their children and grandchildren and always put the childrens needs ahead of their own.
Their devotion to one another was evident during the last several months. During his battle with cancer, Karen refused to leave Bobs side and Bob frequently expressed concern for Karens health and well-being as she put aside her own needs to care for him 24 hours a day.
Mom, we will miss your gentleness. Dad, we honor you for your courageous fight. Your friends and family have lost two great examples of love, faith in God and unselfishness.
Funeral services will be held at the LDS chapel in Arlington located at the corner of Arlington Heights Road and Darrington Highway. Call 360-659-3711 for service information.