Obituary: Gilchrist, Robert Bailey “Bob”
Age 78
GILCHRIST, Robert Bailey “Bob”
(Age 78)
A resident of Colfax, previously of Leavenworth, passed away February 18th, 2012.
Bob was born at Colfax, Washington to DeMoine Sr. and Dora (Smith) Gilchrist on July 25th, 1933.
He was raised in Colfax on the family farm and graduated from Colfax High School in 1951.
He joined the Army in 1953 and was stationed in Paris, France as part of the Signal Core where he had direct contact with President Eisenhower.
Several years after returning home he married Arlene Weitz and they adopted three wonderful children: twins, Diane and Dorene Gilchrist, and Brian Gilchrist.
The couple later divorced.
He managed Almota Elevator Company in its first years before opening his own grain office in Colfax under United Grain, through which he met the love of his life.
On October 18th, 1976, he married Bonnie Lynn (Kuehner) Perry at Colfax, Washington, becoming the loving stepfather of her two young daughters, Brenda Kappos and Jenna Shannon.
In 1977, Bob and his wife, Bonnie, welcomed their own son together, Craig Robert Gilchrist.
Bob and Bonnie lived in Colfax until 1980 when Bob’s job with United Grain moved them to Lewiston, Idaho.
Transferring briefly to Portland, Oregon they returned to Lewiston before settling in Leavenworth in 2005, instantly becoming active and beloved members of their community and church family, bible study and life groups with the Leavenworth Church of the Nazarene.
Bob decided to move back to Colfax in November 2011.
From a young age his jokester personality was evident.
Growing up and working on the family farm he was never short of sources for good natured amusement with his brothers and sister.
Bob’s sense of good humor and boyish fun was passed along to his youngest son, often to the dismay of his daughter-in-law…..
Bob was always ready for a good laugh with family and friends, leaving behind great memories.
He had the opportunity to see all of his children marry and attend two of his granddaughter’s weddings.
Always active in some way, he loved travelling, old country western music, playing the Q chord and singing, and spending time with his family and friends creating new traditions when others waned.
In the 90’s he owned and managed Red Wolf Marina in Clarkston, WA, through which he proudly met President Bush during the drawdown in regards to the Endangered Species Act.
Slowed briefly with a bout of transverse myelitis that nearly paralyzed him in the late 80’s (creating his need to use a cane from then on) he became a commodities broker and later retired.
He was a very determined and hard worker and always tried to instill that strong work ethic in all his children.
Bob was a member of the 4-H, National Farmers Organization, Whitman County Sherriff’s Posse, Pine Grove Grange, director of the Whitman County Pea Association and the Whitman County Wool Association in the 60’s and 70’s, a president of N.W.
Travel and Recreation and many other associations and organizations.
He held a great love for farming and all that entailed.
He loved to teach and discuss farming and its equipment with his children and friends, especially his grandson Mason.
They loved to discuss his growing enjoyment and adventures working with his dad in the field or truck and share a scripture or two.
Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Robert (Bob) Gilchrist leaves behind six children, Diane (Doug Hall) Gilchrist of Colfax; Dorene (Mark) Hunter of College Place; Brenda Kappos of Los Alamitos,CA; Brian Gilchrist of Genesee, Idaho; Jenna (Scott) Shannon of New York, NY; Craig (Deanna) Gilchrist of Colfax; 11 grandchildren and two great- grandchildren, several of which were very close to him and adored their grandpa immensely.
He is also survived by his sister Catherine McCaffery (Ritzville, WA), brother Gerald (Penny) Gilchrist (Colfax, WA) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie in 2008 after only 32 wonderful years, and his brother DeMoine, Jr., and parents.
A Funeral Service of Commemoration to Celebrate the Life of Robert (Bob) Bailey Gilchrist will be held at the Leavenworth Church of the Nazarene on Tuesday, February 28th 2012 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jon Vandel officiating.
Graveside services and burial will be held at the Colfax Cemetery on Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held Monday, February 27th at Ward’s Funeral Chapel from 1 to 6 p.m. Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to the Upper Valley Christian School at 111 Ski Hill Drive, Leavenworth, WA.
98826 and the American Cancer Society.
WARD’S FUNERAL CHAPEL, LEAVENWORTH, WA is in charge of the arrangements.