Robert G. Bland

Robert G. Bland passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 26, 2018, at his home in Tumwater, Wash., after an extended illness.

Robert G. Bland passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 26, 2018, at his home in Tumwater, Wash., after an extended illness. He was 82 years old. Bob was born on May 5, 1935, in Aberdeen, Wash., to Earle and Wanda Bland.

Bob graduated from Elma High School in 1953, and attended WSU for one year. He was in the Naval Reserve and was honorably discharged after 20 years. Bob married Ruth Marie Schoonover on March 23, 1956, in Elma, Wash.

Bob was an independent business owner and involved in several business partnerships over his lifetime: Eastern Grays Harbor Distributorship, including a Shell service station in McCleary, York Tree Farm, and Mud Bay Construction. He also owned and operated the Silver Sands Motel in Westport, and mined for gold in the Yukon Territory. Bob was an excellent auto mechanic. He was well known for rebuilding wrecked cars and making them beautiful again. Bob was also a pilot of small aircraft for several years. Bob’s favorite past-times were going to the car races in Tenino, Tuesday lunches with his buddies at the Little Creek Casino and trips to the LeMay Car Museum.

In retirement, Bob and Ruth purchased a motorhome and enjoyed being snowbirds. For several years, they traveled with friends to Arizona, Nevada and California. Bob especially enjoyed their trips to Hot August Nights in Nevada.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth; daughters, Nancy Salsman (Rod) of Tumwater, Katherine Roush of Lacey, Bobbie Ziemek of Tumwater; five grandchildren, Michele Gillis (Frank), Heather Roush, Tyler Ziemek, Alyssa Ziemek, and Tracie Bode (Bill) Olympia; five great-grandchildren, Gunner, Ashley, Ava, Claire and Grace; and his sister, Barbara Montermini (Ed). He will be missed by his beloved dog, Beau.

A graveside service will be held at the Satsop Cemetery, East Satsop Road, Satsop, Wash., on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at the Elma Eagles Hall, 404 West Young Street, Elma.

Please share memories at www.FuneralAlternatives.org.