Robert Ross

Obituary Bob was born November 29, 1925 in Port Orchard. Growing up he shared time between his home in Port Orchard and family home on Hood Canal in Union. This is where he found love of fresh salt air and boating. Following high school, Bob joined the United States Navy. After WWII he enrolled at the University of Washington and graduated with a degree in Advertising. At the UW he found a second love-- Husky Football. Always a joiner, Bob was his Student Body President at South Kitsap High, member Sigma Nu fraternity (past house president), Daffodilian and board member for L'Arche Tahoma Hope. After college, Bob went to work for Sigma Nu and lived in Indianapolis. Returning to Western Washington, Bob worked in the advertising department at Nalley's. It was then he met and married his wife and best friend of 50 years, Jane. Later he worked for the Carling Brewing Company, owners of Heidelberg. Carling moved Bob and his family to St. Louis for 3 years and Chicago for 3 years where he was the Senior Vice President of Sales for all brands. Returning to Tacoma he remained with Heidelberg until the brewery closed. The Olympia Brewing Company appointed him Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Board Member for their Lone Star Brand in San Antonio, Texas. After retirement, Bob earned his realtor's license and spent 10 gratifying years with the fine people at Hawkins Poe in Fircrest and Harold Allen in Lakewood. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, June and Bud and adored daughter-in-law Molly (McNerthney) Ross. Bob is survived by his wife Jane, sister Betty Ross-Graves, children Tom, Joan, Sarah and Mike; daughter-in-law Patty, grandchildren Andrew, Molly, Beth, Chris and Pat Sobba; Robert and Megan Ross; Joe, Matt and Catherine Ross; and Lana, Jordan and Josh who recently have joined our family. Faith Hope and Love, and the greatest of these is Love -- Bob Ross is love defined. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, June 7, 2005 at 11:00am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Family suggests remembrances be made to L'Arche Tahoma Hope Endowment Fund, 12303 36th Avenue East, Tacoma, WA 98466. Please leave on-line condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003.