Robert F Thaden

Obituary Robert F. Thaden 1936 to 2013 On July 19, 2013, Bob was going to be 77 years of age, but early he left us; his wife Patricia, his son Tim, his grandchildren, Stephanie, Christopher and River; his siblings Larry, Elaine, Roy and Jim and his step-children, Nicholas, Michael, Stephen and Jennifer and their children; Matt and Cassie; Andrew and Jimmy; Madeleine, Tessa and Emma; along with very many other relatives and admiring friends. For Bob had a full life, 40 years teaching at Wainwright, Whittier and Tacoma Community College. He described himself as "too much of a ham" to stay away from teaching, adding that "it's one of those rare occupations that comes with the thrill of making a difference". At TCC Bob made good use of his education by holding management positions such as Admissions Officer, Records Officer, Associate Dean for Admissions, Financial Aids Officer and President of the TCC Federation of Teachers' Union. But it was as a teacher of English and Critical Thinking that he will be most remembered by his students and fellow staff, proven by his being selected as the first recipient of the Bob Thaden Exceptional Faculty Award, which is a perpetual award given annually at TCC. As a Councilmember for the City of Fircrest his intention was "to be responsive to citizens' needs and concerns". Mayor David Viafore is quoted as saying, "We honor Bob for his 17 years of loyal service on the Fircrest City Council. This is a sad day for our City. He was more than a Councilmember; he was a friend to all." Interspersed among his many professional duties, love for football, basketball and baseball - learned at Holy Rosary Grade School, Bellarmine Prep, Gonzaga University and The University of Washington - nourished him, challenged him, provided an escape from constant pressures and exercised his voice muscles. And if he didn't attend a sporting event on a weekend, he surely found time to delight in watching his tomatoes, apples and strawberries become just a little bit bigger and a little redder than the weekend before. A vigil service will take place at St Charles Church on Monday evening July 22nd at 7:00pm. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at St Charles Parish on Tuesday 23rd July at 11:00am. The family asks that in lieu of flowers friends make contributions to Catholic Community Services or the Bellarmine Student Fund. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.