Saying Bob was a good man is an understatement. He came off as a man of few words because his actions spoke loudly. He was the kind of man that took care of his loved ones without a second thought. He was a family man and provided a sense of comfort to be around.

Robert Louis Williams “Bob” was born on May 1, 1947, in Ritzville, Washington, where he was the youngest of 4 children being raised in a rail car, surrounded by the simplicity of country life. There are few childhood photos where Bob isn’t smiling with his handsome dimples.

Bob proudly enlisted in the United States Navy from 1966-1970, following his two brothers. He served bravely in the Vietnam War and after his service, Bob followed a career in technical mechanics. He worked for the companies Clarklift then Linde in the Northwest. He was a master of his trade and traveled around parts of the world training others and sharing his expertise and passion for mechanics. In the 90s, he even went back to school to educate himself further as computer technology began dominating modern times. Expanding his skills and opening new doors, his mechanical inclination made him the go-to person for any mechanical troubles for his daughters, and as he had often diagnosed issues over the phone. He was so good at what he did that he could talk you through installing a ceiling fan with no electric experience. He could diagnose and troubleshoot any issue without being there. And that was a comfort we could rely on. Nothing ever seemed as scary because Bob was on your team.

Bob spent nearly 40 years of marriage, sharing his life with his soulmate, Marilyn, and their large family in eastern Washington. Bob was preceded in death by their infant daughter Sara Mae Williams and his son, Kirk Williams. Even as the children grew up and moved out, they still spent as much family time together as possible. Bob’s grandchildren adored him, and he loved spending time with them more than words can say.

Despite Marilyn’s medical challenges, they led a full life together, always finding ways to make the most of every moment and always being present. Be it his grandchild’s high school graduation or being invited to see a holiday pageant at the elementary school, Bob was a proud grandfather. One of their greatest highlights was traveling to Honolulu to visit their oldest daughter and take in the Hawaiian Islands beauty. They cherished good weather for a Sunday drive and road trips to see the family.

Bob truly had a heart for adventure and loved capturing life’s precious moments through photography – a skill that impressed everyone who saw his work. He kept a priceless collection of photo albums from his youth to his days in the service. There’s good collection of vacation photos where you’ll see his camera strap around his neck.

He also found joy in his model train, a hobby he revisited after Marilyn’s passing. His happy place was unwinding at home in his favorite recliner, cheering on Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy with Kitty by his side. Bob was just a joy to be around.

After losing his beloved Marilyn, it was Sandy who renewed Bob’s spark and inspired him to live well and keep enjoying life. She helped him loosen up and not take himself too seriously. Sandy and her family welcomed Bob and helped him heal and not be lonely. He bloomed and started laughing again. Together Bob and Sandy loved to go on drives up the coast. They would catch the latest movies at the theatre and check out plays. She brought light back into his world, his heart was full again.

Bob had a hard time with the concept of retiring. He loved what he did and was a people person. He dabbled in driving Uber for a little while as he loved and missed driving for work. He really knew his way around after decades of diving across Washington state for his earlier career. He was very organized and precise. If you asked him to help you plan a road trip he would go above and beyond with printed step by step instructions and nearest gas stations.

There are so many lives that Robert Louis Williams touched throughout his years on this Earth. Bob’s legacy lives on through these countless memories, lessons, and love he shared with all who knew him.