ROBERT LONE

ROBERT C. (BOB) LONE
Bob was born at 8:12 PM at St. Luke’s Hospital in Seattle, Washington on October 21, 1940. He passed away at age 68 at 12.50 AM on August 12, 2009 at Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Washington after a yearlong battle with cancer.  He was raised in the Seattle area, except for the period of 1948 to 1953 when the family resided in Richland, Washington. After returning to Seattle, his family, along with relatives and friends, became very involved in boating.  Many weekends were spent on the waters of Puget Sound crabbing, clamming and salmon fishing.
Bob graduated from Ballard High School in 1959 and that November he enlisted in the Navy for a four year period. While in the service, he received training in electronics. He was then stationed on the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier where he performed elevator maintenance and related electronic duties.  His duty took him to places such as Brazil, Chile, Peru, The Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan.  Bob returned home from the service in November of 1963.  
After his first niece was born, Bob became known as “Uncle Bob” to all who knew him well for the remainder of his life.   After a brief respite from the service, he worked in the grocery business.  In February of 1967, his career in telephone communications began.  His duties included installation services, acting supervisor of training, supervising course development for Washington and Oregon, and supervising the Test Center in Renton.  He finished his career as a cable foreman.  Bob retired from US West in the spring of 1991 at age 50.
During Bob’s 24-year career with the phone company, he was an avid salmon fisherman.  He spent many weekends fishing at Point No Point Resort in Hansville, Washington.  He would also make numerous trips to Sekiu (on the Strait of Juan de Fuca) fishing with many friends and relatives, including his brother Doug.   In 1973, he became active in the Poggie Club.  This club was established in 1932 and consisted of sports fishermen dedicated to providing charitable services.  During his 25 year tenure with this organization, Bob proudly served two years as President of the Seattle Chapter.
Bob’s marriages did not last. He moved to Point No Point Resort on a full-time basis once he retired in 1991.  He lived there until he was diagnosed with cancer in the late summer of 2008.  Initially he fished almost every day that the weather allowed.  In one year alone, he recorded 270 salmon caught.  Bob ate very little fish, so family and friends were always happy when he had a good outing.  In the mid-1990s, he began expanding his fishing destinations.  There were trips to Tillamook, Oregon and to Cape Muzon near Ketchikan, Alaska.   His favorite trips of all were his annual trek to Sitka, Alaska.  These Sitka trips started in 1995 and continued every year through 2008.   Bob had two lifelong beloved fishing buddies who joined him on most of his fishing excursions throughout the years.  They were Terry Skinner, who preceded him in death in 2008, and his cousin Jim Lone, who survives him.  Bob loved to socialize and made many cherished friends at the “Point” over the years.
Bob’s other passions during retirement were feeding and watching birds from his home, which was a 33’ travel trailer.  He also read and educated himself thoroughly on US History, starting with the discovery of America.  He developed a profound knowledge of this subject and was able to discuss any aspect at a moment’s notice.  He said he had completed reading over 2,000 books relating to this subject alone.  He was particularly interested in all of the US wars and conflicts.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Donald M. Lone and Doris E. Lone.  Uncle Bob is survived by his loving family; brother Doug and sister-in-law Adele; his adored nieces; Lori, Lisa, & Kristina; two great-nieces, Nicole and Natalie; two great-nephews, Daniel and Connor, and three cousins.  His extended family and many friends will also miss him greatly.  Bob chose to be cremated with his ashes to be spread on the waters at Point No Point.  The family wishes to thank the staffs at Cascade Cancer Center, Aegis Assisted Living and Evergreen Hospice for their compassion and loving care during the final stages of his life.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to Evergreen Hospice, 12822 – 124th Lane NE, Kirkland, WA  98034, where a Memorial will be held on August 27, 2009 at 2:00 PM.  Please post your memories of Bob on this website. Thank you.