Robert Dean Reimer Sr., age 94 passed away January 1, 2025, after a battle with liver cancer.
Bob was born in Wenatchee WA in 1930 to parents Jake and Mary Reimer. Bob grew up on a farm and learned the value of hard work from his parents as he worked in the orchard before and after school from the early age of 10. Bob attended public school in Palisades WA up until 8th grade. When the family moved to Wenatchee WA, he attended Wenatchee HS where he met and fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Lucille VandenBos. They were so in love that even their school newspaper had a story written about students who have that "you belong to me look and I Love it" it was written in that story about Bob and Lucille "that it is obvious when they are together that they are that way about each other". Bob and Lucille married March 15th, 1949; Bob had recently joined the Air Force in 1948.
In June of 1949 they were stationed in Mt Home Airforce base, where they lived in their first home, a Caboose. In November 1949 they were transferred to Fairfield-Suisun CA where in 1951 they welcomed their first son Robert Dean Reimer Jr. Soon after in 1951 the family was transferred to Riverside CA where they welcomed their second son Richard Alan Reimer in 1952. The next transfer they received was in 1954 to Guam where they welcomed their third son Donald Ron Reimer in 1956 to round out their happy family. They were stationed in Spokane WA, Fairchild AFB from 1956-58, then 1958 - 1963 in Bellevue NE, at Offutt AFB, then 1963 - 1966 near Madrid Spain at Torrejón AFB, in 1966 back to Bellevue NE, at Offutt AFB Strategic Air Command. While at Offut Bob received a Commendation Medal for Meritorious service from the Air Force. Bob retired from service with the Air Force in 1970 after 21 years of military service as a Chief Master Sargeant.
After retiring from the Air Force, the family moved back to settle in Spokane WA. Bob began a career at Washington's Dept of Social & Health Services in 1970, He retired from DSHS after 19 years of dedicated service to his community.
Bob and Lucille always had a passion for helping others and have volunteered their time to others throughout their lives. Bob and Lucille received the Spokane United Way Volunteers of the Year award in 2003.
After retirement Bob volunteered at several places. Inland NW Blood Center 1997 - 2002, Another way Bob helped the community was by regularly donating blood, over the years he has donated 6 gallons of whole blood & made 278 Platelet donations. This is more than 600 hours in the chair to donate at this level. Bob's name is on a plaque at the blood center for being an Elite donor. Cancer Patient Care 2001 - 2013, where they created the "Reimer room" for cancer patients to choose wigs & prosthetics to help them while dealing with being affected by cancer. American Red Cross 1993-2024. In May of 2023 there was a gathering to celebrate Bobs 93rd birthday and his 30 years of volunteering at American Red Cross.
At every one of these places he had gained so many lifelong friends. He appreciates the place you have all had in his life and heart.
Bob loved spending time with family & friends! He enjoyed riding motorcycles, bowling, & playing softball. Bob continued to play until there were 4 generations of family on the field playing together. Bob and Lucille kept the family close having dinners on every birthday, holiday, and special occasion. Bob loved traveling in the motorhome with the love of his life, Lucille. The two of them logged more than 250,000 miles in their motorhome seeing the country they served for so many years and visiting friends they have made throughout their lives.
Bob has left a beautiful impact on so many of our lives. He has taught so many how to care for others by his examples of serving others in our community.
Bob leaves behind three wonderful sons; Bob (Karen), Rich (Starr), and Don. These blessings grew into 5 grandchildren, 1 grandchild of the heart, 8 great grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren of the heart, 6 great-great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild of the heart.
Bob was proceeded in death by his wife Lucille, siblings; sister Wilma (Ted), sister Gladys (Bob), sister Lily (Ray), brother Bill (Mae).
Bob also leaves behind many friends that held such a special place in his heart, so much that they were and are considered family by Bob and his family.
This world is a better place because Bob was in it and our lives are better for having had him in them!
Bob had said about community service, "I give Red Cross credit for giving me something to do every day & for me living as long as I have". " Get off your butt, do something. You can make time to help others!"
A funeral service will be held on January 20th at 1. Heritage Funeral Home. 508 N Government Way. Viewing begins at Noon. Graveside service at 2, Reception to immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to American Red Cross and/or donate blood in his honor.
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