August 31, 1946 - October 16, 2023
Robert Donald Rainville Obituary Bob was the head, the hands, the heart, and the love of our family. All his love and joy were totally directed to all of us - though he did love a good football game, baseball game, soccer game - kids games, grandkids games, NFL, and his Cougars. If he couldn�t watch during the game it was recorded for later enjoyment. His sons were his pride and joy, and he often commented, �how could we be so lucky�. His son Steven is an owner/principle architect at Olson Kundig in Seattle, WA, married to Kristie and father of Samantha (21) and Baylie (18). Michael is a 737 Captain for United Airlines, based in Houston. He is married to Courtney, and a father of 3; Riley (13), Raegan (11), Ryan (9). In this past year, Bob was able to enjoy many of their games - baseball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, and choir recitals. Best of all, living in Houston for several months allowed him to help out by driving the kids to school and practices often, to get to know them as the real, funny, strong, amazing individuals they are. Christopher is a psychiatrist, and much to Bob and Dianne�s joy, moved back to Spokane recently with his most wonderful partner, and fellow psychiatrist, Holly McNew. Bob grew up in Clarkston, WA., met his future wife Dianne, who at the time was recently from NY, while in high school. He attended Lewis Clark State College and Yakima Valley College, then enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He served his country 20 years, as a Missile Systems Analyst Specialist for the Minuteman missile system and then as an evaluator and supervisor. He was based his final 10 years at Vandenberg Air Force Base, where his two older boys (Steve and Mike) spent their early childhood, and son Christopher was born. Bob completed his education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CA with degrees in Industrial Education. In 1986 he moved with the family back to Spokane to be near extended family and a loved, little cabin on Newman Lake, WA. Bob worked for many years at ITT Tech in Spokane as an Instructor and Program Director. Bob retired in 2013, and devoted his time, energy, and talent to replacing the little cabin with a new one, creating a wonderful gathering place and family home. He was inspired by his sons, their vision, help, love, and time. Mike�s foresight, Steve�s beautiful design, and Christopher�s love and labor. Jim Elms, step-father in law, kindly sold us the adjoining property early in the process which enabled us to develop the new cabin fully. Tony, Bob�s brother-in-law, served as a problem solver and craftsman on the project. Additionally, Bob was assisted by some amazing craftsman, most notably Kent Hildebrandt of Spokane and Darren Strobel. �Rainvilla�, still affectionately known as �the Cabin� took shape. For Bob, it was the work and accomplishment of a lifetime. As a family we moved in, around 2016 - and although mostly complete, the work continues to this day. He would consider the Cabin his legacy. His skill, his heart, his love, are in every piece of wood, yard of concrete, pane of glass, and beam of steel in the Cabin. It was my honor to be blessed with Bob as my husband for over 56 years. He cared for me with all his love, and our favorite joke was, �you can have anything you want within reason�, but of course, we never really defined �reason� - if only �within reason� could mean more time with him. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Robert, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events OCT 29 Funeral Service Sunday, October 29, 2023 1:30PM Heritage Funeral & Cremation 508 North Government Way Spokane, WA 99224 Get Directions View Map Text Email OCT 29 Graveside Sunday, October 29, 2023 2:30PM Riverside Memorial Park 508 N Government Way Spokane, WA 99224 Get Directions V
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