Robert L. Calhoun

Robert "Bob" Lee Calhoun, 83, passed away peacefully early the morning of May 30, 2011. He was born in Mount Ayr, Iowa, on February 12, 1928, to Dwayne and Mamie Calhoun. Bob resided in Iowa and Oregon during his childhood with his family of three sisters and one brother. He graduated from Corvallis High School in 1947. Just out of high school, Bob married Betty. Bob and Betty were married for 19 years and had three sons together. In November 1947, Bob began working for Benton/Lincoln Power Company. Over the years, he worked at Power Line Construction, Meco Electric and Witzig Electric. In 1972, he began his 21 year career at Wilson Construction where he constructed large electrical substations and worked on extensive power lines projects. In 1968, Bob married his wife of 43 years, Darlene. Bob's work required him to travel and move often. After living in many different states, Bob and Darlene settled in Custer in 1980. When Bob retired in February 1993, his hobbies of antiquing, auctions, garage sales and swap meets started his many satisfying years of collecting antiques, tools, tractors, books, etc. He was member of "PNTC" - Antique Tool Club and "The Cascade Two Cylinder Club". He had a booth for many years at the Puget Sound Antique Tractor and Machinery Show at Berthusen Park in Lynden where he sold his prized possessions. Last year, Bob sold almost his entire prized antique and tool collection to a fellow enthusiast. Bob is survived by his wife, Darlene; son, Tommy (Kris), grandsons, Drew and Nate of Oregon, son, Bobbie of Oregon, son, Tim (Ginger) of California; and three sisters of Oregon and Iowa; step children, Terri Parker, Velda Williams, Tracy Cox, Ron (Carol) Cox, Kevin (Velma) Cox and RD (Becky) Cox; and numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Bob is predeceased by his parents and his brother. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial and celebration of Bob's life on Friday, June 24 from 12 to 2 p.m. at Berthusen Park in Lynden. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Whatcom Hospice Foundation. The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Andrew Coletti and his caring staff for taking such great care of Bob for the past several years. They would also like to thank Hospice and Hospice House for their kind support. You may share your thoughts and memories of Bob in the online guest book at www.molesfuneralhomes.com Moles Family Funeral Homes & Crematory - Main St., Ferndale