Robert L. Carey

1929 - 2013

Robert L. Carey

Deeply loved and admired husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Robert (Bob) L. Carey, 84, passed away at home in Shoreline on December 2nd, 2013 after a courageous two year battle with cancer.

Born February 3, 1929 in Boise, Idaho to Herb and Mabel (Story) Carey. Bob graduated from Bremerton High School in 1947. He served in the Army during the Korean War and then attended Olympic College in Bremerton and Western Washington College (now WWU) and graduated with a teaching degree from Western in 1955.

He married the love of his life, Edith Briggs, in 1955, and they settled in Shoreline, Washington where they raised their two children. He retired after 27 years with the Seattle School District, the majority of that time spent teaching English at Ballard High School.

After his retirement, Bob spent 11 years working outdoors with his longtime friend and college roommate as first mate on the charter boat, Ed's Girl.

Bob enjoyed so many things in life -- solving word puzzles and trivia (which he typically did with ease), sharing a drink with friends, and preparing wonderful meals. He found joy in fireworks, tulip fields, reading, fishing, the English language, and most of all, his family. Bob had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit, and was very kind and generous. He could quote Shakespeare and write poetry, and amazed many with his extensive knowledge in many different areas. He radiated with the joy of life and learning and passed it on to everyone he encountered.

Bob was preceded in death by three brothers, Ralph, Jim, and Les Carey; and one sister, Pearl Young.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Edith, his son David (Jan) Carey of Hammond, Oregon; daughter Laura (Lou) Hennequin of San Diego, California; three grandchildren, James and Katherine Carey and Alexis Hennequin; sister Helen Hathhorn of Cambridge, Idaho; sister-in-law Etta Carey of Bremerton, Washington, and many other extended family members and good friends. He was a dear gentle man who will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held later, at a date still to be determined. In memory of Bob, donations can be made to either Northwest Harvest (www.northwestharvest.org) or Friends of the Shoreline Library (345 NE 175th, Shoreline WA 98155.)