Robert Paul Shanewise

SHANEWISE, Dr. Robert "Bob" Paul

Passed away at home February 26, 2011. He was born on October 13, 1921, in Akron, Ohio. Bob graduated from MT. Union College in Ohio in 1943 and in the fall enlisted in the Navy where he served three years on an LST as a communications and executive officer in the Pacific Theater. In 1950 Bob graduated from the University of Rochester Medical School in New York and in 1955 he completed his residency at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

In 1955 Bob and his family moved to Spokane where he began a practice as an orthopedic surgeon that lasted until 1998. From 1975 until 1996 Bob volunteered for Orthopedic Overseas working in many third world countries. The last ten of those years were spent in Ethiopia helping to develop an Orthopedic training program at the Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa. He also served as the Director of Volunteers for Ethiopia in Orthopedic Overseas. After retiring from his practice, Bob and his wife, Helen, built and ran the assisted living facility, Moran Vista, located on the south hill. During his life he was also active in the Spokane community. He was a member of Spokane Medical Society and in 1983 was selected as Physician/Citizen of the Year. As a member of Rotary 21 he was honored by receiving the Fred K. Jones Memorial Award in 2001 as Rotarian of the Year. He was a member of the Prosperity Club and was president in 1996. He served on boards for Foundation NW, Coeur d' Alene Mines, Deaconess Hospital, Deaconess Foundation, Washington Hospital Association and The Regents of Gonzaga University. Bob was one of the founding members of American Commercial Bank and served as its Chairman. Later he was a founding member of NW Bank and served as its Vice-Chairman. He also was a member of the Calispel Duck Club. Bob enjoyed skiing, duck hunting, mountain climbing and white water canoeing. He also ran in Bloomsday races from 1977 until 2004.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen, daughter Katherine (William) Hunt, sons Dr. Jack (Phillis Levin) Shanewise and Steven Shanewise, grandchildren Creedence (Rowena) Smith, Sarah and Charlotte Shanewise, nieces Sharon Smith, Christine Shanewise and nephew Craig Shanewise.

At Bob's request there will be no funeral service. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday March 19, 2011 from 5-7pm at the Rockwood Community Center, 2015 S. Forest Estates Drive.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur, Spokane, 99223 or Rockwood Resident's Assistance Endowment Fund.