ROBERT GEDDES

Robert Lowe Geddes 1925 - 2012 Bob, 87, passed away Monday morning September 17th, 2012, with his family by his side. He was born in Spokane, Washington on June 28, 1925 to Donna Lowe and Robert Ingersoll Geddes. He grew up in Western Washington, finally residing in Tacoma, WA. Bob and his three older sisters, Carolyn, Marjorie, and Irene were raised by their mother. He was a graduate from Stadium High School in Tacoma. In 1942 he joined the Navy during World War II - serving on the Battleship USS New Mexico. Bob was predeceased by his parents and three sisters. He met his bride to be, Shirley Jean Bleimeister, in Boston, MA in 1946 and they were married on July 6th, six months later in Detroit, MI. Bob and Shirley shared a wonderful life together for 66 years. After he and his wife returned from their honeymoon to live in Tacoma, WA, he attended business school and majored in Accounting. Bob started his transportation career at Consolidated Freightways. In 1957 Bob seized the opportunity to start his own business which eventually grew into a successful multifaceted transportation company known as Farwest Freight Systems. Among Bob's employees, customers, and suppliers he was viewed as a highly respected businessman. A generous man, he launched the careers of many and his legacy still lives on today. He retired at 72, selling the Company to his son, Robert A. Geddes. Bob and Shirley had homes in Burien and then on Lake Tapps in Sumner, WA, which they enjoyed remodeling over the years. They finally built a home on their son's property in Graham, WA where they have resided for the past 7 years. Bob loved to read, swim, and enjoyed a good game of golf with friends. He loved crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and tinkering on his computer. Bob and Shirley were able to travel with family and friends to many of his favorite places in Europe and Mexico. He and his family also enjoyed camping in the Okanagan outside Winthrop, WA for over 50 years. After he retired, Bob and Shirley were able to spend their winters at their home in Yuma, AZ for many years. Even though he was a "Hilltop Hellion" of the 1930's and 40's - the values of Honesty, Integrity, Kindness, and Generosity - values that he was proud to tell you his mother instilled in him, made his transition to being baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in June, 1975 a smooth one. He enjoyed talking to people about the Bible and sharing his hope for the future. He was a loyal servant of God for the remainder of his life. The strong love he had for his family translated into being an outstanding loyal husband and was the reason he was so beloved by his children and grandchildren. Anyone who was around Bob enjoyed his sense of humor and quick wit. All who had the pleasure of knowing him remember him as a truly dignified and handsome gentleman. Bob is survived by his wife, Shirley, his daughter Nina, and his son Rob, along with his daughter in law, Brandis, and his three grandchildren, Maia, Zana, and Jared. A Memorial service for Bob will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, September 30th, 2012, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 4120 State Route 702 East, Eatonville, WA. Located 3/4 of a mile west off HWY 7 on 702E.