Bob Jones

Bob JONES Bob Jones died at home on September 13, surrounded by family and able to hold on to life until his granddaughter reached his bedside from Chicago. He was 92, and up until a few weeks before his death he lived alone, drove himself to a weekly bridge game, and cut his lawn with a push mower. He died of lung cancer from second-hand smoke. Bob was born in Vancouver, WA on April 3, 1916. He earned a degree in business from the UW in 1941, married a lively drama major named Jean Eminger that same year, then served in WWII as a staff sergeant, directing artillery fire. From France, he took home a Purple Heart, harrowing memories of the Battle of the Bulge, and an abiding hatred of war. He opposed every American war since. Between 1948 and 1972 Bob worked for the IRS, retiring at age 56. Among his many life-time achievements: l He built the family home in Laurelhurst and a summer place in Chelan, where he erected a 200-ft retaining wall, one rock at a time. l He served many years as the volunteer treasurer for the People's Memorial Association, a coop devoted to inexpensive cremations and burials. When he left, PMA had to tap two people to replace him. l He donated to so many nonprofits, he had to track his payments on a spreadsheet: ACLU. Red Cross. Physicians for Social Responsibility. And word of his generosity spread. Soon his mailbox bulged with solicitations, as well as "free gifts" ranging from plastic spirit catchers and American flags to 44 pounds of address labels. He saved these "gifts" and sometimes hauled them out so others could marvel at the waste. l He played host to many good times, taking family members to Maui and inviting several generations of friends to Chelan. With his deep knowledge of politics, Bob was central to many picnic-table discussions that began in daylight and ended under the stars. l Bob was preceded in death by Jean, his wife of 60 years. He is survived by his daughters, Terri Hollinsworth (Joe), Connie Wright (Letcher Ross) and Patti Jones (Dave Hornor) - as well as his three grandkids - Derek Hollinsworth (Kat), Nicole Hollinsworth and Hart Hornor - and his brother, Ralph Jones. A memorial service is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 25 in the Knatvold Room of the University Unitarian Church 6556 35th Ave. NE.