Robert C. Spinner

Lynden Fire Chief, Robert Charles Spinner, Jr., while on duty, suffered a heart attack jogging and later passed away on Friday, July 14, 2017, at the age of 50. He was known for being loyal to his family and fire department, having integrity, honesty with the ability to motivate, and inspire others in his love of firefighting. Robert was born in Hudson, New York on February 16, 1967 to Robert Sr. and Shirley (Jewett) Spinner and was joined by his younger brother Russell. Robert graduated from Ichabod Crane High School in 1985 and right away joined the Navy. While in the Navy, he learned how to work on and build engines for the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler. He served in Guam and Naval Air Station Whidbey. While at Whidbey, he met his wife Tammy Farris and they were later married August 13, 1991. Together they have two children Austin and Emma. Robert loved spending time with his family, riding ATV's at Oak Harbor Motor Cross, and attending car and truck meets with his children. He enjoyed customizing his many different trucks, but his favorite was his current Chevy. He was a mentor to many young people in the firefighting, and car and truck show community. After his discharge from the Navy, Chief Spinner began his 28 year firefighting career by first volunteering at North Whidbey Cornet Bay Fire Station in 1989, then was hired as a federal firefighter serving at NAS Whidbey Island, continuing to Arizona's Tonopah Valley Fire Dept, on to Rock Hill F.D. in South Carolina, then back to Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue in Coupeville, then Rural Metro Fire Dept in Scottsdale, AZ and serving his last six years at Lynden Fire Dept where he became Chief three months ago. Robert is survived by his wife Tammy of 26 years, children Austin (Megan) of Glendale, Az. and Emma of the family home, mother Shirley Spinner, brother Russell (Tracy) Spinner and their two children Alex Robert Charles and Emily, mother in law Gerri Izzo, and his numerous friends and family in the firefighting community. Chief Spinner will be honored with full Washington State Fire Fighter Honor Guard, 1 pm on Saturday, July 22, 2017, in the Expo Building at the North West Washington Fair Grounds, 1775 Front St., Lynden WA 98264. Memorials are suggested to the Lynden Firefighters Association, 215 4th St., Lynden, WA 98264 You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.