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Robert Dutton Obituary
"Old Gent"
Robert Lester Dutton
He married Doris Pauline Stead (deceased), and they had two children, Ed Dutton (wife, Bobbie) and Janette "Jan" Gage (husband, John).
In 1956 they moved their family to Washington State where he worked at Weyerhauser, then for the U.S. Postal Service.
Bob retired from the Post Office in 1987, and enjoyed many new adventures such as learning how to water ski, golfing and being a "snow bird". While in Arizona he met a new love – Joan Cole of Canada. They enjoyed many happy years together.
Bob leaves behind Joan, son, Ed; and daughter, Jan; he also leaves behind eight grandchildren and spouses; and 12 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Jack (wife, Louise), Bill (wife, Diane), Jim (wife, Carole); and his sisters, Peggy and Mary Louise (husband, Paul).
Preceding him in death were his parents, Logan and Nellie; his sister, Eleanor; and brother, Jerry.
He will be greatly missed by family and his many friends. His sense of humor never left him.
At his request, no services will take place.
His family is planning a celebration of his life this summer when his snow bird friends return from Arizona.
The family would like to thank Joan Cole and Hospice of the Northwest for their loving care for Bob in his final days.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Dutton
Jan Gage
March 12, 2025
Coming up on another anniversary of your passing. So much has happened since you´ve been gone. Rest in peace....
Jan Gage
June 18, 2012
Dad,
We had your Celebration od Life with a turnout you would have been proud of. Sorry, John and I were late (we really couldn't help it!) I know you always said John was running a bit late all the time! Love you so much dad.
John Gage
April 17, 2012
Well Bob, this is the last day for the guest book, and couldn't let the day go by without letting you know how much we miss you. I know you are in a better place, but it's tough not having you with us. We love and miss you so much. Take care Old Gent.
April 17, 2012
Grandpa,
As the on-line guest book comes to a close, we look forward to your Celebration of Life and Relay for Life in June!I know it will be an emotional time for all of us, but it will be a special time with family, friends and food - just the way you wanted! Take good care up there, play some golf and enjoy the sunshine!
Love you lots,
Stephanie, Jared, Noah and Sienna
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Jan Gage
April 16, 2012
Dad, hard to believe it has been one month ago since you passed on. John and I watched part of a Mariner's baseball game on TV the other night. We figured your watching it too. You are missed and loved so much. Rest in Peace.
Love,
Jan
Stacey Dutton
April 16, 2012
My beloved Grandpa-
I miss you so much. I miss your smile and how you always made me laugh. I do not go a day without thinking about you and all the joy and memories you brought to my life. I love you Grandpa.
BBQ!
Jennifer Dutton-Pretlow
April 16, 2012
Grandpa,
Today marks one month since you left us. I feel so sad and wonder when the pit in my stomach will go away. I have peace knowing that you are in Heaven, reunited with everyone who has passed before you. Over the weekend, we went to your house. I never knew how much you enjoyed pictures of your family. We found boxes and boxes of pictures. I smiled as I looked through them. We all miss you so very much. Madison loves your Angel of the Winds calculator, and Kaitlyn loves your belt buckles. Do you remember that UW hat you wore as you were getting sick? The beanie kind that is worn for snowboarding? It smells like you. I miss you so much. I want you to know that we are all taking care of Dad and Auntie Jan. I really miss you. We all miss you. When I was looking at all your pictures, I saw how happy you were. I honestly cannot remember a time that you weren't happy. I still remember when Nelson was born and you came to see me. You were so happy as you sat there and held your first great grandchild. You'd be so proud of what he is doing right now. He is getting ready to leave for Reno in a week and a half. We are planning a big celebration of life for you. It puts a smile on my face to look through all of your pictures. You were always smiling. Dad has your smile. I see you in Dad every time I look at him. I love you and miss you Grandpa.
Judith Willman
April 12, 2012
Bob's truck will be in Keithsburg, Illinois around 20 June thru mid July. Looking forward to seeing our cousins.
April 12, 2012
Hi Grandpa,
It's Stephanie. I am thinking of all the good times we had together as I was growing up...
Remembering the time when I was 5 years old, pleading with you to let me go on that morning bike ride around the neighborhood - finally you gave in only to have my foot get caught in the spokes of the front tire! We both were thrown from the bike and I ended up with a broken ankle. You felt horrible, but we later belly-laughed about the incident!
Remembering when Jeremy and I used to spend the night. We loved to play lite bright in the upstairs closet, eat lots of cookies and go on walks with you. But, my favorite thing to do was sit next to your recliner in the morning and watch "The Price is Right" and "The People's Court" with you!
Remembering all of our many trips to the University of Washington for my orthodontic appointments! Sometimes it would be John, you and me. Or if John couldn't take me, it was you and I. We always looked forward to Ezell's Chicken for lunch.
Remembering the times when Mom and I would stop by the little covenience store where you worked part time to say "hi." You would always let us kids pick out any candy we wanted.
Remembering when your favorite place to dine was Anthony's Woodfire Grill where I was a hostess! I loved seeing your smiling face and you would say "I need the best seat in the house (while laughing)." Sometimes you would even give me a hostess tip!
There are so many more memories that I could share, but these were a few that came to mind. We think of you often and know that you are resting well.
Love you always,
Stephanie
March 27, 2012
Dad, I wanted to talk with you today and just hear your voice. I can still talk with you, but miss you so so much. Words cannot express how much I miss you. They say that time will heal. But when does the healing start?
Hugs to you,
Jan
Paul Fonseca
March 25, 2012
To a dear Brother-in-law. May God grant you peace and serenity.
Grandpa and Joan with Granddaughter Stephanie and Grandson Jared - Stephanie and Jared's Wedding Aug. 7, 2003
Stephanie Price
March 24, 2012
Ann-Marie Jury
March 23, 2012
A beautiful obituary for a great guy- thanks for the acknowledgment of mom's care - it means a lot to her family.
Tom, Angela and kids
March 21, 2012
Rest in peace grandpa. You will be forever in our hearts. We love you.
Cami Stock
March 21, 2012
We love you, grandpa. Grateful that you are at peace and without pain.
Peggy Lantz
March 21, 2012
To my Dear Bro. Bob: Know that you are at peace now, and having a great time seeing our loved ones who have gone before us. We are all missing you, but have all those memories of the times you came back on vacation to Illinois. Times we sat around & talked about the good old days & all the fun things we did as kids. So glad we could come to Washington for your 80th, our first & last limo ride was great fun. Well, see you again one day. Love You, Sis Peg.
Mike Cole
March 20, 2012
RIP Bob, Sue and I send our condolences and Love to all your friends and family. You are a class act, and will be sorely missed.
Brenda&Boomer Wallace
March 20, 2012
Rest peacefully uncle and smile down upon us from heaven!
Ron Triplett
March 20, 2012
Enjoyed working with Bob.
Diana Dutton
March 20, 2012
Hi Bro,
There are so many wonderful things I will always miss about you.
When you came back to Illinois, I always wanted you to stay with Bill and me. I loved getting up in the mornings and you would have coffee made. You would be running around in your blue Perry Ellis pajamas.
When we came to Mesa the first time, as soon as I stepped out of the truck you would tell me what I would be cooking and baking while I was there. You always wanted homemade noodles and Illinois tenderloins. And that's not to mention the cookies. I loved you so much; I wish I could do all that again.
I know you had to leave but you left Bill and I the greatest gift of all - Joan, Jan and John, Ed and Bobbie and their children and grandchildren. They are so loved and have a place here to come home to.
Oh, by the way, no white gravy. Diana
Jim & Carol
March 20, 2012
Bro.Bob, You will be missed more than you know but you have left a lot of wonderful memories for all of your family and friends and for this we say THANK-YOU. Rest in peace and God bless till we see you again.
Stacy & Jon Ruffle
March 20, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers for the entire Dutton family!
March 19, 2012
"Our deepest sympathy to Joan and to Bob's family. We truly enjoyed our visits with him."
Shirley and Emil Meister (Vernon, BC, Canada)
Grandpa and Grandson Jeremy
Stephanie Price
March 19, 2012
Jen, Stacey, and Grandpa
Jennifer Pretlow
March 19, 2012
Grandpa's 80th!
Jennifer Pretlow
March 19, 2012
BBQ ing!
Jennifer Pretlow
March 19, 2012
Grandpa, Uncle Jim, and Aunt Carol
Jennifer Pretlow
March 19, 2012
Grandpa and Joan
Jennifer Pretlow
March 19, 2012
Grandpa and Joan
Jennifer Pretlow
March 19, 2012
Grandpa on the mower at Uncle Bill's
Jennifer Pretlow
March 19, 2012
Grandpa and his Mom
Jennifer Pretlow
March 19, 2012
cheryl larcom
March 19, 2012
My deepest sympathy goes to the family.
Ed and Bobbie I know this is a trying time. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Mary Fonseca
March 19, 2012
It's so hard to put into words what I feel. I love you and you will be missed oh so much. Knowing that you will never have to suffer anymore and that you're in Heaven with Dad, Mom, Eleanor and Jerry is comfort for me. Love you, Mary
Janette Gage
March 19, 2012
My dad, my friend. Be still and calm in your journey.
Love,
Jan
Shelley LaCasse
March 19, 2012
Bob-
I feel so privilaged to have known you and that you were such a wonderful grandfather to my girls. I have many fond memories of you over the years, but the greatest memory of all is your wonderful sense of humor. I feel relieved that you are no longer in such pain and are at peace. Rest in Peace, Old Gent. - Shelley
Grandpa in his younger years (far right).
Jennifer Pretlow
March 18, 2012
Grandpa with newborn Great-Granddaughter Sienna and Granddaughter Stephanie
Stephanie Price
March 18, 2012
Christmas 2011
Stephanie Price
March 18, 2012
Stephanie Price
March 18, 2012
To my Dearest Grandpa~
You lived a good life: simple, hard working, honest and kind-hearted. I hold many memories of you close to my heart. Though it is difficult to see you go, I am comforted knowing that you are safe and at peace. Thank you for all of the joy you brought to our lives. You will never be forgotten. Please continue to be with my Mom and Uncle Ed, for they still need you. I love you, Grandpa. Farewell and Rest in Peace ~
Joy Guthrie
March 18, 2012
So sorry for the loss.
Christmas Eve 2011
Stacey Dutton
March 18, 2012
Grandpa-
I love you and miss you so very much. What gets me through these tough days is knowing you will greet me in Heaven one day. Your family and friends will miss you deeply. I will always remember your sense of humor-you kept me laughing even in your final days. I love you very much.
Grandpa Bob - high school
Jennifer Pretlow
March 18, 2012
Grandpa Bob and Dad
Jennifer Pretlow
March 18, 2012
Son - Ed, Grandpa Bob, and Brother - Bill
Jennifer Pretlow
March 18, 2012
March 18, 2012
Bob(Dad),First I want to thank you for welcoming me into your family. I couldn't have asked for a nicer family to join as I gained a wonderful husband, two beautiful daughters, as well as a sister and best friend. I appreciated your kindness and acceptance of Angela and Becky as your grandchildren.
I will always remember your sense of humor and every once in a while you would remind me of that when you commented on my hair or how long it took me to get ready:-) I love you and will miss you greatly. Love, Bobbie Dutton
Dad - Thank you for always being there for me. I will miss your phone calls and your concerns about how I was doing or feeling when I became ill. I know you are at peace now and free of pain, you will be missed more than you know and someday we will see each other again. I Love you, Ed
Bill Dutton
March 18, 2012
So long and rest in peace my friend. - Bro Bill
Howard Davis
March 18, 2012
Bob was proud to have you as a friend amd a neighbor.Will always remember the good times we had at the post office and in Arizona.Rest in peace
Terri Bynum
March 18, 2012
Dear Uncle Bob, I know that I didn't get to see you as much as I would have liked since we lived so far from each other, but I will miss you terribly. I always thought of you as my uncle with the sweetest smile and the kindest eyes. And boy did you have that Dutton sense of humor! I am grateful that you aren't suffering any longer and that you have gone with God. I know that Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Jerry, & Aunt Eleanor were waiting right there with open arms. I love you ~ Terri
Kaitlyn Dutton
March 18, 2012
GREAT GRANDPA....I LOVE U, ALWAYS HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL AND I WILL NEVER LET U OUT OF MY MIND AND HEART AND I CANT WAIT TO SEE U IN HEAVEN, I LOVE U AND WE HAD GOOD TIMES TOGETHER, ALSOP, UR SOOOO CUTE, LOVE AND MISS U <3
Julie & Jeremy Sherman
March 18, 2012
Grandpa Bob, We are going to miss you so much. I will always remember your distinct laugh, he he he! :) Your kindness and love to us and the boys will never be forgotten. You will live in our hearts forever Grandpa. Although we are sad that you left us here behind, we are happy that you are no longer suffering. You are in the most glorious place with God! Love you!
John Gage
March 18, 2012
Bob, I'll always remember our trips to Arizona, our days playing golf (and no, I never did make you carry my bag despite your complaints of that!), breakfast after work when I was on shift and later lunch every week when I went into the office, and most importantly, just having the privilege of being a part of your family. This last couple of years was tough for you, but you always maintained your kind heart, unselfish nature and sense of humor through it all, and I respect you so much for that. You were more than a great father-in-law -- you were my best friend, and I will miss you deeply. Goodbye my friend.
Mindy Kennedy
March 18, 2012
A true sign of a life well lived is the number who deeply grieve your loss. Grandpa Bob is survived by many family members whose great love for him is shown in all they do. What a great legacy to leave on this earth. May Robert rest in peace and may his family be comforted.
Janette Gage
March 18, 2012
Dad, the sun came through our big window in the sunroom and I was reminded of how you liked to sit in that room to feel the warmth. Not only will we miss you, but Phoebe will too. You were such a good "dog sitter" for her. You would pretend you didn't want to watch her, but would call us up to see if you could watch her while I had my infusions :) you always said that was a way you could help out! I miss you so, so much. Can't imagine my life with you not in it. Love you forever, Jan
Gary & Becky Young
March 18, 2012
We will miss seeing Bob here in Arizona and back home in Washington.
Although we didn't get to see him often, when we did he always would have a smile on his face and make us feel so welcome.
We have great, happy memories of the post office retiree get-togethers he would have at his home in Apache Junction. Lots of laughs and great food!
Our heartfelt condolences to his amazing family. Rest in peace Bob.
Gary Willman
March 18, 2012
Cousin Bob will always be with me. His truck with "OLGENT' plate on the front travels Arizona looking good. He kept great care of it and I am so happy Bob sold it to me. Everybody that knew Bob has been blessed.
Lee Winston
March 18, 2012
Family is in our prayers Great memories.
Jennifer Pretlow
March 18, 2012
I love you Grandpa.
Grandpa with Kaitlyn, Nelson, and Madison (Christmas 2011)
Jennifer Pretlow
March 18, 2012
Dear Grandpa,
I love you and miss you. I know you are with God now . . . pain-free and happy. You were loved, and you lived the life of a good man, full of integrity. Your legacy will live on. I see you in my Dad every day. Your strength, sense of humor, and honest demeanor will live on through your children, siblings, and grandchildren. I love you.
Martha Pennington
March 18, 2012
My heart goes out to you all at this time. Uncle Bob was truly a great guy. Although I did not get to see him much he will be greatly missed.
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