Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Robert James Roney
1947 - 2022
Robert James Roney
1947 - 2022
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1947
DIED
2022
Robert Roney Obituary
It was with great courage that Robert James Roney passed from this life on January 6, 2022.
Bob was born in Powell Wyoming on July 24, 1947, to Donald and Dolores (Garlick) Roney. He grew up in a military family and lived in Germany, Virginia and Colorado. He began his aviation career as an Army Lieutenant and Helicopter Pilot at Ft. Wolters, Texas in 1967. His military flying included a tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam in 1969 where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and 16 Air Medals.
Bob married Pamela Barrick in 1971 in Oklahoma City, beginning a fantastic relationship that lasted until her passing in 2014. They relocated to Washington state where Bob completed a mechanical engineering degree at the University of Washington in Seattle before joining The Boeing Company in 1979. His engineering there included component design work before he returned to the cockpit as a Boeing Instructor for airline flight crews.
Bob next continued his career as a pilot with Continental Airlines in 1983. He was based in Guam and flew the B727 throughout the Western Pacific, Asia and the Micronesian islands. While on Guam he served as a B727 Second Officer Supervisor, Line Pilot and Line Check Airman on several aircraft. He and Pam met several life-long friends during their years in the Pacific and had many travel adventures while there. They returned to the Seattle area in 2000 when Bob was selected for assignment to the Flight Standards and Training Department at Continental. He worked there until 2007 as a Simulator Instructor and Line Check Airman. His last assignment was as a Line Captain flying the B777 out of the Newark, NJ pilot base until his retirement in July 2012.
Bob was accomplished at any challenge he took on. Besides being a pilot, he was a sailor, motorcyclist, skier and golfer. He was a member of the Pacific Northwest Region of the Porsche Club of America. He also belonged to the Washington State BMW Riders, national BMWMOA and BMWRA motorcycle clubs.
Bob always had genuine, thoughtful concern for others and was a mentor and good role model for many. But especially for his brothers. Also, for his niece and nephew in their careers of engineering and aviation.
Bob was fun and funny and advocated for full enjoyment of life. He was incredibly generous to his family and friends in that spirit. Many memorable vacations were shared by all in various parts of the world including sailboat charters in the Virgin Islands, Greece and Turkey. There were fantastic stays in Bali, Australia, Hong Kong, and various parts of Europe.
Bob was dearly loved and will be missed by his family and friends. We are all adrift without him. Bob is preceded in death by his father, Donald and his beloved wife Pam. He is survived by his mother Dolores, brother Rick and sister-in-law Jana, sister Marie and brother-in-law Victor Carter, brother Pat and sister-in-law Linda, niece Kitt Roney, and nephew Nash Roney. He is also survived by his very good friends AJ and Terri King who he considered a part of his family.
A celebration of Bob's excellent life will be held at a future date to be determined.
Information about his celebration of life will be posted to Legacy.com. Please post your memories and photos of Bob there.
Bob's obituary is also published in the Seattle Times.
"May Captain Bob have smooth air, clear skies and favorable winds on his final flight"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rick Roney
January 12, 2023
So many great memories of you in this last year since you departed, reminding me of how much we all miss you!
Every ride I take I think about my brother and the plans we hoped to share as we retired and how much I wish we were riding together.
Bob is surely missed by everyone who knew him, Rest in Peace Captain Bob
A.J. King
January 11, 2023
Too many anecdotes to share but Captain Bob was a true friend and like a brother to me. He is sorely missed and I think about him every day. Here´s to you CB.
Rick and Jana Roney
July 25, 2022
Yesterday was a sad anniversary. Many thoughts and memories of Bob while motorcycling, a passion he passed on to us, and he is always with us on our rides. Sorry you couldn't be with us on your 75th Bob. We miss you.
Rebecca Morgan-Wetzel
July 25, 2022
Happy Heavenly Birthday Bob! Hope you are up there with everyone, give Aunt Martha Anne a big hug from me and Uncle Donald. You passed at the same age as my mom. We celebrate your life today.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Ann & Lyn Bevins
July 25, 2022
Happy Heavenly birthday Bob. You will always be missed.
Pat Roney
July 24, 2022
Happy birthday Bob, we miss you terribly.
Marie Carter
July 24, 2022
Thinking of you today on what would have been your 75th birthday...you left us too soon.
Rebecca Morgan-Wetzel
May 30, 2022
My deepest condolences for the loss of Bob. My eldest cousin. When my mom passed he was compassionate, genuine with so much love.
I will never forget his thoughtfulness.
You left a lifetime of impressions everything you accomplished and how you touched so many lives.
Rest easy.
xoxo
Rick and Jana Roney
March 23, 2022
Special thanks to Kitt Roney for providing great photos of the Celebration of Life event.
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
Rick and Jana Roney
March 21, 2022
We had a great gathering of family and friends for Bob's Celebration of Life yesterday on Sunday, March 20th, 2022. There were 18 in attendance including Bob's two brothers, their spouses and his niece and nephew. Stories and memories were shared. In Bob's spirit, fun was had by all. We miss him so very much.
Here are pictures of the celebratory gathering.
A video will be posted soon.
Richard D Roney
February 27, 2022
Hello, I wanted to share this great email and stories regarding Bob from his friend Dick. This is reprinted with permission from Dick Floreani. Thanks Dick, we really appreciate this.
"Dear Rick, brother of Bob,
It was with great sadness that I read your email of a few weeks ago informing us of the death of your dear brother. I will admit it was not unexpected because Bob had informed me of his terrible diagnosis several months ago, but it was nonetheless very sad to know it had happened.
I first met Bob back in the late 1980s when he was assigned as a 727 first officer on Guam. He came out with his much loved wife, Pam. She rapidly assimilated into the Guam environment by getting a job in nursing at the FHP clinic. Bob loved the Air Mike type of flying and Pam blended in well with everyone. They enjoyed their stay out in the western Pacific.
I few years later I became the chief pilot and Bob was promoted to captain. I soon thereafter placed a "feather in his cap" by selecting him as one of our two line check Captains. He was the perfect man for the job.
During that time I was to be married on the island of Ponape. It was to have been a small affair with only a few local Air Mike employees attending. Coincidentally, that afternoon Bob was captain on an island hopper flight passing through Ponape. Right after take off they had a major hydraulic malfunction. They had to return to that little island and spend the night. Little did the crew know they would be going to a wedding and be sitting at the groom´s table for the reception dinner. It made the event special for all of us.
I left Guam in 1995 to fly out of Newark but Bob and I stayed in contact.
One thing we had in common is our love of bicycles, although Bob leaned a little more towards motorcycles.
We both also suffered similar devastating losses in our lives. I lost my wife Sheena, the one I had married on Ponape, to Parkinson´s disease in 2012. The passing of my wife especially touched Bob because at that time Pam was being treated for cancer. Then Pam too died about a year after Sheena. We became two suffering widowers which brought us closer together emotionally.
I last saw your brother about five year ago in Las Vegas at one of our retired Continental pilot reunions. We hung out together there along with Terry Owens and Bob Appleton.
I am glad that Bob Roney entered my life. He was a good man, responsible, caring, and deeply in love with his woman.
It was fortunate for him to have a brother like you to have your family give him comfort and support in his time of need.
Rick, I extend my warm wishes for comfort to come to you and your family during this time of grieving.
Dick Floreani"
Chuck and Becky Farrell
February 8, 2022
I first met Bob in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Bob was a first lieutenant, didn't need to shave, and didn't appear to be a day over 15. He and I flew several combat missions together and survived the experiences in spite of ourselves. At this point, I don't want to let facts get in the way of a good story. Just because it actually happened to someone else doesn't mean it couldn't have happened to us. If what really happened is a little too mundane, I shall embellish it, especially if there are no other witnesses. Combining two or more otherwise routine occurrences, is always more impressive than if told individually, i.e., there I was deep over enemy territory and suddenly experienced an engine fire. If we crapped our flight suit during the incident, it is best to leave that out of the story.
I next ran in to Bob at Ft. Rucker, AL where we were both assigned as CH-47 flight instructors. We spent many happy hours at the Officer's Club together in spite of Pam's instructions to "get your butt home after work". Bob was later assigned to the Armor school where he was encouraged to follow in General Patton's footsteps as a tank commander, among other things. That was not attractive to him as he was now destined to be an aviator. I remember he told me that he shared with his father that he wanted to be a pilot when he grew up. His father promptly told him he needed to make up his mind because he couldn't do both!
15 years flew by before my next "Bob" sighting. I had retired from the military and was hired by Continental Airlines and based in Guam. As I disembarked the airplane, a familiar voice from behind me said "Welcome to Guam, Chuck". Bob was to be my supervisor as the Second Officer/Flight Engineer manager. Bob and Pam were very helpful in settling my wife, Becky, and I in to the Guam routine. We were the best of friends and enjoyed traveling throughout the islands and Asia together. Two memorable highlights would be bare boat sailing trips through the British Virgin Islands and the Turkish Coast.
Bob and I were both assigned to the Training Department where we challenged each other to exemplify the highest of standards. I was honored to have him as my copilot on my retirement flight from Houston to Honolulu and back. He did a magnificent job by keeping me from becoming a CNN tragedy. Bob invited Becky and I on his retirement flight to Germany. Bob Roney was a good man, an excellent pilot, and a great friend. I put together a little poem to honor him on his 60th birthday that reflects some of our experiences together:
Bob, my friend, tis a very special day
And I've been saving up a few things to say
So sit back - relax - and I'll continue, if I may
To tell some story on this - your 60th birthday
Our relationship began quite a few years ago
When off to Viet Nam we were ordered to go
I remember when you arrived to fly a Chinook
Destined to be above the rest, as you flew that Hook
Bob flew a combat tour with the 243rd Freight Trains
While trying to survive the continuous monsoon rains
He flew day and night missions - most very long
Giving his best effort against the Viet Cong
He completed his tour and shipped back to Ft. Rucker
And once again, I ran into this corn shucker
A CH-47 pilot instructor - he soon became
And I'm here to tell you - that place was never the same
I remember the times we had at many Happy Hours
While we traded stories and lies about our aviator powers
The drive home - and the MP road blocks we'd have to dodge
As we staggered and weaved our way back home from the Lake Lodge
Now the Army decreed that if you want to achieve rank
Then, Captain Bob, you must soon go and command a tank
So Bobby went and gave it his best shot
But soon decided he didn't like it alot
It was evident to him, so as to avoid being the fool
He better wise up and get back to school
It was at this point that he really began growing
Which subsequently led to his employment at Boeing
And there he developed his skills as an engineer
He thoroughly enjoyed it - but there was one fear
For the love of flying was still near and dear
So a chance to, once again, fly - he was hoping to hear
The call from the airlines came in 1984
And in no time at all - he was out the door
The place they sent him way out in the Pacific
He didn't care where - hell, he thought it was terrific.
It was far, far away - so he sweet talked his wife
Pam, come join me - we'll live an island life
He told her she was going to Hawaii - and put her on a plane
Knew when she landed in Guam - he'd have a lot to explain
And so Air Mike was the beginning of a grand career
Where he was soon flying as a flight engineer
A short time later, he was upgraded to the right seat
And flying through the islands - thought he was "HOT SHEET"
Our paths would again cross, at this time and place
When I arrived in Guam, I was greeted by a familiar face
And Bob quickly advised that I better not hide
For he had plans in the morning to give me a check ride
Well, soon he was a Captain, making the big buck
Riding a streak of very good luck
The months turned to years - and years to a decade
And Pam's sense of humor was beginning to fade
Pam said "Bob, we've been here too long and I'm not happy"
"And if we don't get out of here soon, your life will be crappy"
SO back and forth they went - and after the battle
Captain Bob began life as a commuter from Seattle
Bob prided himself as a man among men
And soon moved to the heavy metal - the DC-10
He'd fly those long hauls day after day
A big smile on his face as he collected Wide-Body Pay
Years of Steam-Gauge flying and he'd had enough
Twas time to step up to that high tech stuff
So when a new bid awarded him the 757
This techie nerd thought he was going to heaven
He accumulated line experience, and became pretty good
As this leading edge technology was not well understood
However, he rose to the challenge and worked hard to acquire
As much knowledge as possible before he would retire.
His reputation of excellence spread near and far
And soon he was regarded as a high tech star
They brought him to Houston to teach all the rest
Where he shared all his knowledge, and did so with zest
Now back on the mainland with a big pilot home
It all fit in well with his motorcycle chrome
Flying the line and instructing in the SIM
It was a lifestyle that proved very agreeable to him
I invited Bob to Join me on my retirement flight
And he agreed to assist me - in spite of his fright
We asked Pam to join us - she could fly in First Class
She replied “Hawaii, First Class, now that I can’t pass"
And so off to Hawaii with me he did go
Kept me out of trouble and ran a hell of a show
On my final landing, he screams at me - "Flare"
And I had a smooth landing. . .something quite rare
Bob, over the years, you've been known to inspire
And it's a shame that from the Flight Deck, you must retire
But I cherish a friendship that has lasted this long
In spite of the fact your politics are all wrong
This has become a saga. . .I've exceeded my time
And I've had to ramble to get this to rhyme
However, the thought occurred that it sure would be nice
If I were to leave you with a bit of advice
"Life is like a roll of toilet paper . . .
The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes".
Chuck Farrell, July 24, 2007
Bob and Pam are very near and dear to our hearts. We will forever miss them.
Rick and Jana Roney
February 7, 2022
We will be sending Evites out for Bob's Celebration of Life. If you did not receive an email notice from Rick about Bob's passing, and would like to attend, please send your email information to [email protected] to receive an Evite. We will be posting a short video of the COL at Legacy for those unable to attend.
A.J. King
February 4, 2022
Hard to believe it has been a month since Captain Bob´s passing. We think of him daily and miss him so very much. He was like a brother to me and my only consolation is that he is now at peace.
Dolores Roney
February 3, 2022
I have lost my first born. Bob was loved and admired by all who knew him but no one more than I. He was wise beyond his years. He was a mentor to many who never forgot. There is no better legacy than a life well lived. Another life with your beloved Pam is now beginning. May you both find peace in all eternity.
Nash Roney
February 1, 2022
Nash Roney
February 1, 2022
Nash Roney
February 1, 2022
Nash Roney
February 1, 2022
Bob I will miss you dearly. I wouldn´t be here if it weren´t for you and all the advise and flight hours we have had together. Our time together was incredibly special to me. There were so many memorable flights we did together starting when I was young. But the most memorable flight I had with you was taking you up in a plane I rented as your flight instructor to get you current again and signing your logbook. That´s how I knew I made it when I got to be your flight instructor. I love you Bob and miss you so much.
Linda Roney
January 31, 2022
Linda Roney
January 31, 2022
Linda Roney
January 31, 2022
Some favorites
Linda Roney
January 31, 2022
Linda Roney
January 31, 2022
Linda Roney
January 31, 2022
Linda Roney
January 31, 2022
Some favorites
Emily Leslie
January 27, 2022
I´m so sad to learn of Bob´s passing. I first met Bob and Pam through Ann Bevins at Whistler. After Pam´s passing, I had many fun trips to Whistler with Bob & Susan Harper and Terri & AJ King. Bob & Susan also hosted me many times in their home during the pandemic even when we had to be outside! He was a gracious and generous man and I hope he has found his peace.
Ann & Lyn Bevins
January 27, 2022
I think we met Bob and Pam
In the late 80s, at a motorcycle rally. Bob and Lyn had the same bike at the time and they were both looking at the same camping spot! The four of us instantly clicked and we became very close friends as we also did with Rick & Jana. We have many wonderful memories of great times riding, eating out and visiting each other´s homes. Bob had a terrific sense of humor and he was just the kind of very capable guy that you felt comfortable traveling with and generally being around. Bob and Pam were two of our closest friends and will be remembered always with the great times and the fun that we all had. It is still difficult to comprehend that Bob is now gone but his smile will stay with us; he could really light up a room with that broad, bright smile and terrific sense of humor. As we met him on a riding trip we will meet he and Pam again one day on that long winding road. We will be looking for their smiles and welcoming arms. Loved you both so very, very much and always will. `Til we meet again.
Tresa & David Berg
January 25, 2022
We were fortunate to meet Bob through our friend Susan Harper. Bob was so fun to be around. He made us laugh every time we were around him. He had a love of travel and that made us want to make plans for the future. We will miss the dinners, the wine tastings, the Palm Desert trips and the Whistler ski trip memories. He made a mean Manhatten and that was a treat for those, who love them. We will miss Bob very much! Tresa & David
Russ & Linda Van Skike
January 25, 2022
We are sadden by Bob's passing. We send our condolences to his family. Russ has lots of fun memories from Palmer HS. Russ & Bob had a great time cruising in their sports cars up & down Nevada. They had several mischievous times together. Bob was a dear friend. If it is possible Russ would appreciate a call (719-360-7844) from Dolores or any family member. RIP Bob you will be missed & always loved.
Clifford Robert Wieger
January 24, 2022
I have fond memories of Bob from Palmer HS. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Nancy Nickell
January 23, 2022
On January 6th, Bob's suffering ended and ours began. In the days, weeks and months ahead, we'll individually and collectively try to heal as we remember the wonderful experiences we each had with him.
First meeting Bob in the mid-60s, I didn't really get to know him until more recent years. I enjoyed his frequent visits to Southern Oregon, candid personal and social opinions and incredible generosity. As Bob was always quick to pick up the check, I found I had to resort to giving a credit card to the maître d upon entering restaurants - in order to pay just once in a while.
I loved that he loved my dogs. And they loved him. Zak would hardly leave his side and lapped up the attention that Bob so freely gave. They will miss the ear rubs that he enjoyed giving during his stays.
Fly high, my friend and adopted brother.
We miss you. Woof.
Pat Roney
January 23, 2022
Always the instigator and organizer of the Roney kids. Linda and I would have never traveled the world like we did with you and Pam. It was a great life you had and we will continue our travels together again on the other side.
Marie Carter
January 22, 2022
It is obvious from the comments written that Bob was one lucky guy - he was loved by so many! While he left us much too soon, he handled his passing with grace and courage...and on his own terms. It says so much about him that he did not want to be a burden to his friends and family. He is free at last, and together with Pam now. May you soar in your next life!
A.J. King
January 20, 2022
Captain Bob is a true American hero in my mind and I have always had the utmost respect for his courage and daring in Viet Nam. In our forty plus years of friendship we have never had an argument or discord in our relationship. The connection we had was amazing as we did so many travels abroad and at home, it seemed that we were always in sync. Whether it was when we were putting a new motor in my boat, sailing, or traveling the backroads of Bali we prevailed. I could go on and on with stories of his pranks on me and the most memorable fun times we had when my wife and I traveled, socialized and were together with Pam and Bob. They are both "forever in hearts ".
Linda Roney
January 19, 2022
What can I say about Bob ..the best brother-in-law, best uncle to our children, best person for advice just all around great guy. Our time together these last months were golden. Loved having coffee each morning and being his confidant about everything he had lived through and all his personal issues. We talked about everything and I will truly miss that. His love for Pam was bigger than anything and I am sure they are together and at peace. Love you Bob we miss you!
Rick and Jana Roney
January 19, 2022
Below are Pics of the family in 1971 and 2005.
Also 3 generations of Roney men
Kitt Roney
January 19, 2022
Kitt Roney
January 19, 2022
Kitt Roney
January 19, 2022
Kitt Roney
January 19, 2022
Bob, miss you every day. You were an big inspiration for my career, you and Pam both always encouraged that the sky is the limit (Nash took that literally and followed in your footsteps). I know you are reunited with Pam, walking, talking, and doing all the things you love.
Rick Roney
January 19, 2022
Rick Roney
January 19, 2022
Rick Roney
January 19, 2022
Rick Roney
January 19, 2022
His family in 1971 and 2005, and 3 generations of the Roney men
Rick and Jana Roney
January 19, 2022
He loved riding his Vespa.
Rick Roney
January 19, 2022
Rick Roney
January 19, 2022
Rick Roney
January 19, 2022
Rick Roney
January 19, 2022
I think back to when we were growing up. I looked to him for his constant confidence and guidance. He was always my mentor.
Rick and Jana Roney
January 19, 2022
We miss him so much but know that he has rejoined his beloved Pam.
Terri King
January 19, 2022
I am not sure where even to begin, except that I miss him every day all ready! I almost always started my day with a quick text to him, just to check in. We have had so many wonderful, fun, exotic, crazy, mischievous times with both he and Pam, that our lives would not at all be the same without him in it. He will be so missed as he was such a great friend. A huge loss for us. We admire his accomplishments and have such a great respect for him. Love you, Bob.
Terri King
Rick and Jana Roney
January 17, 2022
Bob was such a wonderful brother and our best friend. We will miss him always. He left us way too soon.
Please share your thoughts, memories and photos of your good times with Bob. Thanks, Jana and Rick
Showing 1 - 71 of 71 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Roney's name
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Roney's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
