Don Robert Isenhart

Long time retired North Central Washington Veterinarian, and Mule Skinner, Dr. Robert (Bob) Isenhart died Monday, January 6th after a short illness. His life and career were dedicated to animals from the time he was old enough to walk, ride horses, milk cows and participate in Appleatchee Riders in Wenatchee, where he grew up.
Bob was born in 1936 to Don and Dib Isenhart, graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1955 and while attending Wenatchee Valley College he married his High School sweetheart. Myrna Cunningham in 1956. Bob and Myrna started their family in 1957 with the birth of son Mike, and two years later with the birth of daughter Mary.
After graduating from Wenatchee Valley College, Bob entered Washington State University and four years later, in 1961, he graduated with a degree in veterinary medicine. In 1963, after two years of working for other veterinarians, Bob opened Cascade Veterinary Clinic on North Wenatchee Avenue. To help make ends meet, Bob and Myrna and the kids lived in the back of the clinic for the first 2 years. Myrna was his assistant from the first day he opened Cascade Veterinary Clinic and she filled that role for as long as he practiced his profession.
In 1986 Bob and Myrna sold Cascade Veterinary Clinic and moved to Leavenworth where they opened the Bavarian Village Veterinary Clinic. Ten years later in 1996 they sold the Leavenworth clinic and retired.
Bob was active in many community organizations. He was a member of the Wenatchee Lions Club, a member of the Chelan County Sheriff's Posse for 15 years and served two terms as a Fire Commissioner on the Leavenworth Fire District.
In retirement Bob had more time for his life long love or raising mules on his ranch in the Chumstick Valley. Unfortunately, his world changed dramatically after the passing of his wife Myrna in 2006.
Deciding to move closer to son Mike in Brewster, Bob moved to the Methow Valley, where he met up with the Mule Skinners of that area. It was there he met Tiny Gould an accomplished Mule Skinner in her own right, and they eventually moved to Brewster where they were married in 2010. Bob and Tiny spent several years traveling and participating in Mule and Wagon events and taking in the entertainment of Bob's favorite Cowboy Poet, Baxter Black. Bob was no novice at Cowboy Poetry, and over the years wrote a collection of his own works, all of which were highly entertaining and some might make a sailor blush. His 2nd wife, Tiny, died in late 2024.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Don (1987) and Dib (1991) Isenhart, and his older sister Caryl Leighton (1997).
He is survived by son Dr. Mike (wife Robin) Isenhart (retired) of Brewster and their sons Dr. Shawn and wife Jennifer Isenhart and son Jason and wife Alicia Isenhart all of Brewster and daughter Mary and husband Bobby Hightower of the TriCities. and their daughter Amy and spouse Brandi.
Bob is also survived by 3 younger brothers, Dr George Isenhart of Eureka, California, Jerry and wife Cecilia Isenhart of Chelan and retired pastor Tom Isenhart and wife Debbie of Wenatchee. He is also survived by 7 great grandchildren.
A private family burial will be held in Leavenworth on January 16th at 11 AM. Bob will be buried next to his wife Myrna in Leavenworth's Mountain View Cemetery.
A Community Celebration of his Life will be held 3pm on Saturday, January 18th 2025 at Varrelmans Ranch at 24 Griggs Canyon Road in Pateros, WA. The family invites everyone to join in a meal and come and share memories.
In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Brewster Senior Center.