Robert James "Bob" Gallwas

Robert "Bob" James Gallwas passed away peacefully when his heart stopped beating in the early hours of the morning of September 20th, 2025. We know he is rejoicing with his heavenly father, his parents and dancing with his son Stephen, where they are ALL healed and whole.

Bob had a series of strokes in recent years that severely affected his health.

The loss of his son (Stephen James Gallwas), who preceded him two years ago at age 36, was such a travesty to us all, but the blow to Bob was devastating and heartbreaking. Bob's health declined rapidly after that difficult time.

Bob was able to live in an independent adult home until last fall when his health took a turn for the worse. He then needed full-time assistance from the folks at Tacoma Nursing Rehab. While there & with a soon collapsed lung it was recommended to be under the care of a hospice team. Bob did rebound off and on during this time, but we believe that he finally succumbed to a broken heart.

Maggie Eberling Anderson (Bob's 1st spouse) of 5 years

Debbie Hitchcock (Bob's Sister)

Francine McCormick (Bob's 2nd spouse) of 25 years

All three stepped in to help Bob through these trying times.

Bob was born at St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood, and was a lifelong resident of Tacoma, WA.

He was a lover of all thing's sports! Especially baseball and football.

He was a little leaguer, a champion bowler, and then while in high school he developed a love of his favorite game to play, golf. He continued to play golf all through adulthood.

He was an avid sports card collector as well & had many coveted treasures!!

In the 90's Bob & his childhood friend Eric DeMark were the stats team for their fantasy football league. That continued until recent years. He had lifelong friendships of over 40+ years in this group that meant the world to him!

Bob also loved camping and BBQing, but most of all he had a deep love of family to include his Parents (Jim & Janice Gallwas), Sister (Debbie Hitchcock), Nieces (Kristen, Kelli, Kari, Tara & Ashley) and Nephews (DJ & Isaac). He also loved Stephen's Lil 'sister (Mary Kate) like family, but most of all Bob adored his beloved son (Stephen James Gallwas), wife (Mariah) & his precious granddaughter (Olivia) who he loved them all beyond measure!!

Bob had a career in electronics and worked as a senior manager for Tandy Corporation (Radio Shack) for over 25 years. He had built many friendships during his time there. He was quick & witty and loved helping others. He was known to stay late on Christmas Eve to make sure families had all they needed to bring great joy to their holiday. He would on occasion bring a military co-worker home for a holiday meal if given the chance to be hospitable and introduce them to his family.

Bob was a quiet type, however, wasn't afraid to speak his mind. He rarely misspoke or ever put others down, although he did have a way of unwinding after work with an occasional silly "customer blooper" to share with his family to make them all laugh and have fun.

We know you are resting in PEACE Bob. For you loved the Lord and knew the following…

Romans 8:38-39~

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A small private gathering & graveside vigil will take place to honor Bob at his niche in Calvary Cemetery of Tacoma. We plan to meet there on his 64th birthday this November, Wednesday the 5th. Bob was a very private person and would not have wanted a large service. However, if you felt close to Bob, we welcome you to reach out to the family for time & space if you are inclined.