Robert "Bob" Gannon

Robert "Bob" Gannon, age 86, passed away peacefully at home in Olympia, Washington on October 6, 2025, following a heart attack the previous week. He was holding the hands of his wife Kathryn and his only child, his daughter Peggy, as he took his final breath.

Bob was an only child, born in Staten Island, New York to Hazel Goddin Gannon and Gregory Gannon. He spent most of his childhood in New Jersey, raised by Hazel, a resilient and loving mother. It was only later in life that he realized they must've been poor, a testament to Hazel's strength and resourcefulness. Although he didn't spend much of his youth with his father, the two of them developed a stronger relationship in adulthood, for which Bob was thankful.

Kathryn and Bob had a bit of a whirlwind romance, getting engaged after only a few weeks of their first date. To get to that first date was a quest, though, and they had a few missed connections along the way. One story goes that Bob called several times to ask Kathryn out, but he kept getting told that she was in the bath and to call back later. He assumed that she was blowing him off, but a thing to know about Kathryn is that she used to take epic, hours-long baths. All the bath excuses were actually true! Luckily, that wasn't the end of the story, only part of their quirky beginning.

Throughout their full life together, Bob and Kathryn lived in several places and found friends wherever they went. The communities that most felt like home were Northern Virginia and St. Petersburg, Florida. NoVA was where they spent most of their adult lives, put down strong roots and raised Peggy. In both

places, they formed many lifelong friendships. In 2017, they moved to Washington State to be closer to Peggy and much-loved son-in-law Mark, settling in Olympia where they built a warm and connected life.

Bob was a committed public servant, both as his vocation and his avocation. His primary career was in law enforcement, most of it spent proudly serving as a Detective Sargeant with the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. Later, during his "semi-retirement" years in Florida, he served in Pinellas County as a Deputy Sheriff. He believed that police work was 95% social work, and he was proud that he never had to use his gun. His approach to justice was grounded in pragmatism and compassion.

He was a natural mentor-though he never truly realized how many lives he touched in a positive way. Because of his rotating shift work in D.C., he was at home during most days and was the trusted "neighborhood dad" to more kids than just Peggy. He was also proud and honored to volunteer in community public safety throughout his life, spending many years on the all-volunteer Rescue Squad in Sterling, VA, and later as a volunteer firefighter in S.C.

Bob was a train nut. He was a builder and collector of physical model trains, and also a collector train knowledge and experiences. Whenever a vacation or road trip took him or the family in the vicinity of a train museum, historic station or roadhouse, you can bet he was taking a side trip! For the past 7 years, Bob was a volunteer at the Olympia-Lacey Amtrak "Centennial" Station, which is an all-volunteer station.

Bob was a great conversationalist and enjoyed a lively civil debate-and if a good meal and a bottle of wine were involved, so much the better. He loved

words and had a rich vocabulary, finding great satisfaction in choosing the exact right word for the situation. He was always in the middle of a crossword puzzle; a passion passed down from his mother Hazel and shared with Peggy. He adored a good pun and delighted in tormenting Peggy with them throughout her life. (UGH DAAAAAAAAAAAAD!)

Bob treasured Kathryn and Peggy beyond measure. "How did I get so lucky?" was one of the last things he said to them. He wasn't religious, but he felt there was something beyond this world, and that his beloved mother Hazel would be there to welcome him.

Bob will be remembered by those who knew him well for his humor and heart. He was a straight-shooter who wasn't afraid to feel deeply. We are better for having had him touch our lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob's name to the following charities:

· Providence St. Peter Hospital, where Bob, Kathryn and Peggy received exceptional care and support after Bob's heart attack (Providence Southwest Washington Foundation | Home)

· Panorama Benevolent Fund, supporting members of the community where Bob and Kathryn reside (https://panoramabenevolentfund.org/)

· MAP Theatre, his daughter Peggy's non-profit theatre company, of which he was a huge supporter (poweredbyshunpike.org/c/PBS/a/map-theatre)