Robert "Rob" Valicoff Sr.

Yakima, Washington - Robert (Bob) Valicoff, Sr., age 98, passed away peacefully on October 4th at The Ponderosa Assisted Living Community in Yakima, Washington. A lifelong resident of the Yakima Valley, Bob was a devoted fruit grower, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Born to Bulgarian immigrants Stoyan and Prokopia Valicoff, Bob grew up on the family farm in Parker. He attended Parker Elementary and graduated from Wapato High School, where he excelled academically and athletically, especially in track. He formed lasting friendships with many other Bulgarian families in the farming community, bonds that endured throughout his life.
On March 24, 1953, Bob married Jocelyn (Jackie) Desmarais. Together, they built a life and a home on their ranch in Parker Heights, where they began farming peaches and apricots, later expanding to pears and apples. They raised five children, and over the years, Bob became a proud grandfather to thirteen and great-grandfather to eight.
Farming in those early years was challenging, but Bob and Jackie faced it with determination and teamwork, often doing the work themselves. Bob instilled in his children a strong work ethic, business sense, and entrepreneurial spirit, values that shaped their lives and careers.
Bob's devotion to Jackie was unwavering, especially during her ten-year battle with Alzheimer's.
After she moved to a care facility, Bob visited her daily, taking her on drives to the ranch and playing music from their past to help her reconnect with cherished memories. Jackie passed away on May 15, 2005, and Bob's love and care during her illness remain a testament to his character.
To his grandchildren, Bob was affectionately known as "Jampa." He was playful, kind, and deeply engaged in their lives, never missing a birthday or milestone. His legacy includes countless memories: coaching Little League, post-game ice cream outings, tolerating the roar of dirt bikes in the yard, supporting 4-H projects, horseback rides along the canal, and welcoming a parade of pets into the family home.
We remember Bob as a role model and a truly good man, honest, humble, and generous. He taught us to serve our communities and treat others with kindness, empathy, and respect.
Bob is survived by his children and their spouses: Rob and Stephanie Valicoff (grandchildren: Alyssa Toms, Andrea Petrini, Brett Valicoff, Julia Faith) Ric and Cristeen Valicoff (grandchildren: Coalby and Brock Valicoff) Dena and Jay Taylor (grandchildren: Jordan and Matthew Taylor) Ron and Tammy Valicoff (grandchildren: Nicole Martin and Kacy Siebol) Randy and Judy Valicoff (grandchildren: Brandon, Ashlynn, and Justin Valicoff).
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jackie, his parents, Prokopia and Stoyan Valicoff, his brother, Victor Valicoff and sister-in-law, Nancy, and his uncle, Dimitri (Jimmy) Staykoff.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate nurses and staff at The Ponderosa Assisted Living Community for their care and support over the past 11 years.
A Private Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church, followed by a family Celebration of Life at Yakima Country Club.
Friends are invited to join a public reception and celebration of Bob's life at Hop Country Bar & Grill on Tuesday, October 21 at 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to LaSalle Catholic School.
Brookside Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at brooksidefuneral.com.