Robert A. Carter

1944 - 2014

Robert A. Carter

Robert ("Bob") A. Carter, Jr., 69, of Brier, Washington, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on January 13, 2014. Born July 10, 1944, Bob was born and raised in Seattle and graduated from Ingraham High School in 1962. He joined the U.S. Navy and served in Vietnam, returning to Seattle after his honorable discharge in 1967. He married his incredible wife Cathy in 1969. Bob worked tirelessly as an electrician and plant manager for the State of Washington Department of Corrections, retiring in 2009 after 30 years of service. He was a life-long runner, and became obsessed with completing marathons in his 40s. Bob began coaching youth basketball in the 1970s, and added baseball to his coaching career in the 1980s. After his children grew up, he transformed his coaching skills to those of a referee. He served as a high school basketball referee and trainer with several Pacific Northwest referee associations and as a volunteer with the Special Olympics for over 30 years. Bob the "No Call" ref was revered by players, coaches, parents and other referees and was known for his incredible skill, sharp wit, and most of all, unique and infectious sense of humor. Bob enjoyed his retirement thoroughly; he went fishing nearly every day, golfed, volunteered with community food banks and spoiled his grandchildren. He lived for a good beer, a Seahawk's win and a dirty joke, all of which he enjoyed until the very end. He is survived by his mother, Maryetta (Begey) Starkey of Lynnwood, sister Judy Brown of Renton, his loving and devoted wife Cathy (Smith) Carter, daughters Robin Carter of San Francisco and Melissa Carter of Seattle, son-in-law Mark Zufelt of Seattle and grandchildren Sebastian (11), Skye (8) and Eliana (6).

Cheers, Grampa Bob. We love you!

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Special Olympics of Washington.