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ROBERT COCKBURN Obituary
Bob was born on March 7, 1929 in Webster, North Dakota the son of James & Minnie (Bonn) Cockburn.
In 1936 Bob and his family moved to Everett, Washington and there he was raised and attended school, graduating from Everett High School with the class of 1947. He then attended Everett Community College.
In the late 1940's Bob began working as a photographer for the Everett Herald, working for them for about 10 years until starting his own landscaping business.
On January 20, 1952 Bob was united in marriage to Olivia Twitchell in Everett and they made their home there while Bob worked for the newspaper and with his landscaping business.
In 1961 the family moved to Sedro-Woolley and Bob worked for the Courier Times newspaper as a photographer and sports writer and in advertisement. In 1975 he and Olivia started the Outlook newspaper which they published until 1985 when Bob started working for Cascade Job Corps. At Job Corps Bob was a community relations coordinator, working as a liaison for the students and the community. He was also a teacher and mentor for students pursuing a career in journalism, helping them publish their local newspaper.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Cindy Aleksejev and her husband, Eric of West Vancouver, B.C. and Kirstie Jones and her husband, Lewis of Burlington. Five grandchildren, Kirsten & Nicholas Aleksejev, Ericka Robbins (Aubrey), Jennette Jones and Mitchell Jones (Nicole) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Olivia in 2003; five brothers and one sister.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Don Buchanon Scholarship Fund c/o Cascade Job Corps, PO Box 819, Sedro-Woolley, WA, 98284.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Share memories of Bob and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT COCKBURN
Michael Petterson
July 24, 2024
Ciindy and Kristie, I am Michael Petterson your neighbor when we were all little kids. Your dad was a very nice guy and we loved your sandbox and swingset. He was always working ing his shop and I have a vague memory of him taking a picture of my dad(Einar) and his first deer for the hearld. My dad was nervous because the deer was so small! I live in Wenatchee Wa now with my now wife Lynn.
Ellen Thornton-Love
August 28, 2008
My mom shared many special memories of her big brother Bob over the years. Funny stories, and also many pictures that he took of her and her nieces and nephews. Although far away now in Virginia my heart goes out to her and to all of his family in friends in Washington and around the world.
Bonnie Jean Thornton
August 27, 2008
I am Bob's kid sister and I have a lot of special memories of growing up with him. I helped him do his paper routes, his first job at the Everett Herald. He was a great big brother except when he chased me with snakes. One special memory was when he got his first car and took Mom, Dad and me on a trip through Yellowstone Park back to the Dakotas to visit all the families left behind when Mom and Dad moved to WA. It took a long time because he stopped to take pictures every few miles or so it seemed to his impatient kid sister. I haven't seen him very much since getting married and living in different parts of the country, but he was and is always in my heart. My husband John, and I send our condolences to all of Bob's family and friends. With Love, Bonnie Jean Thornton
Karen (Cockburn) Gates
August 26, 2008
I have fond memories of Uncle Bob as a kid growing up. He was so good to Aunt Bonnie Jean and myself. I especially remember 4th of July celebrations when he would take us to the parade in Everett, then the real "Big Top" circus and finally the fireworks. I have box upon box of photos he took of all of us cousins. He took the photos of my wedding in 1961. May God bless him and his family as well.
Cathy Robinson Strong
August 22, 2008
While growing up I always liked being around Uncle Bob because he was gentle, interesting, honest, and just a thoroughly super man. I was pleased to be related (He married my mother's little sister). Now living in New Zealand I didn't get to see him much in later life, but my prayers are with him and the rest of his family. ...Cathy Robinson Strong
Kathy Reim
August 11, 2008
Bob was a dedicated professional and mentor. He willingly shared his experience and skill with me many years ago when I was a young teacher. My heart goes out to his wonderful family.
Jeff Lewis
August 10, 2008
I worked with Bob for twenty years at CJCC. He always had the students best interest at heart and enjoyed working with them. I will miss the great stories Bob shared with me over the years. Rest in peace Bob.
Darlene Hunziker
August 6, 2008
I will truly miss our conversations after work and on play days. I always looked forward to hearing your stories. I will forever miss you.
Bob Cockburn with granddaughter Erika and Erika's Grandmother.
August 4, 2008
Erika Robbins
August 4, 2008
We miss you greatly Grandpa. I will always cherish our time spent together and all the great memories we made. You were such a big part of my life and I can never say how much I love you in words. You will be deeply missed. Love you always and forever - Erika
Lori Anderson
August 4, 2008
I'd like to extend my sympathies to Bob's family and friends. I worked with Bob for almost 15 years through the Skagit County Fair. Without his help (via Job Corps) our events would not have been the same. Bob gave his all to the kids of Job Corps as well as to the Fair. I'm sure his legacy of community relations will live on for many, many years.
David L. Whittaker
July 31, 2008
I had the distinct honor of serving with
Bob on the Community Relations Council with Cascade Job Corps several years ago. He was a loyal and
great friend.
David L Whittaker
Safety Office Cascades Job Corps
July 30, 2008
We at the Cascades Job Corps Safety Office would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Bob. He will be greatly missed here.
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