Robert DUNN

May 1, 1933 - October 19, 2023

Robert Darwin Dunn, Lt. Col, USAF (retired) passed away on October 19, 2023. Robert (Bob) was born to Imo and Charles Dunn in Seattle, Washington. Bob started many conversations stating that he was the most fortunate person in the world. When he was young, Bob attended many grade schools due to his father's work in the Seattle shipyards. Bob stated that the best thing that ever happened to him was meeting Carol Jean Haycox in the fifth grade. He vowed at that time he would marry her. After many serendipitous events, they were married on September 18th, 1954 and would spend 64 years together before Carol's death in 2017. Their love for one another was like no other.

Bob was an outstanding athlete, and was all-state both in baseball and basketball. He would go on to play semi-pro baseball for the Kirkland Athletics and attend Central Washington University on a basketball scholarship. At Central he earned his degree in Education and following graduation he began his distinguished military career.

While serving our country Bob's early years included two assignments to Newfoundland with a brief tour at Mountain Home, ID. Following Newfoundland, he taught ROTC at Washington State University where the family remained while he served in Vietnam. While in Vietnam he served with distinction in multiple special assignments. He returned home with many medals including a Bronze Star. Bob often stated that "He grew up in Vietnam."

Following Vietnam, they received their dream assignment to England living in a mansion on a British RAF base. However, after a year Bob's recognized leadership resulted in him being directed to take command of a failing squadron at the American base, RAF Lakenheath. Bob was a natural commander. He turned the squadron around in one year and was awarded the "Best Squadron in Europe" for the remaining 3 years of his command.

Following England Bob was assigned to Richards-Gebaur AFB, MO. Although selected for promotion and higher command in Berlin, he chose instead to retire so that he would not be separated from his family.

Following Bob's military retirement in 1976 he taught 5th grade in Oakesdale, WA and he and Carol began their home rental and real estate investment business. The family moved to Spokane in 1981. Over the years, Bob would rent and sell homes to many. Often taking chances on people, who might not have had the opportunity otherwise. He continued his real estate business up until his passing.

Bob and Carol were wonderful parents and grandparents. Bob often enlisted both children and grandchildren in the rental business. All of us have wonderful stories of working with them and learning the value of hard work, patience, persistence, and love. His knowledge and love of real estate have been passed down to further generations.

Bob is survived by his 5 children: Robert Dunn, Richard Dunn, Jody Janssen (Chuck), Krista Dunn, Leslie Haupt (David). Eight grandchildren: Rebekah Knoll (Matt), Tristan Dunn (Kyra), Travis Dunn (Catherine), Jeremy Dunn (Kimber), Kayla Dunn, Crystal Gale (Dallin), Jonathan (Jay) Janssen, Jason (Jay) Pasiczynk and six great-grandchildren. Daughter-in-laws: Glena Dunn, LenNae Dunn.

Bob's generosity, strong spirit, integrity, kindness, and compassion blessed this world greatly. His legacy of putting people before anything else is ingrained in all who knew him. He will be missed greatly, but the joy of knowing that he and Carol are continuing their love story comforts us all.

There will be a family celebration of life at a later date.