Robert David Peck

1929 - 2025

Bob (Robert David) Peck, age 96, passed away at home on October 31,2025. Born June1, 1929, to Bernice and the Reverend Lester Peck in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, Bob spent his formative years in Powers Lake, North Dakota. The second of four children, he is survived by his older sister Dorothy Nichols of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and his two younger sisters: Shirley Von Flue of Fresno, California and Mariol Wogaman of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Blessed with a beautiful tenor voice, Bob earned a bachelor's degree from Whitworth College and went on to sing in choral groups and direct church choirs. While serving stateside during the Korean War, Bob married Lylia June Smith on June 15, 1953. Their son David was born August 29, 1954 and daughter Kathy on June 1, 1957. Bob earned a master's degree and then a doctorate in religion and philosophy, having spent 6 months in Oxford researching for his doctoral dissertation. His academic career focused on small independent liberal arts colleges, serving locally, at the state level, and nationally. Retiring after serving as President of two Colleges, he spent 10 years as a consultant.

Throughout his career Bob's creative side was expressed in building boats, sandstone carvings and writing short stories. Four months after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Lylia was admitted to an Alzheimer's facility where she happily lived for seven years. Following Lylia's death, Bob married Usrah (Charlene) Claar.

Bob was best known in Thurston County for his quarter-scale tugboats advertising Harbor Days. He was a long-time member of Kiwanis and active in the South Sound Maritime Heritage Association. He is survived by his son David (Jane) of Seattle WA, his daughter Kathy of Tumwater WA, and his wife Usrah (Charlene) of East Olympia WA.

Bob's celebration of life will be at St Johns/ San Juan Episcopal Church on November 11, 2025 at 1 p.m. Donations honoring Bob's life can be made to St. Johns/ San Juan, South Sound Maritime Heritage Association, Olympia Kiwanis, or the charity of your choice.