ROBERT ERWIN

1936 - 2018

Robert Charles Erwin (Bob) 1936-2018 Bob was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 15, 1936 and passed away in Tacoma, Washington on March 14, 2018. Bob was raised in New York and moved to North Tacoma in 1960 after marrying Elizabeth (McWhorter) his wife of 59 years. Bob served time in the Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey prior to moving to Tacoma. His early career was in the pharmaceutical industry before going into the wine and restaurant business. He owned and operated Papa Johns at the Tacoma Mall where he was well regarded for his knowledge of wine. Bob and Elizabeth moved to Fox Island after retirement and enjoyed making new friends and getting to know the community which Bob loved. He was passionate about travel, knowledge of all things, and most of all his family. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, his children Maryfrances McGinnis (Jon McGinnis), Michele Erwin (Bruce Christy), Melissa Erwin-Pokela, Robert Erwin II (Kristin Schutte) and his 3 grandchildren who he adored; Ashley Marth Cramer (Sean Cramer), Elizabeth Marth and Jon Robert Pokela. Bob is also survived by his older brother Donald Erwin (Mary Lou Erwin), his beloved sister Jan Donion (Wally Donion), sister in law Judy Erwin (Douglas Erwin) and brother in law Bill McWhorter (Cathie McWhorter). Bob also had 3 grand dogs, Barnacle, Chinook and Ace. Bob is also survived by his nieces and nephews and many, many friends. He loved to meet people and learn about them and regale stories of his travels and adventures. He is known and loved by so many as Poppy and we will miss him terribly, but we will live our lives as he wanted, full of travel, adventure, love, and family. He is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Phyllis Erwin and his brothers Douglas and Gary Erwin. Services will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018, 2:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Gig Harbor, WA. Immediately following the service there will be a celebration at Gig Harbor Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the The Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 935 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402 or Gig Harbor Fire Medic One, 10222 Bujacich Rd NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332.