Robert Philo Lien

1953 - 2025

Robert Philo Lien

January 19, 1953 - June 7, 2025

Fife, Washington - Robert "Bob" Philo Hassell Lien.

Bob Lien passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, under the compassionate care of the Franciscan Hospice House, in University Place, WA following a short but intense battle with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Born in Puyallup, WA, Bob was raised in north Tacoma and University Place and considered himself a true son of the south Puget Sound. Over the years, spanning time primarily in Washington state and California, he had careers in the trades, as a journeyman level carpenter and glazer, while also dedicating his time and energy to his lifelong creative passions as a multifaceted musician, artist, writer and landscaper. From his years performing as a trombone player with the Pacific Northwest rock and roll band Peaceable Lane to playing at local open mics, working on his own musicals and operas and musical collaborations around the country, his creative expression fueled and inspired him. Those lucky enough to receive one of his custom art birthday or Christmas cards, or to have benefited from his remarkable stonework or bonsai, have his precious gifts to cherish. Bob was an avid reader, contemplative student and enthusiast of humanity, the environment, spirituality and world religions, art, music, politics and sports of all kinds.

He is preceded in death by his mother Barbara Ann (Adler) Lien and his father Oral "Odie" Hassell Lien. He is survived by his sister Sandy Lien, his brother Elias Lien and his partner Brooke Dyer-Bennet, and his beloved daughter Onora Lien and son-in-law Thom Thorpe. Onora was his pride and joy, and he never failed to share with anyone who would listen, that she was his life's greatest gift and accomplishment. He is also survived by his niece Hilary Lien-Beye, her husband Ed Curtiss and their son Turner as well as cousins Ed Carrara, and Marianne, Dave and Ted Adler and their families. He is remembered fondly and will be missed by his family and his dearest friends, whom he treasured.

Bob was passionate about the environment and doing whatever possible to address the climate crisis and save mother earth. In lieu of flowers, the family requests trees be planted in his honor https://alivingtribute.org or a donation made to the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Franciscan Hospice House general fund https://connect.virginiamasonfoundation.org.

It was Bob's wish for those who knew and loved him, to celebrate his life in whatever way is most meaningful to them and their individual relationship with him. As such, no formal memorial services will be held at this time.