Robert Dean McMahon

1929 - 2024

Robert Dean McMahon

October 27, 1929 - August 22, 2024

Lakewood, Washington - Robert (Bob) McMahon passed peacefully at the age of 94 in Tacoma, WA. Born in Tacoma to Richard (Dick) and Wynne McMahon Bob grew up on Lake Steilacoom, a place that would remain close to his heart for the rest of his days.

Bob graduated from Clover Park High School. He married Bonnie Osborn and daughter Karen was born in San Diego where he served in the US Navy. His service instilled in him a strong sense of adventure (and mischief). Following his service he completed his education at Western Washington State College.

He returned to Tacoma and worked at Motor Parts and Equipment, and eventually embarked on his first entrepreneurial venture, establishing McChord Auto Supply in Lakewood. Daughter Wendy and son Brian were born during this time.

His first interest was always aviation, a passion that began in his youth. A visit to the Worlds Fair in San Francisco at the age of 10 cemented his interest in flying for the rest of his life. Young Bob took flying lessons without the knowledge of his father who thought it was a passing interest, and paid for his flying lessons from his earnings as a paper boy. He earned his private pilots license at the age of 16. Because he preferred flying to auto parts he sold McChord Auto Supply and embarked upon his second venture, a seaplane charter service on American Lake for nearly two decades allowing him to combine his love of flying with his deep connection to water.

Bob built his home, board by board on the same lake where he grew up. In 1980 Bob married Catherine (Cathy) and built a life on the lake.

At the age of 60 Bob picked up a golf club and in retirement found camaraderie on the golf course, spending many happy days at Oakbrook Golf Club with friends old and new.

Bob valued friends, flying, family and the outdoors. Regular coffee meet-ups for many years at the Lakewood Terrace, and happy hour at Oakbrook and Burs kept him with connected with friendships many of which went back to his childhood. He never tired of flying and viewing the world from above noting what could be discovered from a birds eye view. He shared adventures, a sense of wonder, and witty sarcasm with his kids; they learned sarcasm from one of the greats.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother Michael and two grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Catherine (Cathy), daughters Karen Stanton (Keith), Wendy Kettering (Mark), son Brian McMahon, step-daughters Kelly Cloward, Shannon Bradburn and Rondi Savenetti, fourteen grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

"Clear!" for takeoff. Blue skies and calm waters ahead.