ROBERT PIRIE

1917 - 2016

Robert William Pirie February 15, 1917 - October 17, 2016 Bob Pirie was a man of many parts. He was known in his neighbourhood as the go-to guy whenever there was a question or problem, and a gardening guru. He was an exemplary provider for his family, a hard worker his entire life. Born on a farm in Tacoma, eldest of four, Bob's athletic prowess and determination were obvious from the start. In sixth grade he could walk on his hands around the outside of his house without losing his balance, a feat he may have recounted to his grandsons a time or two. A track star at Lincoln High, he held the city record for decathlon. In his youth, Bob and brother George spent a summer working on a Montana cattle ranch. At the age of 18, Bob was put in sole charge of transporting and selling a railroad car full of cattle at the Chicago stockyards. Not only did he manage the feed and water on the three day trip, he negotiated for a penny more per pound than the rancher expected. He majored in Forestry at Washington State University, and met Dorothy (Dar) King, the love of his life, while there. They were married in 1942, just before WWII sent Bob into the Army Air Corp and North Africa. After his return, he worked for Carstens-Hygrade until his retirement. His love and pride for Dar, son Bill and daughters Gail, Joan, and Ann were palpable. Being without timidity, he was not shy in expressing that pride to others, sometimes to Dar's chagrin. Bob and Dar shored each other up during hard times, especially at the loss of Joan to breast cancer and when their house burned down. Outside of his family, Bob's passions were gardening, golf, and fly fishing. At the age of three he asked to plant hollyhocks. A gardening wizard, he and Dar put up innumerable jars of raspberry or strawberry jam, and their zucchini relish was sought after by all. The memory of his amazing tomatoes lives on. His golfing career included five holes in one. When they moved to Port Angeles for several years, Bob would fish after work. The family dined on steelhead frequently. Bob was a doer. All his descendants groaned at one time or another at the call "Get up, you're burnin' daylight!" He could give no higher compliment than "You're a good worker." Whenever there was a job to be done, Bob did it competently, quickly, and efficiently as possible. He carried that ethic to the end - he died at home, painlessly and in his sleep at the age of 99. His like will not be seen again. A service will be held Saturday, November 12 at 2:00 at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 6800 Eastside Drive NE, in Brown's Point. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.