Robert "Bob" Love

1951 - 2025

Robert "BOB" Love
November 26, 1951 - January 16, 2025
Robert "Bob" Mitchell Love, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025, after a 2.5-year battle with glioblastoma. His family was grateful for the precious extra time they had with him. Bob was born in Wenatchee, Washington, on November 26, 1951, to Carrolton and Marie (Luebber) Love. He was the third of three children, including sisters Carol Ann Koch (Burt) and Vicki Estes. Bob spent his life deeply connected to the community and the outdoors he loved so much.
Bob married his high school sweetheart, Debbie Bainard, on May 5th, 1969. They celebrated 55 years of marriage. Together, they raised three children: Michele, Rachel, and Nicholas. Their legacy continues with seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Bob professionally helped his parents with their orchard as a teen and young adult, working at Peter Rabbit Grocery, and the Grange Feed Store. He started working at Alcoa in 1972 and retired after 37 years.
Bob's love for the outdoors started at a young age, exploring the hills and forests around Wenatchee. He was active in the Boy Scouts and FFA, and his passion for hunting, fishing, water skiing, and off-roading remained a central part of his life. Bob loved sharing these experiences with his children and grandchildren, teaching them the value of nature and the joy of being outdoors. Elk camp was an annual family tradition enjoyed by family and friends. Despite his love for hunting, Bob was never an early riser for those 4 a.m. hunts. The real joy of elk camp was the time spent together, sharing "Elk Camp" meals, that Bob had prepared in advance, playing games, and telling stories. Bob's love for cooking extended to his everyday life, as he often baked treats to share with friends, family, and even local businesses.
Bob's love language was service. He served his community by volunteering as a firefighter for the Squilchuck Fire District, playing Santa Claus for the Squilchuck Grange and Alcoa's Christmas parties, and helping in his children's classrooms, whether it was bringing in a Christmas tree or helping a class of kindergarteners build Japanese Getas (Sandals). His love for hunting and shooting led him to volunteer as a Hunter's Education instructor, where he enjoyed sharing his passion with others. Bob also spent many years as the treasurer of the NCW Gun Club, where he also enjoyed trap shooting and the camaraderie of fellow members.
In addition, Bob had a passion for cooking and often expressed his care for others by preparing food or treats to share. It wasn't at all unusual for Bob to show up with fresh baked cookies or other treats to folks at local businesses, whether it was a particular doctor he was fond of, or a dear friend where he had his tires changed, or the owner at the corner store. He loved bringing his baked treats to others. If you were one of the lucky recipients of his cookies, brownies, or rice crispy treats, that was his way of saying, you are cared about, and he appreciates you.
Bob loved traveling with Debbie and their families, visiting destinations such as Hawaii, Mexico, and Oregon. He loved experiencing new places, particularly their outdoor activities, such as watching sunrises and snorkeling in coral reefs.
Bob was incredibly quick witted (read as: smart-ass) and loved to talk with everyone. Everywhere he went, he was friendly and would stop to talk to anyone who would chat for 5 minutes or an hour (much to the chagrin of his children who had stupidly tagged along and who now wished they'd just stayed home) - sharing recipes, stories or just a kind word.
Bob's kindness, ingenuity, and devotion to his family and community will be remembered by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; his children, Michele Love-Wells (Shawn Wells), Rachel Love, Nicholas Love (Cookie Gipson); seven grandchildren, Zack, Jordyn, Tyler, Logan, Lenox, Alex, and Tilly; three great-grandchildren, Emma, Rory, and Theo; his Aunt Minnette Hedges; his sisters Carol Ann Koch and Vicki Estes, and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service to honor Bob's life will be held on January 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., Chapel of the Valley, 378 Eastmont Ave., East Wenatchee. A potluck will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to your local high school FFA chapter.
Our family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to University of Washington Emergency Room staff and Dr. Silbergeld's Neurosurgical team all of whom provided comfort and hope when dad was first diagnosed. Dr. Lynne Taylor for her kindness and support over the last few years and for trying the SPAM sandwich dad made her. Dr. Thomas Carlson for his wit and humor. Stephanie Kairns at Associates in PT for helping dad to stay strong and for your kindness. Maria at Pacific Northwest Wellness Center, who provided dad with kindness and dignity always. The team at CWH hospice care. Rebecca Hersel, caregiver. Finally, for all the many other people, friends, and family who have provided prayers, meals, love, and support over the last 3 years.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.