Robert L. Bleecker's Obituary
Robert L. Bleecker, born March 30, 1925 to Burke William Bleecker and Hazel Mae Finch in the family home in Hoodsport, WA passed away on November 29, 2016 in Mason County. He was 91. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Wanda June, at the family home in Elma and three sons, Rodney and Richard (Sue) of Tacoma, Jim (Vivian) of South Bend; two daughters, Doris (Dave) Urban of Texas, and Annette (Larry) Stockwell of Kent, as well as 21 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Wendy Ann and Wanda Diane.
Having lost his father at a young age and being raised by his mother and siblings in Hoodsport, WA Robert developed a relentless work ethic as he grew up. He attended school in Hoodsport and completed traditional schooling through grade 8. He would become an honorary graduate of Blaine High School at a Veteran’s Day assembly in 2002. He was a skilled craftsman, mechanic, and avid outdoorsman. Throughout his life he understood the importance of “service to others.” He demonstrated this early following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, when he lied about his age and enlisted in the United States Navy at 17. Bleecker saw action across the Pacific theatre aboard the destroyer escort USS Carlson, where he served as a Gunner’s Mate for three and a half years. He was injured during the battle for Okinawa, Japan and flown home to Bremerton Naval Hospital to recover. While home, he married his sweetheart, Wanda June, and upon returning to active duty, his ship steamed into Tokyo Bay, becoming the first US warship to do so as part of the acceptance of the surrender of the Japanese in 1945.
After the war, the Bleeckers settled in the Tacoma area where Robert embodied the term handy-man, and more importantly, family man. He worked tirelessly earning a living doing a variety of jobs, all the while maintaining an emphasis on serving others. He drove log trucks for Dickman Lumber and later ran an auto repair business in South Tacoma with his friend/partner Barney Oldfield. Bleecker worked for Bell Fuel in Tacoma before managing the Westside Water District in University Place, ultimately retiring in 1982. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Union for over 40 years. Throughout his varied career, Bleecker always found time to put his experience and skills to good use, whether it was lending a hand to a neighbor or helping to fix, cut, sharpen, or weld a broken machine. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for Pierce County Fire District 3 in University Place for 24 years.
For all of his careers and accomplishments, one thing Robert never retired from, was providing for his family. Whether it was devoting weekends to helping with their Scouts activities, handcrafting gifts and toys, or teaching his children how to repair and maintain their own vehicles, he made sure that no family member ever went for want. He honored the value of “family first” and made sure to impress it upon his kids, who in turn would pass it on to their own families. Robert could often be found happiest when tinkering under the hood of a vehicle, like his son Rod’s 1966 Pontiac GTO, or just about anything else with four wheels, optimizing its potential, so long as he got to take it out first for a test drive. Robert loved to spend time with his family outside of home as well, traveling throughout the states and camping being some of his favorite hobbies. He even helped coach the family’s famed softball team, “The Cousins.” He was a great supporter of his grandchildren’s activities, too. But in the end no job title or career brought him more joy than that of Husband and Father.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Matlock Fire Dept. at 2950 Matlock Brady Road, Elma, WA 98541.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?