Robert John Bury's Obituary
Robert “Bob” John Bury passed away on November 16, 2024, in Tacoma, Washington, at the age of 77. He was born in Buffalo, New York, on May 17, 1947, to Pastor Peter and Helen Bury.
Much of Bob’s early life was spent in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with his four siblings. As a teenager, he traveled with his brother Jamie to Alberta, Canada, and attended Prairie Bible Institute. After high school, Bob enlisted in the army and was stationed in Korea. He then enrolled at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where his major in Old Testament studies inspired in him a lifelong love of the history and culture of Israel and the Holy Land. After college, he traveled to Israel multiple times to volunteer on a kibbutz, even doing so in the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
In 1975, Bob found a different type of love on one of his trips to Israel. He met his wife, Torhild Hansen, and the two were married in Oslo, Norway, on June 2, 1976. Two years later, they moved back to the United States, eventually settling in Tacoma, where they reared their three sons. Bob pursued a 30-year career as a respiratory therapist, working the night shift so he would be available for his boys’ activities. He loved getting to know patients and hearing their stories. Of course, Bob liked to tell stories just as much as listen to them! He had an amazing memory and was a master storyteller. His stories will be remembered and cherished by his friends and family.
Bob always put his family first – except when playing Rook! – and yet never failed to see the best in everyone he met. Watching his children, and then his grandchildren, participate and advance in sports and music brought him the greatest joy. Bob was also extremely optimistic, even when facing his own mortality, and this gift of hope was a blessing to his family and all those around him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Torhild; their three sons, Peter, David, and John; daughters-in-law, Sarah and Abbie; eight grandchildren, Ivan, Lukas, Lucia, Jacob, Viktor, Juliana, Caleb, and Micah; and three siblings, Lyla Hadley, Darlene Keafer, and Danny. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pastor Peter Bury and Helen Bury, and by his brother, Lt. Col. James Bury.
A service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at Quilcene Bible Church on December 7th at 1 pm.
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