Robert F. Clawson's Obituary
Robert Franklin Clawson
Robert Franklin Clawson was born on December 3, 1924, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and passed away on January 19, 2019, at the age of 94. Bob grew up in Natick, Massachusetts, and later graduated from the University of New Hampshire. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942, and served as a naval officer in WWII, retiring from the Naval Reserve a Lieutenant Commander in 1984 (after over 42 years of service). Bob moved to Tacoma in 1949, where he met and married sweet Audrey in 1952, then had two children — son, Richard, and daughter, Ellen. He worked for the State of Washington for 28 years as a highway engineer. After retiring in 1981, he had time to pursue his passions full-time — including boating, fishing, amateur radio and gardening.
Bob was a Life Member of Day Island Yacht Club for over 50 years. He also led two Tacoma Elks Lodge 174 RV clubs for many years. Bob took pride in maintaining his home and beautiful backyard gardens — an oasis in the city. He was smart, diligent, driven, a slave to detail, and loved living in the northwest where the water, boats and fishing were abundant. He also lovingly cared for his wife and son. He was simply great at everything he put his mind to during his 94 years.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Audrey, son, Richard, and sister, Dorothy. Bob is survived by his daughter, Ellen Stone and her spouse, Geoffrey Stone, grandchildren, Brandon Stone (and wife, Sarah), Anthony Stone, and Alexander Stone. He had recently become a great-grandfather to Trey, Emery and Easton Stone (Brandon and Sarah’s children).
An informal celebration of Bob’s life will take place on Sunday, February 3, 2019, at Pacific Regent – Bellevue, 919 109th Avenue NE, Floor 3, Bellevue, WA 98004, at 1 p.m. The family invites donations in Bob’s name to Summit Assistance Dogs (www.summitdogs.org).
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