Robert Kenney's Obituary
Robert “Bob” Kenney passed away Sunday, January 3, 2021. Though he had been suffering from dementia for the past few years, his passing was sudden. Bob is survived by his daughter, Tracey (Ken), son, Sean (Michelle), and four grandchildren. His beloved wife of more than 50 years, Rosalind, passed in 2011.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Bob joined the United States Air Force in 1955 and rose to the rank of master sergeant during his nearly 23-year career as a hydraulics repairman. Thankfully, one of his many tours of duty brought him to RAF Woodbridge in England where he met and, in 1960, married a lovely Lowestoft lady, Rosalind Reeve. Tracey arrived soon after, and Sean appeared after Bob returned from a tour in Vietnam.
After retiring from the Air Force in 1978, the family settled in Lakewood, Washington. Bob soon started his second career in hydraulics working 20 more years as a maintenance mechanic for a company making the leap from producing aluminum cans to new-fangled plastic bottles. When the company was operating on 12-hour shifts, Bob often took advantage of the three- or four-day weekends to head out RV camping with family and friends, enjoying many Washington State Parks.
He was a dedicated husband, patient father, and the type of grandpa to get down on the floor to play silly games and make funny noises. He loved helping with his kids’ families’ dogs, and always had a ready supply of dog biscuits in his pocket, earning him the unending love and attention of the pets and the moniker “Bickie Bob.” As a friend, he had a ready smile and genuine laugh.
Bob enjoyed simple pleasures—a leisurely drive, a Peppermint Patty candy, Chips Ahoy cookies, the occasional Jim Beam and Coke—but his life’s work and greatest joy were in making a better home and life for his family.
The family is holding a private service. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or Washington State Parks.
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