Robert Shapley

God acquired back one of his greatest creations this time. Uncle Bob was so much fun and an inspiration. Is there any adventure he hadn't been on? Whenever he called his brothers up for another adventure, you could sense the excitement building. He was the leader of five of the roudiest and funniest uncles any nephew could EVER have as role models in his life. My greatest memory was when I saw the depth of respect that he commanded from his Dad, Mom, and siblings. I watched Grandpa Shapley pull out a map with Grandma and trace every spot that Uncle Bob had traveled to on his boat. They were SO proud of him. Mary Lois, and my Dad remained silent as they followed along the course Bob had taken. It dawned on me that they weren't just reviewing the trip of one of their family members here. They were charting the course of their oldest son; the leader. Having been blessed with an older son, I was moved by this. Of course I will always remember the Salmon bakes at Uncle Bob's house. Man, what parties those were!! Didn't the world just make sense when we all gathered around him and listened to him speak. Even my children were touched by this great man. Please share my family's love and mourning with all of the rest of the family. Let us know if there is anything you need which we might be able to help with.
Love, Ed, Janine, Adam, Marilyn, and Glenn.##imported-begin##ed shapley##imported-end##

Bob. Just want you to know how dearly I appreciate your having been my big brother. Your spirit for adventure and steadfast love for family and friends has always been a blessing; a model to follow. Thanks, again, for the wonderful memories and leading the way down the path.
With love and admiration,
Richard, Jenette, and family.##imported-begin##Richard and Jeanette Shapley##imported-end##

I met Bob nearly 30 years ago when I was new to Tacoma and trying to start my business. He took me under his wing, introduced me around, directed referrals, became my mentor and he became someone whose opinion I learned to trust.
Never once do I recall Bob saying an unkind word about someone, not once do I recall Bob being anything but ethical. Over the years after Bob retired, he and I sort of lost track of each other. Never the less, Bob is someone I will be always be in debt to.
His presence on Earth will be sorely missed. He was truly one of the good guys in life. I am glad he was able to realize his dreams and sail around the world. In many ways Bob was a simple man with dreams that many of us have. The difference is that Bob was able to realize some of his dreams.
God be with you friend.##imported-begin##C. Donald Smith##imported-end##

Dear David, Karen, Kim, Becky, Beverly, and Terry,
God has blessed all of us for having your dad as a loving father and brother. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones, and be with you each day.
With all our love
Uncle Orville and Aunt Lucy##imported-begin##Orville and Lucy Shapley##imported-end##

I had the privilege of working with Bob at Comfort & Fleming a number of years ago, along with his daughter Karen. He was a joy to know and had a beautiful smile that I remember well. I also remember a wonderful day of sailing on his boat for a company party, he was a gracious host and skipper. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Tricia##imported-begin##Tricia Hendrickson##imported-end##

I am Fred, Bob's youngest brother.
We are all so fortunate, and lucky I might say, to have shared our lives with Bob. Toward the end of WW-II, Bob was released from the Air Corp before he could start pilot training. He wanted to fly. So, when he returned home, he began flying lessons at the local airport at Tahlequah, OK. I remember when I was six years old, he would fly out over our farmhouse and do stunts in a Piper Cub. He would do spins and loops...one time coming down within 10 feet of the ground. I didn't realize it at the time...but this was NOT the thing to do with just a few hours of flying time, and without the proper training to do this sort of thing.
Then, after going up to Alaska, he bought an airplane with performance that required a lot of experience...he didn't have a pilot's license. Well, fortunately after flying around Alaska, he realized he could kill himself in this plane, so he sold it.
Now, this is the man who went half way around the earth in a sailboat. He always had the lingering desire for adventure.
Yet, Bob was a gentleman. He had a panache that all of us brothers admired...a sparkle in his eye and a loving smile that we all know so well. He STILL is a loving gift to us.
As we celebrate, YES celebrate, our loved-one's life, we can realize that he has been given the greatest gift of all. If you look into the eyes of those most beautiful and handsome Grandchildren, you will see Bob, a living spirit.
Yes, through these grandchildren, he has been given the greatest gift...eternal life.##imported-begin##Fred & Jan Shapley##imported-end##