Robert Melvin Wiggins' Obituary
In Loving Memory of Robert Melvin Wiggins
September 25, 1938 – June 10, 2025
Robert Melvin Wiggins passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, at the age of 86 in Tacoma, Washington. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he led a life filled with passion, dedication, and unwavering love for his family and community.
Robert earned his Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the University of Minnesota. He later attended the University of North Carolina's executive program, further enhancing his expertise in the field. His career spanned over 32 years at Weyerhaeuser, where he began as a forester in Oregon and worked his way up to become a Forestry Products Executive. He also contributed his knowledge and leadership to Grays Harbor Paper in Aberdeen, Washington. His work took him to various locations across the country, including Washington, Oregon, North Carolina, and Mississippi, where he made lasting contributions to the forestry industry.
His enthusiasm for the outdoors extended beyond his profession—he loved fishing, collecting sports cards, and volunteering in his community. A lifelong lover of sports, Robert had a special place in his heart for baseball. He enjoyed reading and was particularly fond of Aldo Leopold’s Sand County Almanac, a book he passed on to his son Robert. His wisdom and guidance shaped those around him, often reminding them that “we cannot predict the future, however, we can sure help create one for ourselves.”
One of Robert’s greatest joys was sharing his love for the forest. As a forester, he constantly taught those around him about the beauty and importance of trees, eager to pass on his deep respect for nature. Whether walking through the woods or simply talking about the land, his knowledge and passion were gifts that he shared freely.
Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn Wiggins. Together, they shared 61 years of marriage. He is survived by his three children, Robert, Kristi, and Ryan, as well as his cherished grandchildren: Audreanna, Erin, Christopher, Caroline, and Jonathan also leaves behind his great-grandchild, Hunter, all who will carry forward his legacy of love for the environment.
At his request, no memorial service or celebration of life will be held. The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to The Autism Society, Grays Harbor Community Foundation, or Coastal Harvest in his honor.
May he rest in peace, forever remembered and deeply missed.
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