Robert William Rummell's Obituary
Robert William Rummell (Bob) Bob was called to his Heavenly home on Feb. 2, 2008. He was born in Lewistown, MT, on Nov. 21, 1922, the 10th of 13 children of parents who traveled by covered wagon from Nebraska. He became deaf at the aged of 6 and attended the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind. He left before graduating from High School even though he had a scholarship to Gallaudet University, so that he could help his family. Bob lived in Oregon for many years and was a retired tool/die maker and commercial fisherman. He also taught sign language at Western Oregon State College. After moving to Lakewood he became a long time member of the Tacoma Assoc. of the Deaf, Washington State Assoc. of the Deaf, Tacoma Bowling Assoc. of the Deaf. He also served several years as a member of the Board of Directors of Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities (Tacid), and was a volunteer interpreter/guide for the Deaf/Blind at many of their national and international conventions as well as local campouts. He was an avid salt water fisherman who loved to tease and joke. He and his wife enjoyed salt water fishing while bobbing on the ocean in their Arima boat and camping at various parks with their RV. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Lakewood); 4 children of his first wife, Vera June: sons Michael (Ruth) Rummell (OK), Robert S. Rummell (OR); daughters Carole (Danny) Gill (OR), Susan Poulsen (WA); stepsons Alfred (Luba) Birkland (WA), Steven Birkland (NV); stepdaughters Jennifer (Daniel) McNulty (CA), Susan (Daniel) Sorenson (FL); sisters Ruby Watson (MT), Clara Cripps (OR); brother Don (Marie) Rummell (OR); 13 grandchildren and many great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins. The family wishes to express its deep gratitude for the excellent and loving care and support provided by Group Health's Home Health and Hospice staff. Many thanks are also due to Bob's sons for their excellent and loving care of their father. A Rosary will be said (12:30 p.m.) preceding a Funeral Mass (1 p.m.) at St. John De Bosco's Catholic Church in Lakewood on Sat., Feb. 16th; reception following in the church hall. Memorials may be made to the Tacoma Association of the Deaf or to TACID at 6315 S. 19th St., Tacoma, WA 98465.
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