Rockie Lewis Bare's Obituary
Rockie Lewis Bare, 80, passed peacefully surrounded by family on April 19, 2025, after a three-year battle with a rare blood disorder.
Rockie was born to Clarence and Coral Crisman Bare in Shelton, WA on July 14, 1944, yet his love of bowling, stockcar driving and tradesmanship developed after the family moved to Missoula, MT in 1957. It was there that he met and married Connie Jo Brotzman on July 17, 1967, blending their family of Robert Lewis, Roger Eugene and Robin Lyn (Madison). They traveled to Tacoma in 1969 where Rockie began his 50-year career with Manke Lumber. Roxanne Ellen and Ronald William would soon join the family as well.
In 1974, the family moved to Fox Island on the Puget Sound, where Rockie kept everyone busy with projects and extra-curricular activities while squeezing in fishing whenever he could. There were also many years playing on Mason Lake where memories were made by all who were invited to learn to water ski and tell tales around the campfire.
In 1984, Rockie and Connie moved to Buckley, where Rockie began playing softball, pool and darts, and combined those passions to create the first Tav-A-Thon tournament that continues today. He was also in several pool leagues, playing with his son Ronald for over 30 years.
Throughout his life, many came to know Rockie as a handy-man, do-it yourselfer, house, dock, deck and treehouse builder, who built two homes and renovated several others for himself and others. If you asked for help, he’d arrive before you were ready and stay until the project was done right. He continued to work for the Manke family over a decade after his retirement until his last project in the spring of 2024.
Rockie loved traveling with his siblings in his RV, manning a grill at a tournament or reunion; and cracking a joke or a beer with family and friends. He would set crab pots and fish just for the company and those who would enjoy the haul. He worked hard, he played harder, and he will be greatly missed by those who loved him, and all who benefited from his talent, humor, generosity and strength.
He was “grandpa” to 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren and “dad” to others even if not related by blood. Everyone has their own story to tell and memories to share.
Rockie is preceded in death by his father Clarence, mother Coral, brother David, brother-in-law Derl, son Robert and grandson Jason. He is survived by sister-in-law Chris, sister Rose, brother Patrick and sister-in-law Peg, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who deeply loved their Uncle Rockie.
He is fondly remembered and always beloved by wife of 58 years, Connie Jo; granddaughter Angela (Keelan) Bare, great-grandchildren London J and Lyric Harvey; son Roger, daughter-in-law Irene, grandchildren Leo, Arlene and Foster; daughter Madison Lyn and son-in-law Greg Charboneau, granddaughter Tesia (Travis) Sherhart and great-granddaughters Sophie, Isabella and Emma; granddaughter Tara (Chadwick) Doran and great-grandsons Ayden, Cohen, Greyson and Weston; granddaughter CreeAnn (Brandon) Shaffer and great-grandchildren Hartlee, Wallace, Bennett and Jesse; daughter Roxanne and son-in-law Charles (Kelly) Miles V and grandsons Charles and Jerritt (Johanna) and great-grandsons Mathias and Lochlin; son Ronald and daughter-in-law Tracey and granddaughter Bailey (Jesse) Donez and great granddaughters Emry, Ezlynn, Blakely and Laiklynn; grandson Austin (Morgan) Bare and great-grandson Emerson; and granddaughters Danica, Courtney and Peyton Bare.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to UW Medical/Fred Hutch Center for bleeding disorders, or your local medical research hospital.
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