Robert Ray Roose

Robert Ray Roose, 87, of Anacortes died Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at Island Hospital in Anacortes. He was born on August 5, 1923 in Camrose, Alberta, Canada, the son of Elmer and Helena (Kubberness) Roose. When he was still young the family moved to the states where they lived in Bellingham, WA. After his school years Bob served 4 years in the U.S. Navy during WWII. In 1946 he married his childhood sweetheart, Maxine Lee, and began a career with Shell Oil which lasted 25 years. Bob was a resident of Anacortes since 1955 and during that time he never tired of serving with his many talents which included gardening, singing in the church choir and fixing just about anything with his strong hands and gentle smile. He was known for his beautiful craftsmanship with wood and his many gifts of that woodwork which included the lamps that grace the pews of Anacortes Lutheran that are cherished by both his immediate and church family.

To my beloved husband, Bob, who was taken gently home to his Lord and Savior, "Bob, you were a wonderful sweetheart, friend, and helpmate for 64 years . . . praise God!! . . . and my only partner in marriage for our lifetime. If we were to do it all over again, there is nothing you could have done to make me any happier, except your presence with me forever, but that can't be. Your spirit will linger with me until God calls me to join you in our heavenly home, far greater than any earthly home. God has His own timing for each of us, and it's true that my heart is sad in your absence, but I am glad, so glad, you are in the arms of Jesus. Bob, thank you for all the beautiful memories these many years of our life together have given me, and for our beloved children. I feel our marriage was made in heaven. I love and miss you beyond words . . . I'll be with you someday soon," your ever-loving wife, Maxine.

Bob is survived by his wife, Maxine Roose, of Anacortes; a brother, Elmer Roose Jr., of Bellingham, WA; 3 daughters and sons-in-law, Wendy and Michael Atterberry of Anacortes, Linda and Mitch Johnson of Sequim, WA and Janice Link of Sequim, WA; 1 son, Bob Roose, of Anacortes; numerous grandchildren and step-grandchildren and their families, including Matt, Mindi, Ron, Megan, John, Lucca, Lily May, Darren, Kasey, David, Tory, Tyson, Anna, Emily, Crystal, Mitch, Jeremiah, Sarah, Adelynn, Kellen, and adopted grandchildren, Ingrid, Elizabeth and Christina Ford. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 18, 2010, at Anacortes Lutheran Church with a reception to follow. A private family burial was held at Greenacres Cemetery in Bellingham, WA on Veteran's Day. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Bob, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel