Robert "Bob" Jean Atwood

 Robert J. (Bob) Atwood was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on June 27, 1928 to parents Henry and Helen Atwood.  The oldest of their six children.  Patty, Joe Sondra, Dale and Rodger.  The family relocated to Whatcom County when Bob was a teenager, settling in Ferndale, Washington.  Robert completed his high school education at Ferndale High School where he was active in football, basketball and archery.

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Doris Gawley on January 31, 1948.  They moved to Southwest, Washington for work and lived in Vanport, Oregon. They soon returned to Whatcom County after escaping the devastating Vanport flood of May 30, 1948 with only their lives and the clothes on their backs- all else was lost. Back in Bellingham Bob went door to door looking for work.  He was hired by Bahl Fish Company beginning a long career in the Seafood processing Industry.  Working for Dahl’s, Bornstein, Sea-pack and Bellingham Cold Storage. 

Bob and Doris moved to Fairhaven in 1952 where they raised their children, Susan, Rose, Robert and David.  An avid reader with an inquisitive mind led Bob to many adventures and hobbies including, gold panning, rock hounding, digging sapphires, garnets, Montana agates, Ellensburg Blues, sunstones, jade, arrowhead and more. 

Bob was a self-taught Gemologist, gold and silver smith and faceter of precious stones. He created beautiful jewelry that continues to sparkle and shine.  Bob was a member of the Mt. Baker rock club for many years.  Displaying stones and teaching classes in faceting and gold and silver work.  A master of gardening he specialized in growing tomatoes and nurturing beautiful roses for all of us to enjoy.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Doris, his son Robert and 3 siblings.  He is survived by children, Susan Honcoop, (husband Larry), Rose Knudson (husband Robert) and David Atwood, 6 grandchildren, Erick, Christine, David, Nick, Kelsey and Maddi, 7 Great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild and 2 brothers, Joe and Rodger as well as many nieces and nephew and friends. 

A Celebration of life will be held later this year. Special thank you to Moira and Katie for helping care for Dad and the staff at Silverado Care Center where Bob resided for last few months.