Robin Walton LaFave, age 84, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at the Bellingham Hospice House following complications from occupational lung disease. A lifelong resident of Whatcom County, Robin spent his years rooted in the communities of Ferndale and Bellingham, where he built a life defined by hard work, family, and a deep pride in the places he called home.

Robin was born on June 8, 1941, on King Street in Bellingham, Washington, to Frank and Esther LaFave. He was the fourth of five brothers, growing up alongside his siblings Glenn, Dick, David, and Jackie; a role that carried with it cherished memories, and a strong bond that carried through to adulthood. Robbin was the remaining, surviving brother.

Robin spent his early years in Ferndale, where he attended school and experienced the rural life that helped shape his character. As a student, he played the clarinet in the school band and was actively involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Farm life was a big part of his upbringing—milking cows before school, bucking hay, and proudly showing pigs at the Lynden Fair. These experiences instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for hard work, self-reliance, and community. Robin graduated from Ferndale High School in 1959.

Immediately after graduation, Robin answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy. From 1959 to 1962 he served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41), later transferring to the destroyer USS Halsey Powell (DD-686). One of the highlights of his naval service was being able to serve alongside his brother Dave, who had previously been assigned to the same ship. His naval service allowed him to travel throughout the Pacific, including stops in Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, and Guam. Robin often spoke with pride about his military service and the experiences he gained while traveling the world as a young sailor.

In 1960, Robin and Sandra Martin were married. They made their home in Ferndale and started their family. Together they had four children: Marty, Julie, Lisa and Connie. While Robin remained committed to his family, life brought changes. In 1969, he married Kathleen Caillier, who remained his devoted partner for the rest of his life.

Robin was naturally gifted with mechanical ability and enjoyed working with his hands. He began his post-military career at Georgia-Pacific in Bellingham and later worked as a millwright at Intalco Aluminum Corporation, where he was respected for his skill, problem-solving ability, and dedication to his craft. Often seeking a new venture, Robin also started a pole-building construction company in 1972 called McDonald Farm Buildings, providing sturdy multi-use buildings for farms and properties throughout the region.

While Ferndale remained home for most of his life, a special chapter began in 1974 when Robin and Kathy purchased an old house on Lake Whatcom. With vision and determination, they transformed the property and built a beautiful A-frame home overlooking the water. The lake became a place filled with laughter, activity, and treasured family memories. Many summer days were spent on the water, fishing, skiing and BBQing.

Robin loved improving every home he lived in. Remodeling, repairing, and building projects were always underway, and he took pride in making things better with his own hands. His life reflected a generation that valued hard work, craftsmanship, service, and family.

Robin also enjoyed spending time deep-sea fishing with friends, vacations to Reno and watching the Seahawks and Huskies as often as possible.

He will be remembered for his mechanical ingenuity, his determination, his pride in his work, and the many stories and memories shared with those who knew him.

Robin is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathleen, and his children Marty LaFave, Julie Cornelsen (Doug), and Connie Thomas (Jim Nelson). He also leaves behind extended family members and many friends who shared in his life’s journey.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this spring, when family and friends will gather to remember Robin and honor the life he lived.