Robert (Bobb) Bruce Farmer, Jr. passed away Oct. 24.

Bobb was born Aug. 21, 1933, in Seattle, Wash., to Robert Bruce Farmer and Melva Berkhiemer Farmer. He attended Bothell public schools, graduating from Bothell High School in 1951. While in high school, Bobb was active in track as a pole vaulter. He received an athletic scholarship to then Eastern Washington State College (EWSC).  Bobb’s interest in track began in the seventh and eighth grades.  While a junior in Bothell High School, he qualified for the Washington state meet and as a senior won second place in pole vaulting. Bobb continued his pole vaulting in college at EWSC. As a junior in the Evergreen Conference, Bobb got first place and established the record of 13 feet, 2-1/2 inches using a steel pole. He also participated in the NAIA Track meet in San Diego, Calif., in 1956.

In 1952, he entered the Navy, serving in Japan and Korea. His ship was the Arnold S. Isabel. After discharge from the Navy, Bobb continued his education at EWSC, graduating in 1959. During the summers while in college, Bobb had interesting experiences working on several Washington State ferries.

In 1956, Bobb married Nancy Jo LaVigne. They had four children; Robert Jr., Patrick, Douglas, and Jill. They were always a very important part of Bobb’s life. In 1959, Bobb began his teaching career at St. Maries, Idaho. He taught there for three years, then moved to Waistburg, Wash., in 1963, where he taught grades 5 and 8. In 1966, Bobb and his family settled in Hines, where he continued his teaching for 24 years. Bobb was also treasurer for the city of Hines for many years.

Bobb married Shirley Clem in 1980 in Walla Walla, Wash. They lived in Hines for some years, moving permanently to Walla Walla for retirement.

Bobb had spent many of his adult years coaching track, basketball, and football. He also was an active skier most of his life. In recent years at age 65, he became a snowboarder.  Bobb was instrumental in teaching skiing to his own children at Mt. Bachelor while they were growing up. Later, he introduced some of his grandchildren to the sport as well. Later in life, tennis was added to Bobb’s healthy sports.

Bobb was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Walla Walla Elks, the YMCA, and the Walla Walla Symphony. Both he and his wife, Shirley, volunteered with “Meals on Wheels” for many years. They also enjoyed traveling both in the U.S.A. and abroad, but the Oregon coast was always their favorite vacation destination.

Bobb is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, Robert Farmer (Maggie) of Springdale, Wash., and Patrick Farmer (Peggy) of Jacksonville, Fla.; daughter, Jill Damiano of Chewelah, Wash.;  grandchildren, Jessica Patton (David), Tyson Farmer (Stefanie), Tami Hawkins (Michael), Ernest Farmer (Jennifer), Derek May, and Dustin May. Bobb is also survived by many great-grandchildren.

Bobb’s extended family includes Christine Russell, Eric Clem (Carol), Alyson Magnaghi (Frank), and Stuart Clem (Suzy); and grandchildren, Amanda Wolford (Michael), Natalie Russell, Carson Clem, Savaun Clem, Ryder Magnaghi, Tristan Clem, and Delaney Clem.

Bobb was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Melva Farmer; brothers, Richard and Michael Farmer; son, Douglas Allen; and two nephews, Michael Farmer and Timothy Farmer.

The family asks contributions be made to the Walla Walla YMCA Scholarship Fund or to a donor’s choice.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 323 Catherine Street in Walla Walla, Wash.