Robert L. STOKES
July 22, 1941 ~ Feb. 20, 2014

Bob Stokes died at his home on Alki with his wife, Linda, and good friend, Dean Etzkorn by his side. Bob’s tenacity served him well throughout his life and in his 4 year battle with lung disease. Bob’s Pulmonologist referred to him as her “Poster Boy” for making the best of a bad situation.

Born in Seahurst, WA to Jack and Gwynfil Stokes, Bob graduated from Highline High School in 1959, then attended Olympic College in Bremerton before beginning a 41 year career in the medical supply business. Anyone who knew Bob would agree that he must have “Salt Water” flowing through his veins. He built his first boat (a mini hydro) at the age of thirteen. Later he raced sailboats and navigated the waters of Puget Sound in various power boats. He was a founding member of Three Tree Yacht Club and was involved with the Sea Scouts and Northwest Power Squadron. At that time, Bob was licensed by the Coast Guard to skipper a 20 ton vessel.

There wasn’t anything Bob wouldn’t try. He waterskied, snow skied, hiked, and traveled to Mexico, Hawaii, and up/down the coast to his resort home in Palm Desert, CA for golf. In 2008, Bob, Linda and their best friends, the Etzkorn’s, spent a month enjoying Tuscany, Italy. Bob and Linda traveled the US for six months in their RV and returned home with many great experiences to share.

Bob always said, “I work so that I can afford to play,” and he was successful at both. Family was very important to him and they shared many adventures, all embracing that same work and play ethic.

Bob is survived by his wife of 29 years, Linda (Ducharme) Stokes; daughters, Anne Marie DeHan (Ken) and Susan L. Sabari (Nate); four grandchildren, Aidan and Gwynfil DeHan and Harper and Fritz Sabari; stepson, Ryan Ducharme White (Jaime); mother, Gwynfil Stokes; and brothers, Larry Stokes and Jim Stokes (Kathy).

Remembrances may be made to: www.virginiamasonfoundation.org

Published in The West Seattle Herald Section of The Westside Weekly March 7, 2014