Always one to toast with his favorite wine and tell humorous stories, Robert Bruce (RB/Bob) Williams passed on a fitting day – April 1, 2023 – both April Fools Day and the first day of Washington Wine Month. Surrounded by his children and loving family, his final days were filled with laughter and love and shared memories from his 90 years.
The oldest of three, RB was a fourth generation Seattle resident. He married his life love, Marcia Kast Williams, and they shared 44 years of a loving marriage, making their home on Mercer Island, WA and taking many trips to Palm Springs and Vancouver, BC and dinners out to celebrate life and love. They have three children: Bruce (Marcia), Mark (Carrie York) and Allison Trull (Paul) five grandchildren: Rob (Rachael), Jim (Kelly), Amanda, Braden and Elisabeth; and three great-grandchildren: Emaline, Charlie and Paul. RB always delighted in his family, eager to hear of their adventures and laughing at the antics of the grands and great grands.
After Marcia’s death, RB married Elizabeth Tross-Deamer and welcomed her two children, Leslie and William Deamer, to the family. After his retirement they moved to Semiahmoo, WA where they enjoyed golfing, walking and traveling, and visited many wineries during their 24 years of marriage.
For the past two years he lived with Allison and Paul, who together with amazing caregiver MarySymon Mbuguh encouraged RB’s love of life through experiences such as walks in the neighborhood and parks to see flowers and animals, and car rides out for coffee and fish and chips. He was able to spend time with his children and grands, sharing Disney movies, stories, wine and golf. He passed as he wanted to – at home with tender love and compassionate care and his family.
Always dedicated to work, RB was vice president and CPA for Rossoe Oil and Heat for more than 50 years, retiring when he was 80. He was a captain in the Army Reserves and was trained as a spy. He was the first in his family to graduate from University of Washington.
If you know RB, you remember his twinkling eyes and loyalty, and his love for flowers and great wine. As he asked, the family has held a celebration of his life and they hope you, too, will raise a glass to toast him or think of him when you’re in a park and seeing beautiful flowers, or laughing at a joke. Cheers to a life well-lived, RB. We love you dearly and miss you and are forever grateful for you.