Robert Raymond Newgard

Robert (Bob) R. Newgard was born in Tacoma, Washington, to Edgar (Eck) and Ruth Newgard. The family soon moved to Chehalis, living on Pennsylvania Avenue. It was here where he developed his love of the Model A Ford, earning money from buying used Model A’s, refurbishing the upholstery, and selling at a profit.

After graduating from Chehalis High School, class of 1947, Bob enrolled at Washington State College, living in Stimson Hall. It was in Pullman that he met and married Carla L. Jones. The couple moved into “married” housing, where she allegedly helped him write his school papers. Upon graduating with a business degree in 1951, Bob joined the Coast Guard, serving mainly on a weather ship off the Washington coast and attaining the rank of lieutenant junior grade. Bob earned the United Nations and Korean Service Medals, and the National Defense Service Medal before his release in September 1953 and leaving the Coast Guard in 1959. Although never serving in a war zone, Coast Guard service wasn’t without some risks. While guarding a ship’s gangplank on the Seattle docks, Bob and two armed seamen defended against a “mob” of disgruntled dock workers who were intent on boarding the ship in protest. Cooler heads prevailed and the dockworkers dispersed, but it was a tense encounter and highlights Bob’s ability to talk to pretty much anyone, an ability he exercised throughout his life.

Bob began a successful career at Evergreen First Federal Savings and Loan with his father, Eck. The two of them made thousands of Lewis and Thurston County residential and commercial loans, often to people who had been turned down by traditional banks. Under his stewardship, the lending institution grew to eight branches, moved the main branch to Market Boulevard (current site of Chehalis City Hall), and changed the name to Evergreen Savings. 

After leaving the banking industry in 1980, Bob and Carla purchased “The Spa” on Kresky Avenue. A major remodel later, The Four Seasons Athletic Club was born. High interest rates (18%+), however, took their toll and Bob was forced to close the business, losing nearly everything in the process, including his Chehalis home. Bob and Carla divorced in 1986. Bob contacted an old acquaintance, Harold LeMay, who took Bob’s collection of Model A’s as collateral to start yet another career—Buffalo Restorations and Buffalo Ships in Tacoma. It was here in 1999 that the divorcee met Betty “Boots” Smith, and the two lived happily together until her passing in January 2024. Bob and Betty traveled extensively, including a monthlong cruise around South America, including Cape Horn, Chile. With his Coast Guard background, the strong winds and huge waves did not dampen Bob’s enjoyment of this part of the trip. Most others stayed below deck, including Betty.

Bob’s last “travel” was in June 2024, moving from Puyallup to Olympia to be closer to two of his children. As a father of four, he was a provider who taught his kids strong values, how to balance a checkbook at a young age, and was known for a great sense of humor and creating good memories on family vacations and road trips. In December, Bob succumbed to complications from intestinal surgery. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Shirley Newgard-Stedham; his companion of 24 years, Betty Smith; and his son-in-law, Eric Krogstad.

Bob is survived by his  sister, Toni Sturdevant; his four children: Deborah (Richard) Miller, Federal Way; Rob (Kathy) Newgard, Tenino; Barbara Krogstad, Tumwater; and Diane (Rob) Chandler, Lake Forest Park. In addition, he is survived by his six grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

Bob will be greatly missed. May he rest in eternal peace.

There will be a graveside service at Claquato Cemetery on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m.