Robert Richard Sommer
August 20, 1934 — September 23, 2018
Robert Richard Sommer
Robert "Bob" Sommer, born August 20,1934, in Port Huron, Michigan, left this earth on September 23, 2018, to join family and friends who preceded him to heaven. Bob is survived by his wife, Sally, his two children Deb (Rick) and Ken, and grandchildren Nick, Mason and Nolan, as well as Amie (mom to Mason and Nolan); and countless wonderful friends, relatives and honorary relatives from many parts of the world.
Bob fought a valiant battle with cancer, and as was his way, he remained stoic and unfazed through his last days. He was most often heard saying to people "Just have to keep on moving", because this principle focused him on health, exercise, and motivation. He was, and is, an inspiration to all who knew him. Bob set a precedence in his life that family and friends are best honored over a visit, a meal and/or a Christmas card. His family and friends will dearly miss him for many meals and holidays to come.
Bob was born in Port Huron, Michigan, to Myrtle (Harper) and Howard Sommer, who were both educators. He attended Port Huron High School, playing hockey and tennis, and was President of his senior class. He joined the army, and served as a communications specialist in Europe. Bob attended Michigan University, and joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, graduating with a masters in engineering. He had a successful career as an engineering salesman, working first for Ingersoll Rand in NY and San Francisco, then Cascade Machinery in Seattle. His second most important job was teaching his kids a no-nonsense approach to math, and other lessons in life.
Bob's commitment to health led him to climb Mount Saint Helens, in Washington state, 7 times in 9 years. He avidly practiced Tai Chi for balance and discipline, and Four Square for coordination. He was a regular at the gym, often attending 6 days a week. Bob enjoyed the outdoors, and spent many hours in the sun and rain, hiking, canoeing and camping.
A memorial service will be held on October 13, 2018, at 4 PM at Emerald Heights in Redmond, WA.
Bob fought a valiant battle with cancer, and as was his way, he remained stoic and unfazed through his last days. He was most often heard saying to people "Just have to keep on moving", because this principle focused him on health, exercise, and motivation. He was, and is, an inspiration to all who knew him. Bob set a precedence in his life that family and friends are best honored over a visit, a meal and/or a Christmas card. His family and friends will dearly miss him for many meals and holidays to come.
Bob was born in Port Huron, Michigan, to Myrtle (Harper) and Howard Sommer, who were both educators. He attended Port Huron High School, playing hockey and tennis, and was President of his senior class. He joined the army, and served as a communications specialist in Europe. Bob attended Michigan University, and joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, graduating with a masters in engineering. He had a successful career as an engineering salesman, working first for Ingersoll Rand in NY and San Francisco, then Cascade Machinery in Seattle. His second most important job was teaching his kids a no-nonsense approach to math, and other lessons in life.
Bob's commitment to health led him to climb Mount Saint Helens, in Washington state, 7 times in 9 years. He avidly practiced Tai Chi for balance and discipline, and Four Square for coordination. He was a regular at the gym, often attending 6 days a week. Bob enjoyed the outdoors, and spent many hours in the sun and rain, hiking, canoeing and camping.
A memorial service will be held on October 13, 2018, at 4 PM at Emerald Heights in Redmond, WA.
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