Robert Barton
September 21, 1949 - May 29, 2008
Obituary
Robert Emerson Barton, age 58 died unexpectedly at his home on May 29, 2008. Robert is survived by his wife of 7 years, Chris; step-daughter, Sarah Bodin, cousin, Jay Ostlund and his wife Kim and their two sons. Brother Roy Lee Barton and cousin Jack Oslund are recently deceased. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 2:00 PM at the First Christian Church, 11717 SE 240th Street, Kent, WA. Committal services are being held on Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at 11:00 AM at Firlawn Memorial Park, 1070 W. Main Street, Hillsboro, OR. Please sign the guest book at www.bonneywatson.com.
Robert Bob to some family and friends was born in Hillsboro, Oregon to Gladys and Roy Barton on September 21, 1949. At the age of 15 years, Robert became one of the youngest to earn his pilot’s license. Flying was an important part of his life, including his time with the Air Force reserves and hobby flying for many years. He graduated from Hillsboro High school and attended Portland State University earning his degree is accounting. For the past 20+ years he worked for HUD as a senior auditor after moving to the Seattle area, the last several years in the Office of the Inspector General.
Robert and Chris met on a blind date 10 years ago, married and have been living in and remodeling a house on Three Tree Point in Burien, WA. Living on the beach of Puget Sound, enjoying the wildlife and close neighborhood was a joy for Robert who especially was touched by the eagles and Orca whales that grace the area.
Last year, Robert survived a serious infection that required extensive back surgery and rehabilitation to walk again. During the recovery he was always upbeat and optimistic about the future. Recently Robert renewed his participation in church life, training to be involved in a jail ministry. Rounding out his collection of coins, restoring antique clocks and taking pilot ground school to renew his pilot’s license were activities that Robert worked on during his spare time. In addition, Robert was the democratic precinct chairperson for the 34th Legislative District and was passionate in his support of Barack Obama for progressive change in this country.
Chris, we were all so shocked to hear about Robert, I am so sorry. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Janell
Chris, I am so glad you were part of the family and I got to know you. When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange, we both have those memories now. I’m here if you want to talk.
To me, Robert was the classic gentleman – a welcome trait, and one I don’t often see anymore.
I’ll miss Robert’s sense of humor and also his beautiful Christmas cards.
Candi Shreve
We wanted to offer our condolences to you on Bob’s passing. It came as a pretty big shock, since it seemed like he was steadily getting better. We always enjoyed working with Bob. Jon Matson & Darryl Zaccaria
Chris
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. What a terrible shock.
I join all of your friends in offering my condolences and wishes for peace and healing to you and your family.
This will be a very hard time, and I hope you will call upon any of us who know you if we can provide any support or help.
With respect and sorrow,
Jon Brock
Dear Chris – I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about you husband. I am so VERY sorry for your loss. On behalf of all of us at WSNA, I want to extend our sincere condolences. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of sorrow. No words can ease the pain and sadness you must be feeling now, but if there is anything at all that I can do to be of support to you, please don’t hesitate to ask. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care. Judy Huntington
Chris and Family,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my prayers. May God bless you and carry you through this difficult time.
Chris and family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Please know that I am praying for comfort and peace at this time.
Love and prayers,
Lori
Robert worked for me for the past 4 years and he will be missed. Robert had a vast knowledge of the FHA program and was instrumental in developing a training program for our audit staff. He was very witty and loved to tell jokes. He and I spent some late hours at the office working and sharing our experiences with HUD. Robert was a wonderful and caring man. He had a passion for life and spoke often of his renewal with GOD through his ministry services with the jail. I have no doubt he is now with God and watching over his family and friends. I will miss not seeing him when I come to visit the Seattle Office. My condolences to Chris and her daughter and all those who knew Robert. He was a good friend.
Joan S. Hobbs
Regional Inspector General for Audit
All the good jokes I know I learned from Robert. He was a interesting and kind man and will be greatly missed.
To Chris and her family,
I’m so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and
prayers are with you now and in the coming months.
Liz Lewis
I enjoyed working with Robert when I was in Seattle. He was always upbeat and had a positive attitude on life. He genuinely cared for others and was a good friend.
Chris,
I am so sad to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Shelley Burnett
I had the pleasure of meeting Bob through my husband John’s work. He was always very kind and it was so enjoyable to visit with him. My thoughts are with his loved ones.
I had a great opportunity over the last many years to get to know Robert. Chris always has a great story about some adventure that the two were or had embarked on. I am sending my thoughts and prayers your way.
In this difficult time may those memories bring you comfort. Robert will be missed but certainly not forgotten.
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss.
Leigh and Pam
Bob was always a joy to be around. I just loved seeing him at work because he always had a joke that would make one laugh, brighten the day, and leave them better than before. I just don’t know how he did it; he should have had a second career as a stand-up comedian.
We were all better for having known Bob, and he will always be remembered for the joy he brought to others. –what a guy.
Chris,
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry I cannot be there to help you celebrate Robert’s life. How lucky you were to be a part of it. Take care and God Bless.
I am sending my heartfelt condolences for the loss of a very special person. In the times I got to spend with Robert he always made me feel welcome and was quick to share a joke. He will be dearly missed.
Robert will be missed dearly. He always brought laughter and smiles to everyone around him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Chris,
My sympathies for your loss and your family’s grief.
Ray Carrillo
Dearest Chris and Sarah,
What a beautiful difference one life makes. We are so very fortunate to have been touched by Robert’s love and whit. You have our deepest sympathy and love.
So sorry about your loss of Robert, he will be dearly missed. I enjoy the times I spent with him. I will remember his smile.
Chris,
Sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you.
Our family was shocked to learn of Robert’s passing. We offer you our heartfelt condolences. We always enjoyed the conversations at get-togethers with Robert over the last few years. He was kind, interesting, and told the same kind of extremely corny jokes that always made us laugh. If you need anything at all, please let us know.
We share in your grief and send you our love.
Geoff and Jenny
to Chris and family
sorry to hear about your loss. thinking of you and may god give you the the strenghth to carry you and your family at this time. take care
jane
Everyone in the office will miss Robert. Please accept my condolences.
I’m so sorry for your loss Chris. I remember talking with you about the long ordeal you two went through when you were out of town, in a strange hospital. I was impressed by your talk about his positive attitude about the whole thing…I know I would have enjoyed his company! My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. In solidarity, Heather
Chris, I’m so sorry for your unfathomable loss. Please know that I am thinking of you and wishing you love and hope.
I will never forget Robert’s enthusiasm for bad puns, Christine, and Obama. We’ll miss you…. Love to all, Emily
I love Robert so much, because he loved unconditionally. He made me and everyone around him feel special.
Robert and Chris drove up to Vancouver, Canada in their red sports car to witness the love connection between me and Stephanie at our committment ceremony in 2006. Robert and Chris will always be forever in my heart.
Chris & Robert.
Robert & Chris.
Either way, it was poetry in motion, and meant to be. He understood the power of words. And he understood the power of love. Robert, your puns were the best of the worst. Fly high and free, my friend. Love, Randy