Robert Y. Hibbitt
February 22, 1941 - May 2, 2010
Obituary
Robert LaVonne Young Hibbitt
After more than a year of gallantly battling pancreatic cancer, Robert ‘Bobby’ LaVonne Young Hibbitt peacefully passed from this life on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 8:28 a.m. with family members at his side. Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife of 12 years, Denise Marie Valentino-Hibbitt, who in 2004 was also overtaken by pancreatic cancer.
Robert, the eldest of four children, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 22, 1941 to the late Robert ‘Bobby’ Young and Mary Ann Moffett Guillory. Robert moved to Seattle in 1943 and attended Garfield High School.
He served in the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged after six years. He worked for more than 20 years as a facilities coordinator with the University of Washington; an additional 20 years at Renton Technical College and five years at the City of Seattle. For more than 20 years, he ran his own janitorial service in the Puget Sound area.
His love for his children came through acts of service and the advice and counsel typically offered by most fathers; yet Robert had a unique way of imparting his home spun wisdom to his 8 sons, 5 daughters and 8 step children. Robert often used the knowledge he acquired as a race car driver, mechanic and classic cars enthusiast to offer metaphors to his children about life. An oil change was used to express the importance of eating right; a brake change to emphasize good decision-making; and the detailing of a car was used to explain the concept of dressing for success.
A man of quiet resolve, Robert accepted and began his walk with the Lord later in life. He attended Damascus Baptist Church of Seattle and found simple ways to express his love for the Lord.
He leaves to cherish his memory his 13 children Phoebe, Yvonne, JoVon, Michael, Robert Raydale, LaVonne, Brockiton, Jason, David, Gregory, Shanta, Melanie, Adam, Michael Collins and Hassan; his sister, Lillian Hibbitt; cousins, Alice Mae Coleman and Priscilla Walker and eight step children; a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.
It’s been almost a year. Time moves to fast sometimes. I miss you more than my heart can handle.
My thoughts and prayers are with Robert’s family at this difficult time. I knew Robert for many years, and he was always one that was there to give help and advice to anyone who needed it. You will be missed!
I will really miss Robert’s smile and humor here at RTC. He was a bright spot in the day.
I Love You Daddy!
Robert always had words of wisdom for everyone! Because of his work ethic he will be truly missed at RTC.
A few weeks before Robert passed, my wife suggested that I should visit him now before it was too late. My oldest son and I went to visit him at his home on a Saturday. His daughter brought us to his bedroom to visit. I remembered Robert smiling but trying to fight the pain & emotions. I’m glad that I saw him before he passsed. Rest easy my friend, for now you fly with angels. Our condolences & sympathy to the Hibbit ohanafamily.
Aloha Oe my bruddah, until we meet again!
I am so sorry for such a great loss to your family. I met Robert while working at RTC. He loved his family and enjoyed talking about them, he loved his cars, and he was very, very helpful all the time. He showed me around when I was new at RTC and I did not know where certain places were. Very nice, gentle man. I miss him. I wish you the family all the best and just remember your father helped so many and was a wonderful man. He is in no more pain. My prayers go out to you all.
To the Roberts Family,
Robert was so caring in all that he did at the college. He would also talk about his family until you tired of listening, he never tired of the telling. Robert gave many of my students the leadership they needed as work-studies under his janitorial supervision and he made an extra effort to meet even the littlest of needs in my area. He will be missed for his service and friendship.
Robert and I talked often during his couragous battle and though we had been good friends for many years I saw a courage and a heart in him that few people are ever able to generate. He was a good and decent man who cared deeply about the people around him and the family here at the college has lost one of the best. Rest easy my friend——-you surely earned it!
May your wonderful memories help you heal. We all loved Robert so much and will miss him. God will embrace him with his love and he will charm the angels just as he charmed everyone he met.
Robert was a one of a kind person, he was a man among men.When I saw Robert a few months ago, I told him I was so happy to see him, if he was a woman I’d kiss him. We had a lot of talks over the years.
I’m going to miss him alot. Robert has brought some of the kids to the campus for vehicle repairs, so I did get to meet some of the
kids, if I can do anything for you let me know. With love in my heart good by my friend.
I appreciated Robert as a true and knowledgable friend.
Shanta,
You are so much stronger than you think you are. You have made it through something that I don’t believe I ever could. I didn’t know your dad as well as most people, but I know that he LOVED you and that you were spoiled rotten! I’ll always remember our numerous brief encounters while visiting you and while catching my school bus outside your house. Yep! All the school girls had a crush on Ta’s dad LOL!! I love you and you know that I’m here for whatever you need.
Always,
Trenita
I will miss him. He was one of those people at work who always had a hello, or a smile.
John C.
THE SOFTLI FAMILY SENDS IT SINCERE CONDOLANCE! GOD BLESS!!
Robert was a special friend. It took me 20 some years to figure him out. If I wanted to talk he’d listen. If I wanted him to talk I’d ask him about his “babies” or cars. If I wanted to be alone I’d tell him what a gorgeous man he was and watch him hightail it out the door. He’d strut sideways grinning for a week! Like everyone I wasn’t prepared to lose him so soon.
Robert, You will be missed. In the 15+ years I knew Robert at RTC he always made my day brighter with his positive attiutde and smile. He NEVER EVER forgot to ask how my kids were doing either and know them by name. Robert, you have touched my life in many positive ways. Thank you. You are in a better place now. My God bless you and your family.
Bobbie was a wonderful friend who loved his history, he could talk for hours about the cowboys and indians. “I would fall asleep” standing listening to him. Our Sorrows are with you at this time of sadness. God Bless his family.
Robert was a special man who had such a wonderful outlook on life, and especially on family; And not just his family but yours too! I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile, without a “hello” or a “how you doin’?” or a “how’s your family?” He approached his job the same way he did life – with love and happiness. Whenever you needed something you could always depend on Robert – he’d never you let down. I already miss him, as we all do as a member of his RTC family. Heaven now has all its “chariots” looking the best they have ever looked! Rest in peace, Robert.
Robert and I shared a very special bond and relationship. Because of this, I have a myriad of memories to cherish. I do not have words to articulate how much I will miss Robert’s smiling face, charming attributes, and frequent conversations, however, he will always have his own very special place in my heart. Shanta, though Robert will be missed, he will never be forgotten, because he touched so many lives. He will always be with you.
My sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.
I will truly miss our talks and his many stories. Robert will always be remembered by me and his RTC family.
God Bless, Robert
I am sorry for your families loss. Shanta my heart goes out to you personally & will be by your side when you need. Time is not an issue..ANY TIME.
Bobby you will be missed.
I am soo sorry! I just found out about Robert’s passing. He is a great friend and co-worker. He knew I had 11 children and he always would pass down his grandchildrens clothes and always looked out for us. He said he was like another father for me. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for you all! God Bless
Robert was a great friend to me at Renton Technical College. We shared many interests like classic cars and music. I will miss Robert so much! I’m sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers.
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE HIBBITT FAMILY FOR THIER LOSS!! UNCLE BOBBY IS GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!! HE LIVES ON..
Met “Bobby” last year through my family at a birthday party; he was a very nice person. My sincerest expression of sympathy and peace to the family.
I only new Robert for 2 years but I really enjoyed his viewpoint on life. I will miss his smile and our visits.
I’ve known Robert when I first started RTC in 2007. We shared laughters, great stories about his daughters and sons. The last time I spoke with Robert was in Feb before his b-day. I told him he was like my grandfather and he always made me smile and appreciate the goodthings in life. He will be missed.
I did not know him well. But he was my grandfather. I only got to hug him once. And talk to twice in person. I was very happy to meet him.
Also if any relative read this they can contact me through email: ty_boo@hotmail.com. Or call 1(509) 595-7728. This is my other grandfathers number. He will get a hold of me. It is very difficult to get a hold you. I have been seaching. I lost my dad’s number 2 years ago, Micheal l Hibbit.
I was just reminiscing and thought of Bobby. I knew him back in the 70’s, through the disco dance days, he loved to dance. He had a heart of gold, and His family was very important to him. He was a kind, hard working man. Fond memories. I’m sorry for your loss.