Robert Bruce Farmer Jr.

Robert (Bobb) Bruce Farmer Jr., was
born Aug. 21, 1933, in Seattle, to Robert
Bruce Farmer and Melva Berkhiemier
Farmer.
He attended Bothell public schools, graduating from
Bothel High School in 1951. While in high school,
Bobb was active in track as a pole vaulter. He received
an athletic scholarship to then Eastern Washington
State College. In 1952, he entered the Navy, serving
in Japan and Korea. His ship was the Arnold J. Isabel.
After discharge from the Navy, Bobb continued
his education at E.W.S.C., graduating in 1959. During
the summers while in college, Bobb had interesting
experiences working on several Washington state ferries.
In 1956, Bobb married Nancy Jo LaVigne. They had
four children, Robert Jr., Patrick, Douglas, and Jill.
They were always a very important part of Bobb’s life.
In 1959 Bobb began his teaching career at St. Maries,
Idaho. He taught there for 3 years, then moved to
Waitsburg in 1963, where he taught grades 5 and 8. In
1966, Bobb and family settled in Hines, Ore., where
he continued his teaching for 24 years. Bobb was also
treasurer for the City of Hines for many years.
Bobb’s interest in track began in the 7th and 8th
grade. While a junior in Bothell High School, he qualified
for the Washington state meet, and as a senior
won 2nd place in pole vaulting. Bobb continued his
pole vaulting in college at E.W.S.C. As a junior in the
Evergreen conference, Bobb got 1st place and established
the record of 13’ 2 ½” using a steel pole. He
also participated in the NAIA track meet in San Diego,
Calif., in 1956.
Bobb married Shirley Clem in 1980, in Walla Walla.
They lived in Hines for some years, moving permanently
to Walla Walla after retirement. Bobb had
spent much of his adult years coaching in track,
basketball, and football. He also was an active skier
most of his life. In recent years at age 65, he became
a snowboarder. Bobb was instrumental teaching skiing
to his own children at Mt. Bachelor, Ore., while
they were growing up. Later he introduced to some
of his grandchildren life on the slopes, both skiing
and snowboarding. Later in life, tennis was added to
Bobb’s healthy sports.
Bobb was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church,
Walla Walla Elks, YMCA, and the Walla Walla Symphony.
Both he and his wife, Shirley, volunteered with
Meals on Wheels for many years. They also enjoyed
traveling both in the U.S.A. and abroad, but the Oregon
Coast was always their favorite vacation destination.
Bobb is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, Robert
Farmer (Maggie) of Springdale, Wash., Patrick
Farmer (Peggy) of Jacksonville, Fla.; daughter, Jill
Damiano of Chewelah, Wash; grandchildren, Ernest
Farmer (Jennifer), Jessica Patton (David), Tyson
Farmer (Stefanie), Tami Hawkins (Michael), Dustin
May, Derek May; nine great-grandchildren. Bobb’s
extended family include, Christine Russell, Eric
Clem (Carol), Alyson Magnaghi (Frank), Stuart Clem
(Suzy); grandchildren, Amanda Wolford (Michael),
Natalie Russell, Carson Clem, Savaun Clem, Ryder
Magnaghi, Tristan Clem, Delaney Clem. Bobb was
preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Melva
Farmer; son, Douglas Farmer; two brothers, Richard
and Michael Farmer; two nephews, Michael and Tim
Farmer.
The family asks in lieu of flowers, contributions be
made to the Walla Walla YMCA Scholarship Fund or
donors choice through Herring Groseclose Funeral
Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362.
Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday,
Nov. 7, 2016, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Friends
and family are invited to sign the online guest book
at www.herringgroseclose.com.