ROBERT RASMUSSEN
December 13, 2020
Robert Eugene Rasmussen, 77, of Benton City, WA, passed away on Sunday December 13, 2020 at Fieldstone Memory Care facility after an 11+ year battle with vascular dementia. Bob was born in Lewiston, ID, February 10, 1943 and graduated from Lewiston High School, later receiving his AA in Applied Science from Columbia Basin College.
“Bobby” Rasmussen is the son of Avrel and Cora Rasmussen and brother of Arvella, William, Alan, and Victoria. He is survived by his wife Susan , and his daughters, Christy Rasmussen (Herb), Teresa Mackliet, brother Alan and four step-children, Rhonda Holt (Vern), Leanne Johnson (Joe), Jolyn McCarty (Joshua), and Sean M Kelly.
In 1986, he met the love of his life, Susan Wilson. They lived together almost inseparably for over 33 years. Bob was a proud member of Local 598 Plumbers and Steamfitters, retiring from the Fitter trade in 2010, and posting 56 years a member in high regard. Majority of his career was as a Journeyman Pipefitter was for many contractors at the Hanford facilities as well as all over the country.
Passion for auto mechanics led to many family member appreciating his skills and knowledge which he passed on with patience and love. Later in life his skills transferred to metal art and made many beautiful pieces, such as; garden art, quilt and coat racks.
Bob wasn’t truly himself unless he was outdoors hiking,, running, gold mining, golfing, playing tennis, softball, or basketball with family and his many friends. Bob also had a love for karate philosophy and supporting family as they pursued their interests. Respect for nature and animals were a life-long creed.
Bob’s legacy was to advocate to family to “do the right thing.” His smile and kind heart will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Bob was affectionately called ‘Papa’ by many of his surviving 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren with whom he comforted with the infamous ‘little P, Pinaroo, Root Whistle, Mary Hossel, and Great gobble, gobble, gobble.’
He is preceded in death by his parents, his infant son, Timothy Allen, his siblings, Arvella, William, Victoria, and many dear friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, we would love it if you could donate to Tri Cities Chaplaincy and St. Jude Hospital for Children.