ROBERT L. (BOB) CONNELL

Longtime Renton resident, Robert L. (Bob) Connell, died March 22, 2009, at the Weatherly Inn Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care facility, in Kent, Washington, where he had been a resident for the past five years. His family is grateful for the care, compassion, and respect shown to Bob by the staff.Bob was born in Ogden, Utah, July 28, 1921 to Samuel Wright and Ina Pearl Connell. His family relocated to the Mt. Vernon and Marysville area where he attended and graduated from Marysville High School.Bob worked at Boeing as a propeller balancer on the B-17 and B-29, until 1949 when he joined the City of Renton Fire Department. He retired as a Captain in 1970.Bob was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and the Renton Elks Club. He was an avid stamp collector and past president of GESSPEX. Other interests and hobbies included listening to his extensive collection of classical music, astronomy, fishing, cooking, and gardening. He spent many enjoyable hours maintaining his yard and gardens, which included raising orchids. Bob never saw a stray cat he couldn’t love, and many benefited from his hospitality.Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always placing family first. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Jean (Schneider) and son James, sisters Ruth McLenaghan and Jolly, brothers William Jr., Thayne, Devere, and Merle. Surviving family includes son Jack (Elaine), grandsons Brian, Jeff (Tawsha), great-grandson Colton, sister Shirley Dockendorf (Fred), of Marysville, and numerous nieces and nephews.Should friends desire, remembrances may be made to the Renton Historical Society, the Alzheimer’s Association of Washington, the King County Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.A memorial service and reception will be held at 11:00 a.m., April 4, 2009, St Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Wells Avenue S., Renton, (425) 255-3322. Arrangements by Greenwood Memorial Park and Funeral Home.