Bob Hake

Robert "Bob" Lee Hake III passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 3, 2023, at his home in Cathlamet, Washington after a valiant battle with cancer.

He was born on September 17, 1942, in Yakima and was raised on the Hake family ranch in Wapato before moving to Elma, WA his senior year of high school. Bob had fond memories growing up in Wapato where he was a four-sport athlete who had tremendous success swimming, having set many records. He enjoyed spending time with his many cousins and sisters in Eastern Washington and became an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman who later in life sought adventures horseback riding in the mountains and hunting and fishing many of the western states.

While attending Central Washington University he met his wife, Phyllis Doyle, and the two were married on September 18, 1965. He graduated from Central with a teaching degree and spent time teaching at Fort Worden Reformatory School in Port Townsend. Years later he took a job as an Inspector for Washington State Air Pollution Control and moved his family to Olympia, Washington. In 1978, Bob was hired at United Parcel Service as a delivery driver assigned to the Wahkiakum County route. That same year, he moved his family from Olympia to a 100-year-old farm on Violet Prairie in Tenino, WA. It was there where he and Phyllis settled down to raise their four children.

During his career at UPS, Bob became more than just a delivery driver to the people of Wahkiakum County. He was affectionately called "UPS Bob" among the locals and was known for his sunny disposition, sense of humor, and occasional pranks. He enjoyed his work at UPS and especially the people he encountered, befriending many of them. After 34 years with UPS, Bob retired and he and his wife relocated to Cathlamet, where they intended to spend their final years. In retirement they spent winters at their place in Yuma, Arizona and traveled the United States a number of times. He made it a priority to be involved with his grandchildren and attended their sporting, rodeo, equestrian and other events.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Phyllis and his four children Robin Hake (Bill), Holly Pfenniger (Shane), Robert Hake IV (Jenni) and Heather Woodside (Paul); six grandchildren Colton and Josh Pfenniger, Madelyn and Brody Hake & Wyatt Rink, and Jenna Woodside; sisters Sally (Jerry) Eaton of Elma and Marcia (Tom) Vanderwall of Kirkland. He was proceeded in death by his parents Robert Lee Hake II and Evelyn Hake.

Bob was an amazing provider to his family and will forever be remembered for his unconditional love, supportive nature, sense of humor, adventurism, and kind acts.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and support staff at PeaceHealth, Lower Columbia Cancer Center, and PeaceHealth Hospice for their amazing support and care during Bob's battle with cancer. The family would also like to thank the community, friends and family for reaching out to Bob in his final days through social media, in person, and over the phone. It meant a great deal to him.

No services are planned.

- Paid Obituary -