Spokane conservationist Robbi Castleberry, dead at 80
UPDATED WITH VIDEO 5:45 p.m. on June 11, 2013
CONSERVATION -- Robbi Castleberry, a pillar of Spokane-area conservation efforts since the 1970s, died today of an apparent cardiac arrest in her home near Indian Canyon, her husband, Vic, has confirmed.
Castleberry, 80, was on the original city-county committee that spearheaded development of the Spokane River Centennial Trail.
Her many conservation leadership roles include her current committee services for the Spokane County Conservation Futures Program. She's been the energizer behind the improvements and additions to the city's Palisades Park and the closure of Rimrock Drive so it could be enjoyed by walkers and bicyclists.
"Robbi was involved with groups like the Backcountry Horsemen and the Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club, and when it came to issues such as trails and river access she could be counted on as an absolute driving force to keep them open for all users," said Julia McHugh, another original member of the Centennial Trail committee.
Memorial service arrangements are pending.
