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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Avery, Robert M. “Bob”

Age 87

AVERY, Robert M. “Bob” January 24, 1926 - March 11, 2013 Born to Naomi and Denzil Avery in Lewistown, MT.

Then at an early age, family moved to Belgrade, MT and attended Belgrade High School.

Moving on to enlist in the Army-Air Force on December 1941.

He earned his pilot license as a glider pilot and the program was eliminated by the military.

So he transferred and served in WWII as a top turret gunner and engineer with the 8th air force in his B-24 over France and Germany, successfully completing his 35 missions.

He honorably discharged in Sept. 1945.

Reenlisting again in 1948-50, serving in the Korean War with the Air National Guard.

May, 1953, he began his career with the Spokane Valley Fire Department.

He contributed to implementing the State Wide Law and Enforcement Fire Fighters Pension for Spokane Valley fire fighters.

He dedicated his life and energy as a civil service employee until retiring as Battalion Chief in 1972.

He married the love of his life, Violet Arthur Avery on September 17, 1968.

Together, they have shared a 45-year honeymoon.

They enjoyed their seven children and second home in Bayview, Idaho.

Countless years and hours of fun, fishing and friendships were treasured on the scenic trailer deck and boat, “Waytago”.

Bob enjoyed the outdoors, hunting the Blue Mountains, fishing in Idaho, Montana and Canada.

Also, spending winter months sporting with his children in the snow.

His favorite hobby is his knife collection.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Denzil and Naomi Avery; sister, Bethel Morrison and daughter, Shelley Loy.

He is survived by his brother, Jim (Linda) Avery of Provo, UT; loving wife, Violet Avery of Spokane Valley; children, Mitch Avery of Post Falls, ID, Brian (Cheryl) Avery of Spokane, Candy Taylor of Spokane, Laura Arthur of Everett, WA, Patty (Charlie) Valdez of Kelso, WA, Chuck (Sally) Arthur of Issaquah, WA; 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23rd, 2013 at 10:00am at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley, WA.

A private graveside service will follow at Peone Cemetery.

Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the Spokane Valley Fire Department Benevolent Fund at P.O.

Box 1364, Spokane Valley, WA 99037 or www.svffba.org.