Obituary: Gilmore, Robert Lawrence
The last three years of his life were dedicated to caring for his ailing wife, Loraine.
After her passing on Feb. 15, his own health failed and his primary reason for living was gone.
Bob was born to Jack and Gladys Gilmore in Des Moines, IA in 1930.
After graduating from Lovilla High School he spent several years in various character-building endeavors: farm hand, short-order cook, and surveyor’s assistant, etc.
He recently entertained us with a story about carrying the tripod and transit on the siderail of a bridge over a swollen river.
His boot buckles caught, he tripped and plunged headfirst into the water.
The river claimed both the transit and his employment.
The Air Force brought him to Spokane where he met and married Loraine.
He later worked for the Atomic Energy Commission in Texas.
Daughter Lynn was born in 1955 in Spokane, and son Robert was born in 1963 in Berlin, Germany, where Bob’s new teaching career had taken them.
Bob spent 20 years teaching Humanities at Shadle Park H.S.
After retiring he became a Shadle Park institution as an oft requested substitute.
Bob’s loves included, but were not limited to, his family, his students, large-scale gardening, bread making, biking, camping, frisbee, telling tall tales, huckleberry picking, and running Bloomsday.
He completed a marathon at age 70.
He found a way to make all activities educational and fun for everyone.
Bob was preceded in death by wife Loraine and their son Robert S. Gilmore.
Bob is survived by daughter Lynn Beu (Doug), grandchildren Jessie Horner, Brian and Devin Beu, Aleah, Lauren and Grant Gilmore, four great-grandchildren, niece Lauri Keener and daughter-in-law, Atania Gilmore.
A memorial service is pending.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane.