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

Obituary: Dellwo, Robert Dennis

DELLWO, Robert Dennis 97 years old Robert Dellwo passed away on Tuesday July 28, 2015 at his home in Spokane.

Robert Dellwo lived an extraordinary life as a Renaissance man, farmer, scholar, community leader, athlete, and a distinguished and well respected member of the Spokane County Bar Association.

Born December 10, 1917 in Polson, Montana, to Dennis A. and Mary Grace Dellwo, Robert grew up in Charlo, Montana where he attended Charlo Grade School and High School.

In addition to working hard on the family farm, he was active in track, holding many school and county records.

He graduated with honors from Gonzaga University in 1940 and in 1942, Gonzaga School of Law.

In 1941, Robert married Madeline Maguire of Spokane, and they spent the last 74 years side by side.

Robert and Madeline had eight children.

Robert began a career dedicated to public service when he became an attorney and Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 1942 and served in both counterespionage and general criminal investigation.

In 1948, Robert returned to Spokane, retired from the FBI, and joined the Wernette and Crowley Law Firm, beginning a long and illustrious career here in Spokane.

Robert represented the Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and Kalispel tribes from the 1950s and was one of the first attorneys to do so.

He is nationally recognized as one of the most experienced Indian Law Attorneys.

He shared his expertise with others as an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University Law School.

Robert’s tireless dedication to all that makes the City of Spokane great led him to be known and respected.

He was elected as Spokane County Democratic Chairman, ran for Congress, was appointed to the City Park Board and was on the City Council for five years.

He also served on the City Plan Commission and as a freeholder.

Robert developed his skills as a public speaker, winning the Toastmasters International World Championship.

Running was an important part of his life.

He helped with the first Bloomsday and subsequently won his age group ten times.

He also competed nationally, winning the National Age Group Master Championship, becoming the oldest man to run an under five minute mile, at 4:56 minutes.

A devoted family man, he could be found most Tuesdays and Saturday nights square dancing or ballroom dancing with his wife.

Robert is survived by wife Madeline, brother Philip (Caroline) of Virginia, children Rosemary (Dick) Toft, Kathy Dellwo, Dennis Dellwo (Lynnette Vehrs), Jerry Dellwo, Joanie (Steve) Davis, Madeline (Jim) Houghton, Robert Dellwo and Joe (Erica) Dellwo, fourteen grand- children, and three great-grandchildren.

Please join us for a funeral Mass September 5, 2015 at 11:00 AM, at Sacred Heart Church.

Reception to follow.