Robert C. Eckes

Bob Eckes, age 94, passed away peaceably at home with his beloved songbirds serenading him at sunrise. As befitting a Navy signalman involved in nine major WWII battles in N. Africa, Europe and the Pacific, Bob cast off for the last time on Memorial Day.

Reared on an Auburn farm with his brother (Ed), Bob enjoyed life-long passions for birding and gardening and was a grand master of the baked apple crisp. Upon waking, Bob would often check the weather over Mt. Rainier to determine the day’s hiking and photography prospects. Joining the Civilian Conservation Corps, 20 y/o Bob was dispatched to Ketchikan, AK to construct the first airstrip there, later enlisting in the Navy.

Bob married Adelaide (Heidi) Guggi six months after dancing together at the Mountaineers Club. Married 58 years, they raised a family of three on the shore of Lake Sammamish. Moving in retirement to Lake Whatcom, Bob and Heidi remained active into their 80s hiking, climbing, water and snow skiing together. Bob owned and operated Raintree [photography] Studio on 1st Ave. in Seattle for 40 years.

Bob is survived by daughter Rosemary Cleppe, sons Frederick and Philip Eckes, four grandchildren, Christopher Eckes, Rachel Knutz, Alex Cleppe, Steven Cleppe and three great grandchildren.

The family extends its grateful appreciation to Bob’s friend and longtime care provider, Tea Brimigion, and to Whatcom Hospice for his comfort in the final days.

In respect for Bob’s abiding passion for the wild, untamed places of Washington, memorials may be made to the Sierra Club.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Westford Funeral Home at 2 PM on Sunday, June 7th