Obituary of Robert L. Gosney Jr.

Robert L. “Bob” Gosney Jr. died peacefully in his sleep at age 92 on November 28, 2018 in Olympia, Washington.  Bob lived a long, full life which began in Sacramento, California on October 24, 1926.  The first of three sons born to Robert and Kathryn Gosney, he attended elementary school in Sacramento and Ukiah, high schools in Ukiah, Chico and Sebastopol, and graduated from Analy High in 1944.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was stationed in Manila, the Philippines and Mokmer Airdrome, Biak Island, New Guinea.  After an Honorable Discharge, he returned to school, first at Santa Rosa Junior College and then University of California, Berkeley, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Bacteriology in June, 1951.

In the summer of his sophomore year, Bob met his lifelong love, Jeanne “Betty” Stilson and they were married in Hoquiam, Washington on August 27, 1950. They settled in Redding, California in 1958 where they remained until all five children were grown.  Bob worked at the Alameda and Shasta County Health Departments as a licensed Bacteriologist, then Memorial and Mercy Hospitals in Redding as Head of Laboratory Operations.  His final career stint was with the Joint Commission of American Hospitals, Evanston, Illinois, working as a Lab Tech Field Auditor and re-writing the Laboratory Technician Accreditation Manual.  After retirement, Bob and Jeanne settled in their beloved farmhouse on the Hood Canal in Poulsbo, Washington, to be surrounded by nature, family and friends.

Bob also had an artistic side, as an accomplished musician and artist.  He played drums in a college jazz band and percussion with the Salt Lake Symphony Orchestra while training in Utah during WWII.  In later years, he found great comfort in sketching and painting, both in oils and watercolor.  He was also active in charitable efforts as an art docent in Kitsap County schools, as well as being a very involved member of St. Olaf’s Parish Church and the local St. Vincent de Paul Society.  He was a capable partner at the bridge table, and a keen, take-no-prisoners cribbage opponent.

Bob was predeceased by his wife, Jeanne; his parents, Robert and Kathryn; and brothers, Bill and Jim.  He leaves behind his loving children, Gail Gosney-Wrede (Fritz) of Olympia, Washington,  Patricia Gosney of Red Bluff, California, Kevin Gosney (Ja Young) of Seattle, Washington, Tim Gosney (Sarah) of Stuart, Florida, and Chris Gosney (Robin) of Anderson, California. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  He was loved by all, will be deeply missed, and fondly remembered.

A Catholic memorial service will be held at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church, Poulsbo, Washington on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. A private family internment will be held at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sacramento, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that, in memory of Bob, any contributions or donations be directed to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in his name.