Obituary of Robert Lewis Mackey

Robert Lewis “Bob” Mackey passed away on February 25, 2014 after fighting pancreatic cancer since late 2012. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Masae, and two brothers, Wilbur of Castle Rock (Shirley) and Melvin of Vashon (Margaret), plus five nephews, two nieces, and numerous grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. Bob was born on June 24, 1936 in Longview, Washington. He resided for most of his adult years in the Olympia area. He attended school from the sixth grade through high school at Toledo, Washington. He especially loved playing trombone in the school band there as well as in a local dance band. He attended Centralia Junior College, majoring in business administration but switched to psychology while continuing to take music classes. Bob graduated from the University of Washington in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. After college, he no longer played the trombone to any extent until his 50th high school reunion, where he played “Summer Time” for his fellow Toledo classmates. In January of 2014, he donated his cherished trombone to Capital High School where it will continue to make beautiful music. Bob was employed for over 30 years by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. He loved bicycling, joined the Olympia Bicycle club, and was a member until retirement. He then switched to hiking, joined a local hiking club, and became one of its most dependable participants for the last several years. Bob enjoyed outdoor photography and video production and excelled at it, posting some of his work on FaceBook and YouTube as “MrOlybob”. Bob also volunteered for ten years as a tutor of young students, helping them learn to read. After his mother passed away in 2001, Bob and his two brothers established the Evelyn Grace Mackey Scholarship Fund for Toledo High School Graduates, which will continue in perpetuity. Bob will be remembered by present and future Toledo high school scholarship recipients from now until forever. In lieu of flowers, Bob suggested donations to the Capitol Land Trust, 209 Fourth Avenue E., Suite 205, Olympia, WA 98501. Please leave memories of Bob or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.