Robert E. “Bob” Sarvis, a long-time resident of Clinton, passed away July 21, 2011 in the presence of his loving family.
Born in 1924, Bob was the second of four children for Dr. Ewart and Dorothy Sarvis and grew up in Sumas. He married his high school sweetheart and after The War (World War II) they had three sons.
At 18 years old, Bob enrolled in the Army Air Corps and became a pilot, serving four years of active duty. He flew daily missions in Europe with the
89th Squadron of the 438th Troop Carrier Group, tasked with dropping paratroopers, pulling gliders, transporting supplies and evacuating prisoners of war and concentration camp survivors.
Bob and Betty were married in 1943 and enjoyed
67 years of marriage and devotion.
Attending Western Washington College, Bob was on the swim team and was an avid skier. He graduated with degrees in sciences, psychology and curriculum administration. Bob taught elementary school and became a principal at the elementary and secondary school levels in the Edmonds School District.
Passionate about learning, Bob and Betty took their boys to Berkeley, Calif. in 1962 where Bob later received a doctorate in education administration from University of California, Berkeley.
Dr. Bob Sarvis returned to the Edmonds School District as director of extended and vocational education, then became one of the lead administrators to develop the new Edmonds Community College. Bob directed special programs and resource development at the community college and eventually served as dean of vocational education. He did research and training in services to seniors and served on the National Council on Aging. He also served as the executive director of two charitable foundations serving seniors. He was proud of his work with the Legislature in the formation of performing arts centers and advocacy for legislation affecting seniors such as reduced tuition at community colleges. Bob later worked at City University in Bellevue as special assistant to the president.
Bob was a man of integrity, new ideas, service to others and was a talented grant writer.
Bob and Betty enjoyed many years of boating in the Northwest and Canada. His beloved boat, Sea-n-Isle — pronounced “senile” — was eventually sunk by a severe winter storm and he became an avid golfer.
Loving, gentle, always encouraging and devoted to learning, Bob appreciated music and was an accomplished violinist. He especially enjoyed his view of Puget Sound and the mountains and the many gatherings with family and friends at his island home with his wife and companion in life’s adventures, Betty.
Bob is survived by his wife Betty; his sister Jean Rood; brother Brad Sarvis; sister Carol Kok; son Greg and his wife Sandy; son Brian and his wife Ann; son Bruce and his partner Tom; Sarvis, grandchildren Brock, Garin, Brie, Justin and Ryan; and great-granddaughter Eliana B.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Home Health Care of Whidbey General Hospital or Senior Services of Langley.
