Harold Robert Barr

Harold Robert Barr, always known as “Bob,” died peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 10, 2015, at home in East Wenatchee.

Bob was born on April 22, 1928, in Albany, Ore., to Florence and Robert William Barr. He was the older brother to James and Sandra.

The family moved to Seattle when Bob was 13. He attended Cleveland High School and the University of Washington. Bob met his love and wife of 63 years, Doreen, while attending the University of Washington. They were married Dec. 9, 1951.

Bob was a Marine deployed to Korea during the Korean War.

When he returned from the military, he first worked for The Seattle Times and then spent many years with Associated Grocers where he assisted many independent grocers throughout Washington. In 1969, Bob and Doreen formed their own company: Center Investments, Inc. The family moved to East Wenatchee, where Bob and a group of other investors developed the Wenatchee Valley Mall amongst other real estate projects. Bob directed the mall for some 25 years. He was also very involved with Cost Cutter Stores in Bellingham, helping them develop grocery stores and sitting on their board. Those who worked with him were always impressed by his honesty, integrity and sense of fairness.

Bob and Doreen later moved to Whidbey Island, where they worked together running their business.

Bob is survived by his wife Doreen; sons Mark (wife Julie), Rick (wife Kristi) and Dan (wife Cheri); as well as sister Sandra of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren, Allison, Emily, Kyla, Kaitlyn, Derek and Chaun; and great-grandchild Kylynn.

Bob was a loving and caring husband, father, brother and grandfather. He inspired his family and others with his zest for life, perseverance and his caring, optimistic nature. He was always interested in the thoughts and opinions of others and had a gift of making everyone his friend without judgement.

Bob loved the outdoors and fishing and hunting with his family and friends.

He was a long-time Rotary member and was honored by the South Whidbey Rotary which created a new award, the “Bob Barr Life Award” in recognition of his positive attitude and perseverance in the face of adversity.

A service honoring Bob’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday Nov. 7, at the Bonaventure facility at 50 29th St. NW, East Wenatchee, WA, 98802.

Memorial donations can be made to World Vision. Arrangements assisted by Telford’s Chapel of the Valley.