Robert Neil Stone

Robert Neil (Coach) Stone

Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, October 26, 2015 at the age of 86. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be missed dearly.

He was born in Snoqualmie, Washington February 14, 1929. He spent the early part of his youth in Westfir, Oregon before returning to the Seattle area at the age of eight. He began his high school years at Garfield before transferring to and graduating from Highline High School in Burien.

After high school he enrolled in the United States Navy and spent four years stationed in San Diego. While in the Navy he was noted for his athletic prowess, and based on a recommendation from a close friend, he subsequently enrolled at Western Washington University. While at Western he played four years on the basketball team, being named captain the last two years. He also met an attractive young coed named Beverly Pitner, and after a short courtship they were married on April 12, 1952. They were married for 63 years.

After graduating from Western in 1955, the young couple moved to Auburn, Washington where he began a long career as an educator and coach in the Auburn School district. He moved to Auburn High School in 1960 where he remained until his retirement in 1985. He was a history and physical education teacher and coached a variety of sports, including basketball, where he made his reputation as a highly successfully junior varsity coach, and later as the head coach, twice leading teams to the state tournament.

Upon retirement he spent many years working at Longacres and Emerald Downs race tracks. He also was a loving grandfather of Tara and Tyler and could be seen at countless sporting events, plays, ballet recitals and other activities.

Bob was an avid golfer and loved playing with friends and family. He was a dedicated follower of local sports teams and, in particular, his beloved Western Vikings. He also loved poker and played frequently even in the last few months of his life.

Bob is survived by his wife Beverly, his son Rob and partner Denise, his daughter Tracie, his brother Jerry, granddaughter Tara Philips, her husband Josh and great grandson Teddy, and his grandson Tyler and wife Mackensie. He was preceded in death by his father Cornelius, his mother Mae, and siblings Sally, Delmer and Myrtle.

A celebration of life will be held at the Auburn Golf Course on November 7th at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the WWU men’s basketball program, in memory of Bob Stone.