The long and fulfilling life of Robert W. Scarff ended in the early morning hours of April 28, 2018. Bob was just a month away from celebrating his 101st birthday.
Bob was one of the last of a special generation that grew up during the Depression. He graduated from the University of Washington (Go Dawgs), and served as a US Navy pilot during World War II. He flew PBM Mariners in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters and ended the war as a test pilot for the Navy. His travels during the war led to a lifelong interest in exploring much of the world.
A firm believer in fate and good fortune he returned from the war and soon married his wife of 70 years, Florence (Flo). He took over his family’s Ford business, Scarff Ford in Auburn, that his father started in 1922. Under Bob the business grew and prospered.
Bob and Flo raised four children. Happy years were spent boating in the San Juan Islands and points north aboard the Sunliner. He served as the Commodore of the Seattle Yacht Club and was proud to serve on the original Board of Directors at the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort where his family enjoyed years of skiing together.
Bob was a member of the 1961/1962 National Ford Dealer Council and was president of the Washington State Auto Dealer Association in 1975. He was president of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the Auburn Kiwanis club.
Bob and Flo had two very special places where they surrounded themselves with family and friends: Poipu Beach on the beautiful island of Kauai and their home next to the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson. The memories of those times will last forever.
Bob is survived by his wife Flo, his four children Leanne (Paul) Chattey, Dianne (Jim) Chandler, Robin (Fred) Curtiss and Way (Lisa) Scarff, nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Mia, the youngest great grandchild and born over a century after Bob, got to meet her great grandpa just a few days before his passing.
He was a very fortunate man and always appreciated the opportunities that life presented. The eternal optimism with which he lived his long life is ours to carry forward.
We thank Dr. Cassidy and the staff at the new Covington Hospital for their compassionate care.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, May 5 at the Meridian Valley Country Club from 12:00pm-3:00pm.
Meridian Valley Country Club
24830 136th Ave SE
Kent, WA 98042
253-631-6161
