Robert Nicholas Santos

ROBERT NICHOLAS “UNCLE BOB” SANTOS "He came into this world as Robert Nicholas Santos but he became everybody's Uncle Bob. Mentor. Confidant. Storyteller. Activist. Loving husband. Doting grandfather. Karaoke singer. Drinking buddy. The son of boxer Sammy Santos, Uncle Bob was a fighter for all of his life, serving on the front line of struggles for civil rights, affordable housing, and the preservation of Seattle's International District. Much has been written about Uncle Bob's accomplishments, awards, and exploits which were legendary in scope but it was his personal magnetism and charm, fun-loving personality, and cheery optimism that made him a great human being and a joy to be around. As a community leader, he inspired those who worked for him and those who worked with him. If you became a friend of Uncle Bob's, you were a friend for life. He grew up in the neighborhood known today as the International District, spending his youth in restaurants, hotel rooms, and movie theaters of the area. He never forgot his roots. In 1972, Uncle Bob became the Executive Director of the International District Improvement Association (Interim). When the neighborhood was in a state of deterioration, Uncle Bob took up the cause of preservation and restoration. When the community was unserved and underserved, Uncle Bob worked to create programs for health, mental health, daycare, and affordable housing. The ongoing revitalization of the International District continues to be a work in progress but is a constant presence of Uncle Bob's legacy. For clearly without his leadership, advice, and vision, the needs of the International District and its residents would have been neglected or ignored. Even at the time of his death, Uncle Bob was still working for Interim, continuing his efforts to meet the needs of the International District. As a recognized community leader, he often crossed paths with other community leaders who sought scarce funding for their communities. Uncle Bob, along with Roberto Maestas (El Centro de la Raza), Bernie Whitebear (United Indians for All Tribes), and Larry Gossett (Central Area Motivation Program), became known as the “Gang of Four” or the “Four Amigos.” They joined forces because they recognized that they were stronger working together than against each other. Their friendship crossed racial and cultural lines, proving that communities of color could work together. The "Gang of Four" brought their communities together and developed a united stand on such diverse issues as fishing rights, immigrants' rights, welfare reform, and funding for social services. The Santos family has always recognized that they would have to share their husband, father, and grandfather with the rest of the community. The time that he did spend with family was precious. Even in the golden years of his life, Uncle Bob remained a constant force in the community not to mention hosting Karaoke Night at the Bush Garden on Tuesday night. He won't be forgotten." He is survived by his wife, Sharon Tomiko Santos; six children: Daniel, Simone Busby, Robin, Tom (Nancy L.), John (Meagan), and Nancy Virginia; 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandhildren; and, sisters Mona Foley and Norrie Porter. A Celebration and Remembrance of Uncle Bob will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 3 p.m. at the WaMu Theatre at CenturyLink Field, 800 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98134. He is entrusted to the care of Butterworth Arthur A. Wright Chapel, 520 West Raye Street, Seattle, WA 98119 (www.butterworthfuneralhome.com). Public visitation is on Monday, September 12, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Tuesday, September 13, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully appreciates remembrances to the International District Emergency Center , P.O. Box 14103, Seattle, WA 98114 or to Interim Community Development Association, (www.interimicda.org).