Robert D. Cheney

On Sunday October 29th, 2023 the family and friends of Robert (Bob) Dennison Cheney said goodbye for now as he completed this leg of his journey, and he was welcomed into his heavenly home by Jesus Christ.

Bob was born in Tacoma, Washington September 20th, 1938 to Robert and Mildred Cheney. Bob’s family relocated to Terrace Heights seven years later, where Bob attended schools in the Moxee area. Because of his outstanding leadership abilities, Bob served in student government all throughout his educational career. This included several years when he held the position of Student Body President in middle and high school, as well as serving as President for one year at Yakima Valley Community College. This was also where Bob met his future wife, Sylvia Simmons.

After earning his Associates degree, Bob found himself in Seattle at the University of Washington where he studied Business and Marketing. He then came back to Yakima, where he began work as a salesman in his father’s company, Cheney Sports. This was a perfect fit for Bob, as his love of the outdoors, hunting, and fishing have always been a big part of his life. Bob and Sylvia were married in 1960, and she began a career in teaching. The Cheney family grew as Bob and Sylvia welcomed their three children, Mark, Craig, and Christy.

Bob spent his life serving others, whether that be his nine years on the board at Living Care Centers or his deep involvement at Memorial Bible Church (MBC). During his time at MBC, Bob served as an elder, ran the church nursery with Sylvia, and volunteered in programs such as AWANA, MOPS, and as a greeter.

Bob retired in 2000, and after Sylvia joined him, the two spent many years traveling. They enjoyed several cruises to Alaska and the Panama Canal, and often took advantage of their time share condo to get in as much golf as possible. The two also enjoyed traveling with family, whether it be to Disney World, Hawaii, or just a week in Lake Chelan. Retirement wasn’t all traveling for Bob, as he spent a large amount of time with his family, and has always been a very involved grandparent. He attended sporting events and music concerts, always initiated family game time, and made sure his grandchildren were all instilled with a healthy love for competition.

Bob has always been loved by all who have known him. He had a kind heart, a generous nature, and continued to entertain all with a sense of humor that brought a smile to anyone who crossed his path.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mildred Cheney, his sister Carol Carlon, and brother-in-law Rick Thompson. Bob leaves behind a large circle of loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Sylvia, his sister Beverly Thompson, his children Mark (Mitsy) Cheney, Craig (Anne) Cheney, and Christy (Ron) Deaton, his grandchildren Aleah (Aaron), Adam (Ally), Tyler (Alex), Derek (Trish), Brittney, Ryan, and Caleb, his great grandchildren Elijah, Harper, Chloe, Sadie, Avery, and many family members and friends.

A celebration of Bob’s life is scheduled for January 13th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Memorial Bible Church. The family invites all who knew Bob to come and join us in remembering a life well lived.