Robert Marvin Eakin

Surrounded by his family, Robert M. Eakin passed away on January 28th, 2012. Born in Yakima, Washington on January 19th, 1931, Bob attended Tieton-View Grade School and Yakima High School. He competed in high school sports lettering in baseball and football. His love for the game and his skill allowed him the opportunity to play baseball for the Washington State Cougars in 1950 and 1954.

Bob graduated from Washington State College. His college years were interrupted by the Korean War. He enlisted in the US Army and he served overseas from 1951 to 1954. He was a member of the 1st Cav. Division seeing combat in Korea.

Upon returning home, he resumed his education in Pullman where he served as the president of his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta. Bob met Mary Twohy on New Years’ Eve 1954. He wagered his younger brother, Bill, twenty-five dollars that he would someday marry that girl. Bob won the bet and they were married on August 18th, 1956.

They had three daughters: Kathy, Susan and Julie. The family briefly lived in Vancouver, Washington while Bob worked as a field man for Del Monte. They returned to Yakima to help run the family ranch following the death of his father, Marvin Eakin. He continued to work for Del Monte until he took a sales position with The Big Y.

Bob and his brother, Bill, founded Eakin Fruit Company in May of 1966. They were joined by their brother, John, in 1972. Bob enjoyed the fruit industry greatly, serving on several state commissions including the Washington State Apple Commission, the Washington State Soft Fruit Commission, the Yakima Valley Growers and Shippers Association, as well as other service organizations.

The early years were full of memorable family outings, often with fishing in mind. Summer vacations to Westport and Whidbey Island led to the discovery of “The Cabin” on Hood Canal, which was shared by his brothers and their families. Upon retirement, Bob and Mary enjoyed traveling, antiquing, golfing and cherishing the growth of their daughters’ families. He especially delighted in his grandchildren: John, Annie, Dylan, Rocky and Marley. Bob’s passion for life fired his enthusiasm as a fan. You could hear his laughter all the way across the field.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Eakin. Survivors include his wife of fifty-five years, Mary Eakin; his mother, Helen Eakin Elliott of Englewood Heights in Yakima; his daughters, Kathleen (Todd) Hodges of Yakima, Susan (Bill) Henry of Indianola, Julie (Dan) O’Neal of Seattle; his beloved grandchildren, John Hodges, Annie Hodges, Dylan Henry, Rocky O’Neal, and Marley O’Neal; his two brothers, Bill (Lois) Eakin of Hansville, and John (Susan) Eakin of Yakima.

Thank you to Dr. Gabriel Lascar for his years of care and to Memorial Hospice for making it possible for Bob to spend his last days at home. Bob will be missed terribly and remembered with love by his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Holy Family Church on Saturday, February 4th, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. A gathering at the family home will follow. A viewing time will be available at Keith and Keith funeral home on Friday, February 3rd from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Private interment will be at West Hills Memorial Park. To share a memory of Bob, please visit www.keithandkeith.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Rocky Mountain Mission in care of Patrick J. Twohy S.J., 924 East Cherry Street, Seattle, WA 98122 or Memorial Hospice or the Cottage in the Meadow (in care of Keith and Keith, 902 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902).