DAVE ROBBLEE
1940-03-01 2014-04-06
John David "Dave" Robblee of Seattle passed away peacefully at home after battling cancer on Sunday, April 6, 2014. Dave is survived by his wife Anne, their three children Tim, Andy, and Beth, and four grandchildren.
He was born in Tacoma on March 1, 1940 and adopted by John Henry and Florence Robblee on July 22nd. He grew up in Seattle as the second eldest of six children, the first four likewise having been adopted. Dave graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1958, and Whitworth College with a degree in music education in 1962. He married Jacqueline Neese in June of that year, and moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand to teach music at the Presbyterian Mission School. Jacqueline died in 1968. Dave married Anne Pringle in November of 1970 and they raised their children in Seattle and Bellevue.
Dave joined Six Robblees' Inc., a trucking-parts distributor and supplier based in Seattle, in 1966. He worked first as sales manager, became President in 1976, and held this role until 2000. During this time, Six Robblees' grew from three branch stores within Washington to over fifteen within the five northwestern states. Dave served a term as president of the National Wheel and Rim Association from 1985-1986.
In addition to being a business owner and employer, Dave was dedicated to Christian service and volunteered for numerous organizations. In retirement, he valued working with World Vision's micro-enterprise projects and was able to travel to observe the impact of these projects in communities throughout the world. He also was active at the Bread of Life Mission in Seattle, for which he served as chairman of the Board of Directors since 2013. He served on the board of Trustees for Whitworth University from 1983 until his death. In his free time, he enjoyed membership in the Rainier Golf and Country Club and Seattle Yacht Club.
The family requests that memorials be sent directly to World Vision (www.worldvision.org) in Dave's memory.
I was only slighly acquainted with Dave during our years at Roosevelt but, became further acquainted with him a few years later when we shared a U.S. History class. We were both students at the Univ. of Puget Sound in Tacoma. In spite of his sadness, when he spoke of his wife, Jackie, who had passed away, he was always ready with a warm smile & a quick wit before, after (& even during) class, where we experienced our rather excentric Professor's teaching style. We sometimes checked over our class notes together...just to re-assure ourselves we had jotted down the historical information correctly. We often had conversations, re-calling activities & events we had in common from our memories as fellow Teddies. Dave was smart, fun, interesting & a valuable friend for the brief time our lives shared time & space. I'll always remember his friendly sense of humor. I wish his family true happiness as they treasure the precious life they had with him.
tribute by Judy Adams ThomasIt was a terrible shock to learn of Dave's passing. Way too soon for this wonderful guy! Dave - and Jackie, too - were among my closest friends at RHS and beyond. Too many memories to include here, but he was always so supportive, friendly and full of good humor. Dave, Jackie, my former wife Carol Anderson and I got together many many times over the years - barbecues, movies, sailing - so much more. I am most grateful to have had such a terrific friend, who will always remain as one of the best ever.
tribute by Rick May